‘Much-needed relief’: Gurnee board approves 40-unit workforce housing plan
Opportunities for low- to moderate-income renters seeking a place in Gurnee will be expanding with approval this week of a 40-unit “workforce housing” apartment development.
The village board Monday unanimously approved zoning and density variations to allow for Liberty Point Residences to be built on 2.2 acres east of Route 21 near the Tri-State Tollway.
Financed largely through housing tax credits through the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the project is a partnership of Northpointe Development Corporation of Oshkosh and Dream Lane Real Estate Group of Madison, Wisconsin.
The plan calls for a three-story building with 16 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom units on the last undeveloped parcel in the Woodlake subdivision.
Developers are committed to a 30-year deed restriction on apartments for households earning 30% to 80% of Lake County’s median income.
Depending on family size, for example, cost for the lowest earners would range from $675 to $935 per month for a one-bedroom and from $1,800 to $2,400 per month for those earning 80% of the median income.
“The idea for Liberty Point is really to be able to address a huge variety of needs of the community,” said Jake Victor, vice president of development for Northpointe.
The project envisions a walking path to be connected to an existing path leading to Lake Carina Forest Preserve on Riverside Drive south of the tollway, increased green space from what initially was proposed and a common outdoor seating area with grills and a playground.
Victor said his company also is wrapping up in McHenry and Yorkville, where construction managers report lots of positive public comment.
“We work really hard to make this blend right in with the market rate (apartments) if not nicer and be able to give folks a real pride and joy in where they're living,” Victor told the village board before the 6-0 vote.
Several speakers, including members of the Gurnee chapter of Joining Forces for Affordable Housing, spoke in support of the project.
“Many in our community are struggling to afford housing,” said Lauren Bugner. “Liberty Point is an important step to providing some much-needed relief.”
Other supporters cautioned trustees to consider housing across the board in their decision making.
“In order for us to bring in younger families and younger people who are going to work in Gurnee and spend money in Gurnee we need to provide opportunities for them to actually live here,” said Amanda Mika.
Construction is expected to begin in February or March and take about a year, Victor said.