Arlington Hts. defies own housing policy with Boeger Place vote
When a faction of the Arlington Heights village board chooses to discriminate against a segment of our local families, those with a mental disease, it can be concluded that they choose to be defiant of the village’s own 5-year plan. This H.U.D.-required plan allows for almost 200 apartments for those with a mental illness.
Each of the proposed Boeger Place apartments is larger by far, than several of those at Luther Village, which obviously required variations. Why does senior living trump those living with a mental illness? The proposed residents would be our sons, daughters and neighbors — our loved ones. Currently there are people living in Arlington Heights with diabetes, heart disease and arthritis with no one denying them a place to call home — large or small.
Several churches opened their doors to allow the Task Force to educate the public about the dire need for supportive housing for those with a mental disease and under medical care. There were multiple opportunities for all village board members to understand any issues they had in question.
The standing-room-only at that May board decision-meeting contained many professionals, parents and consumers, willingly giving their expert testimonies. The negative-voting board members would not hesitate going to a doctor or dentist if they needed their care, thus respecting their knowledge. Why then, did they assume to know more than the professionals, who spoke in favor of Boeger Place Apartments?
It would be a win-win situation for the village board if they would adhere to the positive, all-inclusive, friendly-neighbors, picture of our town as it is promoted. Our esteemed mayor, Arlene Mulder, just proclaimed that we “provide our residents the excellent municipal services they deserve.” O.K., no exceptions!
Gertrude L. Rodig
Arlington Heights