‘Older people are moving out’: Buffalo Grove planning discussion raises concerns about senior housing

Buffalo Grove trustees raised concerns about senior housing as the village board discussed the draft of Buffalo Grove’s new comprehensive plan this week.

Trustees at Monday’s meeting generally praised the blueprint, a long‑range plan with projections through 2050.

But trustees zeroed in on concerns about senior housing.

The village, according to the findings in the plan, has a higher median age than other communities, at more than 41 years of age.

Community Development Director Nicole Woods noted the plan mentions exploring senior housing options.

Trustee Lester Ottenheimer said there should be more attention to senior housing, which he called woefully deficient in the community.

“It explains why a lot of older people are moving out of the community,” he said.

Trustee David Weidenfeld said seniors or empty nesters who want to downsize are often forced to buy aging ranch houses, gut them and pour large sums into renovations.

He said it’s wrong for residents to have limited or no options after living in the village for decades.

“We’ve got to figure out a way to motivate developers to say, ‘Hey, some of these have got to be oriented for seniors.’ And they can’t be $700,000,” he said.

However, Trustee Frank Cesario said the village’s housing stock has become more diversified over the last 10 years, with newer smaller-unit rentals.

Other issues raised included schools. Richards said the village needs to think about collaboration with school districts, especially on the location of future schools.

Woods said an Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102 board member sits on the comprehensive plan steering committee. She added the village has provided demographic projections to aid the district’s long-range planning.

The comprehensive plan is expected to be approved this summer, officials said.