Wheeling trustees cite concerns with 162-unit senior housing proposal

Despite Wheeling trustees' initial concerns with a newly proposed senior housing development on Dundee Road, Village President Dean Argiris says it is something the village needs and he hopes developers will work on a modified plan that addresses the issues raised.

Argiris and Trustee Ken Brady were the only two to give an unofficial vote of approval when the board held a preliminary discussion on the proposal Tuesday. Initial plans from Perlmark Housing Group call for a 162-unit, two-building development named Woods of Wheeling at 911 W. Dundee Road.

The five other Wheeling trustees raised concerns with the density, financing and parking in Perlmark's proposal.

Trustee Ray Lang acknowledged the need for senior housing but says he has always had a different vision for the five to six acres next to Dunhurst Shopping Center.

"I personally envisioned this always being retail, but if a good plan comes along, you'd be crazy not to consider it," Lang said. "This just doesn't sound like a good plan."

Parking could become an issue, Lang said, as residents of the 55-and-over community would likely have children and grandchildren visiting them.

The village staff says there could also be environmental and flooding issues with the land that sits on a flood plain.

Regardless, Argiris urged Perlmark to develop a new plan based on input from the trustees.

"I think this is something good," he said. "That is a blighted area and this would bring with it disposable income to the area."

James Perlman, president and CEO of Perlmark Housing Group, says his company will work with Wheeling to address trustees' concerns in a new concept plan.

"A new plan will have less density and more parking," Perlman said. "We will work rapidly to try to address the concerns and come up with a mutually accepted plan."

The initial concept plan puts a $40 million price tag on the development, Perlman said. Rent would range from $600 per month for a studio to $900 per month for a two-bedroom unit.

Argiris added that prospective Woods of Wheeling residents would be independent people with easy access to stores, restaurants and village facilities in the area.