Affordable housing apartment plan near Lake Zurich recommended for approval

Rezoning and other approvals to build workforce housing on the site of the former Midlothian Manor near Lake Zurich has received the support of the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals.

The advisory panel Thursday voted 7-0 to recommend approval of a proposed 24-unit apartment building at Midlothian Road and North Lakewood Drive.

As proposed, Housing Opportunity Development Corporation would raze the existing facility and build an apartment building, parking and stormwater detention.

About 40 residents attended Thursday’s ZBA public hearing. Many spoke and most were in favor of advancing the project but several nearby residents expressed concerns, according to Chair Greg Koeppen.

“Affordable housing is one of the most significant challenges facing Lake County today,” he said in a statement. “I believe this project represents a thoughtful reuse of a long underutilized property while respecting neighboring residents.”

Koeppen said additional buffering, fencing and dark sky lighting standards were required by the ZBA to further reduce impacts on surround properties.

“It is a balanced approach that addresses a community need while remaining mindful of those who live nearby,” he said.

The ZBA’s recommendation to approve will be forwarded for consideration to the Lake County Board’s advisory planning, building, zoning and environment committee and, at some point, to the full Lake County Board for official action.

The housing development corporation has a contract to buy the property from the Lake County Housing Authority, which has owned it since 2001 and operated Midlothian Manor, an assisted living facility, that closed in 2010.

The Housing Opportunity Development Corporation more than two years ago sought to annex the unincorporated property to Lake Zurich but withdrew the application. The village a few months later reached an agreement to allow connections to water and sewer systems.