Even after a presentation of more than two hours, La Grange trustees voiced a number of questions and concerns about a proposed BEDS Plus center serving the homeless in the northeast part of town.
Some inquiries were for clarification March 23 on the nonprofit agency’s plan to relocate its offices and day program from two La Grange churches to a new three-story brick building at 9601 W. Ogden Ave.
The agency seeks rezoning of the property on the southwest corner of East Avenue and La Grange Road from C-3 commercial to institutional use, which would include 20 residential care units for single occupancy on the second and third floors.
The proposal, as a planned unit development, also would require parking variances and special use permits for offices and residential units above. The first floor would be used on weekdays to provide counseling, job training and referrals for area services.
The Plan Commission voted 4-3 March 10 to recommend approval of the BEDS proposal, following lengthy hearings with emotionally charged public comment that evening and Feb. 10.
Village Board members didn’t vote on the proposal but gave some indications of their major objections before a packed audience. The board is scheduled to discuss the matter further, following additional input, and possibly vote on April 27.
“The design is completely backward,” said Trustee Dave McCarty, an architect. “The backdoor is toward residents.”
An architect for the project responded that the building is designed in keeping with other La Grange structures and is meant to serve as a gateway into town. The structure’s face is the same on both sides and considerable landscaping is proposed to make the project appealing for neighbors to the south.
Trustee Mark Kuchler expressed concern that zoning variances granted will set a precedent for future developers toward smaller units with less square footage, as well as greater coverage of the lot than is allowed.
Several board members questioned the validity of real estate studies showing the center’s potential impact on property values, as well as funding for construction and operations. Trustees asked that appraisals be included in additional information to the board.
Trustee Mark Langan asked for a detailed profile of BEDS clients, such as how many suffer from mental illness or addiction issues.
Opponents, especially neighbors just south of the project, said it poses safety concerns, an adverse impact on property values, a drain on village services for the homeless from outside La Grange and loss of a commercial opportunity and tax revenue.
BEDS Executive Director Tina Rounds said the center doesn’t project growth in its programs, but a long-term solution for the chronically homeless, who would be carefully screened to qualify. Some increase is expected in the number of clients receiving services to prevent home loss, but not all would be seen at the center, Rounds said. She noted staff make site visits.
Two residents hinted that the board’s decision could prompt legal action. One lawyer said a denial of the proposal would violate the rights of Americans with disabilities. A neighbor of the project said approval would discriminate against minorities by unfairly targeting their neighborhood, and a group would be prepared to file suit.
Village President Tom Livingston said the board’s job is to manage risks for the village from any potential development and to clearly define what is proposed and its effects. Emails for and against the proposal were about equal, he said.
More Top Picks Best Desk Organizers For Home Offices
“La Grange is a word-of-mouth town. Homelessness is not something I want to have as word-of mouth-about La Grange,” Livingston said. “We’re going to have to establish what is enough, what is too much, or what is appropriate and right sized.”
Twitter: @janemichaels22