Condo owners upset over plan in Lombard

Residents of a recently completed Lombard luxury condominium building along St. Charles Road spoke out against a proposal by a Naperville-based Asian association to change the second phase of their development from 40 more condo units to up to 52 apartments for fixed-income seniors funded by public money.

"Would you have spent $400,000 on a luxury condo if you knew low-income senior housing would come in next to you?" Larry Dilworth said village plan commissioners at Monday's meeting.

Dilworth said he was one of the first people to buy into the project at Oakview Estates, 500 E. St. Charles Road.

Dilworth said he bought his unit "under the trustworthiness" that the builder would place 40 similar luxury units next to his.

That trustworthiness "has gone out the window as far as we're concerned," Dilworth said.

While commissioners said they could understand Dilworth's view, the plan board voted unanimously to accept the senior apartment proposal by Xilin Association, a Chinese cultural association founded in 1989.

Though Xilin has provided language assistance and other services to seniors since 1999, this would be the group's first venture into providing senior housing.

The commission's recommendation will be heard by the village trustees at their Nov. 1 board meeting. Trustees would determine whether the plan received final approval.

In 2004, the village approved plans for Oakview Estates, originally planned as the site for two 40-unit buildings across from Lombard Common and the recently closed Moran Water Park.

Dillard's building was completed in 2006.

But a decline in the housing market stalled the start of the second phase of the project.

"The real estate market has changed dramatically since the project was approved. If we were in a normal market, we obviously wouldn't be here," said Xilin's attorney, John Mulherin.

Under the Xilin proposal, an identical building would be erected next to the completed structure.

That was one of several aspects of the project that upset Oakview Estates resident Christine Blanchard, who closed on her unit less than a month ago, unaware senior apartments were being considered next door.