Plainfield Could Get New Age-Restricted Housing Development

PLAINFIELD, IL — Older people in Plainfield could soon have the option of downsizing and moving into a new residential development. During the Monday Committee of the Whole workshop, the village board members discussed a concept plan for the Pavillion — 65 acres of vacant land at the southwest corner of Route 59 and Renwick Road that would be converted into an age-restricted development for those above the age of 55 years.

In a memo to the board, Jessica Gal, associate planner for the village, said the proposed development incorporates a mix of housing options for aging residents that include single-family homes, duplexes and four-plex homes.

The development would also include a clubhouse, along with a future commercial development planned along Route 59 that would bring together residential units located within walking distance. A senior living campus is proposed south of the commercial node.

The proximity of the site to restaurants and retail stores on Lockport Street will be a selling point for the development and the future residents would provide a big boost in spending potential for the downtown area. This would also provide a much-needed option for those who would like to remain in the community and close to their families.

Gal also said the development would generate substantial annual property tax revenue with low cost of services, especially for the Plainfield School District 202. Groundwater concerns would also be mitigated for the neighboring subdivisions as the site's stormwater detention would capture existing stormwater that runs off or percolates into the ground, and divert it into the storm sewer systems in Route 59 and Renwick Road.

Village trustee Cally Larson agreed the project is much needed in Plainfield. But she is hesitant and nervous to see that this is a lease-by-choice community.

"We do need a product for 55-plus [residents]. But I don’t know how affordable this product is," she said.

She also urged the developers to provide two-car garages in the project since Plainfield's 55-plus market is a two-vehicle household.

"I do think there is a market for this type of rental," Trustee Margie Bonuchi said. "It is in a good location."

Trustee Brian Wojowski asked what would happen if the developers cannot lease out the homes. He said he doesn't want the developers to later ask the board to remove the age-restricted provision from the planned unit development and allow anyone to lease it.

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