Catherine Alice Garden Opponents Point to Cost

The projected cost of a controversial 33-unit apartment building at 345 N. Eric Drive that would house disabled people, along with providing social services to them, is $10.5 million. 

At a June Palatine Plan Commission meeting recently, dozens of residents spoke out over a five hour meeting that spelled out the distaste neighbors, both residential and business, have for the proposed project. 

The cost of the project also has been highlighted. In a Daily Herald article, it states that each unit breaks down to cost roughly $300,000 - which compared to neighboring properties - is steep.

Project Manager Jessica Berzac told the paper Monday this type of project has extraordinary costs compared to standard, market-rate developments, though $8.5 million of the cost does qualify for tax credits. 

The president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Illinois said ithe cost of housing per year is roughy half, or $20,000, compared to what it would be at an institution or nursing home, according to the Daily Herald. 

Residents, both who live nearby or whose children attend a nearby martial arts studio, expressed deep concerns over the safety of children, and a perceived decrease in property values along with the belief the location is not right for the facility.

Nearby business owners also brought up the issue of the increased liability of having a residential facility in the middle of a business/industrial setting. The property is currently zoned for manufacturing. 

The issue will go before the village council's Community, Economic and Development committee on July 8.