Senior project a model for others
In an effort to overcome the fears of a few Grayslake residents about a senior development at Rt. 120 and Neville Road, Mercy Housing would like to clarify a few facts.
The land has been zoned for senior housing since 1998. The village approved a special use permit for senior housing in 2007. We requested an amendment to the special use permit so that we can build a better building. Our design reflects the architecture of Grayslake. The design has green features and will be a model for other communities. Both zoning and land use agreements will restrict use to senior housing.
Our request for amendment is for minor changes to the currently approved use, i.e., a change in building height. The building height will be 53 feet. Only a clock tower will rise above that point. This increase allows us to reduce the overall size of the building.
We have been transparent and open from the beginning. A notice of our request for changes to the permit was published in the Daily Herald on Feb. 26. We held an open house. We presented detailed information at three zoning board meetings. It has been 13 years since the village designated the land for senior housing.
The development will have no significant impact on traffic. It will have no negative impact on property values. Landscaping will dramatically improve the property and stormwater management will improve current water runoff over that from the vacant land.
This is not public housing. The building is a private development created by a reputable nonprofit. Mercy Housing, not the state or the county, determines who will live there. The building will serve only seniors. We have offered to provide a preference for Grayslake residents.
Mercy Housing is an award-winning organization which successfully owns and operates 94 senior buildings. This service-enriched housing will enhance the quality of life for seniors in Grayslake. We, together with the vast majority Grayslake residents who support this development, look forward to progress on project approval.
Cindy Holler
President, Mercy Housing Lakefront