Senior housing choice coming in Vernon Hills
A key step in bringing affordable senior housing to Vernon Hills is expected this week, as village trustees select a company to pursue plans for a facility near a new library to be built this year.
Considered a starting point in a lengthy process of reviews and approvals, the decision is required sooner than expected because of a state deadline faced by potential builders.
According to information provided to the village board, companies have until Jan. 15 to apply for a state license to operate a supportive living facility. That program is intended to help lower-income seniors who might otherwise find themselves in a nursing home.
Six companies responded to a village call for proposals for land it owns south of Route 60 and east of Aspen Drive. Aside from a price offer for the land, companies had to meet other thresholds, including a requirement to provide supportive living and affordable housing.
The list was culled and village staff will be suggesting a choice between Pathway Senior Living LLC and IDEA Inc., which have built various facilities in the Chicago area.
"The two we're recommending have extensive experience," Village Manager Mike Allison said.
The state deadline surprised village leaders, who had hoped to visit a project from each of four companies.
Instead, the village has to act quickly so whatever company is selected has time to meet the state application deadline. A letter of intent from the village saying it will work with a given developer must accompany the application.
A special village board meeting to consider the matter is expected to be scheduled for Tuesday.
Affordable senior housing long has been a goal of the village, but actual plans didn't begin to take shape until last fall. The idea is to incorporate such facilities with a planned Cook Memorial Library building and possibly other amenities in a campus of sorts.
"We might have taken action on this before had we not had to go through this whole (bid) process," said Mayor Roger Byrne. "I know funding is a big deal."
In October, the village board heard a presentation from a partnership, including Pathway, for a senior apartment building and adjoining supporting living facility with a total of 240 units. That proposal was estimated to cost $40 million to $48 million.
There is no indication how long it might take for state approval of the license or if the deadline is missed, when the next opportunity to apply would be.