New Arlington Hts. apartment building approved

Plans for a seven-story apartment building in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights are moving forward after the developer received final approval from the village board on Monday.

Parkview Apartments, 212 N. Dunton Ave., will include 45 apartments in a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, though at least 15 percent of those units, or a minimum of seven apartments, will be set aside for residents who qualify under affordable housing guidelines, said attorney Michael Ezgur.

The building, which will be built on what is now a vacant lot, will also include 60 indoor parking spaces and 1,314 square feet of retail space on the first floor, according to the plans.

The final plans on Monday received approval from all seven voting members. Trustee Jim Scaletta was absent, and Trustee Jim Tinaglia recused himself because his architecture firm is involved with the project.

The final number of units set aside for affordable housing will depend on financing as developers plan to apply for low income tax credits later this year.

The village defines "affordable" as housing for a person or household earning 60 percent of the median income for the area. While the village's housing commission has guidelines that developers include affordable units in all new projects, many pay a penalty to avoid doing so.

"There's a strong need for it in Arlington Heights," Ezgur said. "Affordable is different from low-income."

Officials said housing could be available to people like teachers and public employees; current village residents could qualify.

The affordable units will include two one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit, according to the plans.

During earlier discussions on the project, nearby residents had concerns about parking, which has been boosted to a total of 60 indoor spaces by the final plans.

Once the project receives low-income tax credits and permits, Ezgur said the project could take about 18 months to complete.

He said he hopes they will be able to break ground before next winter.