Glen Ellyn to consider affordable housing

An affordable housing project could soon be underway in Chicago’s Glen Ellyn.

The village last week purchased property including the Budgetel Inn & Suites on Roosevelt Road for $2.85 million, with the intention of redeveloping the area that has long dealt with blight, according to the Daily Herald. A session will be held next month to decide what to do with the site.

Whatever the decision, Evanston-based Savoy Consulting Group has been hired to draw up five conceptual ideas and to recruit developers. One idea is already gaining steam among community members – affordable housing.

“Based on my discussions, that site is a very desirable location for an affordable housing developer,” Village President Mark Senak told the Herald. “It is close to schools. It has access to transportation. There’s three grocery stores within walking distance.”

Religious leaders, community advocates and parents of people with disabilities all favor the idea of affordable housing. Julie Evans, a Glen Ellyn resident whose son has Down syndrome, has been an advocate for more affordable housing in the village, which she says would allow people with disabilities to remain in the community as they gain independence.

“Housing that is safe, pedestrian-friendly, accessible to public transportation seven days a week and includes on-site, individually designed supportive services is critical to their success,” Evans said in a message to the village board, according to the Herald.

Advocates say the redevelopment of the former Larkin Center in Elgin could serve as a template for the project.

Board members, including Senak, are open to considering alternatives. He said that ideally the hotel buildings on the property would be demolished. The cost of doing so is unclear, but Assistant Village Manager Emily Rodman estimated $500,000, according to the Herald.

[Daily Herald] – Harrison Connery