Training Center for Developmentally Challenged Inches Forward

Board members July 9 took a first look at concepts for a job training facility for developmentally challenged adults, planned for 10 acres of a 40-acre parcel at 191st and 88th Avenue. 

The facility, which is in preliminary planning stages, would offer job training and social opportunities for developmentally challenged adults, run by nonprofit Community Services Foundation. The services would be tuition-based and students would not reside on the property.

Board members and residents delved into location, impact on local tax revenue, water retention and wildlife disturbance during a work session following the village board meeting. Residents spoke up about traffic flow and spacing between the facility and nearby Brookside Glen neighborhood.

Mayor Joe Werner tried to alleviate concerns about the potential new addition. Werner stressed the plans are tentative, with a long way to go until breaking ground. 

“We're just having a conversation about essentially a napkin drawing basically,” Werner said. “We like the idea that we create a comfortable setting where people can come and talk and share their ideas, and have it get incorporated as we move forward.”

Currently, the 40-acre parcel is owned by George Georgiou, who would split up the 40 acres into three parcels: the 10.6 acres for the facility, a 29-acre piece and 1.72-acre piece. The remaining parcels would ideally still allow for a potential restaurant or big- to medium-sized box store.

Discussion of the project's future hinged on one concern for board members: tax money. Categorized as a nonprofit, Community Services Foundation would be exempt from paying both sales and property tax. Charley Smith, president of CSF, said the company would take out a mortgage to finance the facility.

“Are we going to allow use on this property that pays no property taxes and no sales taxes, this is what it came down to. … said Trustee John Mazzorana. "The concept that we initially have to talk about is, is this an appropriate use for this land, at this location.”

After two hours of discussion, each board member OKed passing the concept on to Mokena's planning commission. The proposed development will be on the commission's July 19 agenda.