What will Batavia senior complex become?

I would like to comment on the proposed changes to Batavia ‘s comprehensive plan to assist a Chicago developer.

A couple of years ago, the mayor asked that the council revisit the city’s comprehensive plan to make sure the zoning on vacant property was in line with the vision and direction that Batavia wanted.

There were months of meetings, public input and research to collect the data that resulted in the finished comprehensive plan that the citizens and their leaders were proud of.

Fast forward to the present and what has changed. A Chicago developer walks in and suggests a senior citizens apartment complex that our city’s elderly can move to and continue enjoying what Batavia has to offer. Who could say no?

In looking through the application from IDHA to acquire the necessary tax credits, you will find the developer is required to give preferential treatment to applicants sitting on Public Housing Authority waiting lists. There are Cook, Kane, DuPage, etc., Public Housing Authority waiting lists, but there is no such thing as a Batavia Public Housing Authority waiting list.

While the developer would like for you to believe that this will be filled with Grandma and/or Grandpa Smith, the senior citizen age for this project is defined as 55 and older. That doesn’t mean that everyone living there has to be 55; only one of the family has to be. The rest of the occupants can stay there to help pay the rent, be caregivers, etc.

The developer also likes to call this project affordable senior housing by mentioning that renters can’t make more than around $40,000 a year to live there. What’s not mentioned is that there isn’t a minimum dollar amount required to stay, either.

I know firsthand how these low-income public housing projects can destroy an area. Chronic substance abusers, multigenerational welfare families and overcrowding are typical ingredients in the decay of these idealistic dreams.

Scott Vance

Batavia