Bloomingdale senior housing receives approval

A new senior facility is expected to join Bloomingdale in the near future.

Bloomingdale village officials on Monday night favored a final site plan submitted by Alden Realty Services that entails a five-story, assisted living facility for seniors, containing 86 units and 88 beds. The building will be located at 285 E. Army Trail Road.

Bloomingdale Village Administrator Dan Wennerholm said the project originally came to the village about four years ago and was approved.

However, the project was delayed because Alden was seeking funding for the project and because the site plan had to be changed because of a flood plain. During the process, there also were some minor changes to the makeup of the units.

"I think it'll be a great addition to the community," Wennerholm said. "It's proposed to be perhaps more affordable than some other assisted-living facilities."

Alden has two similar facilities in the area.

Wennerholm said assisted living centers are increasing in popularity because they're perfect for seniors who can't live completely independently, but aren't yet ready for a nursing home.

"It's a great thing, and the village has seen this as a good use for the property," Wennerholm said.

Bloomingdale leaders authorized their attorney to prepare documentation for a formal ordinance. The project should to be approved in two weeks.

Pending approval, construction is expected to begin in September. The project would take 16 to 18 months to complete and is expected to be done by spring 2010, said Alden Realty Services Director of Housing Development Elizabeth Demes.