Letter: A compassionate, creative housing idea

In January of this year, the Village of Glen Ellyn finalized its purchase of the property at the southeast corner of Roosevelt Road and Park Boulevard, which was formerly occupied by the Budgetel Inn and Suites. Long considered blighted, the property has been the subject of public hearings to discuss options for the site. One alternative would be to construct affordable housing, part of which would be devoted to individuals with disabilities.

As a 35-year resident of Glen Ellyn, I applaud the village for its creative approach to the use of this property; but, I also understand there may be reservations about the effect of affordable housing on property values.

Interestingly, however, in an April 2022 article "Living Near Affordable Housing May Boost Home Values Study Finds," the Urban Institute released the results of a new study, which found that affordable housing was generating "small but statistically significant" increases in nearby property values - good news for a project of this type.

During one of the public meetings, a local mother discussed affordable housing for people with disabilities and shared her concerns for her disabled son once she passes away. Everyone was moved by her story.

In the Daily Herald's recent Letter to the Editor of May 10, a writer submits that one of the great amenities of the community is its "hometown feeling." I completely agree with this assessment and the importance of using this site for a development such as affordable housing.

For me, that hometown feeling comes from knowing that the community helps and supports everyone; and a mother who worries about what will happen to her disabled child after she is gone can be secure in knowing that they too will be able to live out their life in a caring and safe place. Right here in Glen Ellyn.

Maureen McGuire

Glen Ellyn