Northbrook’s Green Acres Country Club development saga drags on

Plans to build a senior housing complex on the land of a defunct Northbrook golf course has some locals and officials up in arms.

Erickson Living Properties requested a rezoning for the former Green Acres Country Club on Dundee Road in the northern Chicago suburb, the Northbrook Star reported. The developers are requesting an amendment to the village’s Comprehensive Plan that would allow for the property to be reclassified as a special residential destination from its current open space and outdoor recreation classification.

The proposal initially called for 800 independent senior living units and 108 assisted living units in a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Erickson, the contract purchaser of 916, 940 and 1002 Dundee Road, requested the rezoning for about 79 of the property’s 127 acres.

The village was prepared to discuss the plans at its Oct. 25 board meeting, but Erickson notified village officials of a “very significant” proposal change the day prior.

Northbrook Village President Kathryn L. Ciesla called the situation unique during the board meeting and noted it was surprising that the plans would change this late in the game.

Instead of voting on the proposal, Ciesla and the board rescheduled it for a future Committee of the Whole meeting, so residents and staff can review the plans.

Residents have spoken out against multiple development proposals for the property since the Green Acres closed in 2016. The primary complaints centered on a potential for increased traffic, louder surroundings and the loss of natural open space.

Homeowners on Fairway Lane, Waters Edge Lane, Lee Road, Morrison Road and the Ballantrae subdivision have been especially vocal and have rallied against Erickson’s plan.

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