Privately owned senior center proposed for Wheeling
A private company wants to open a new adult day care and senior center in Wheeling.
The MedTec Healthcare Super Senior Center is proposed for suites within an existing building at 1400 S. Wolf Road. The spaces now are vacant.
The Morton Grove-based company already operates a center on Dundee Road in Wheeling. That center would remain open, village documents indicate. MedTec also has senior facilities in Mount Prospect and Chicago.
The company is requesting a special use permit to operate on the site, which is within a district zoned for light industrial and office-based businesses. It has proposed no changes to the building or the property.
However, the site of the proposed center is within a runway protection zone at the nearby Chicago Executive Airport. Under village code, adult day care centers aren't allowed within 500 feet of such zones.
As such, Wheeling officials are requiring MedTec and the property owner, Weiss Properties, to hold the village harmless if the permit later is terminated due to airport or Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
After a discussion Wednesday night, Wheeling's plan commission recommended the village board approve the proposal, Community Development Director Ross Klicker said. The board is scheduled to review the plan Sept. 20.
MedTec representatives say the center will be a safe place for seniors to go during the day. The Illinois Department on Aging will certify and audit the center on an ongoing basis, village documents indicate.
Programs offered at MedTec senior centers include current events discussions, light physical exercise, musical entertainment and classes, and social activities.
If approved, the center would be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., documents indicate.