Glenview village trustees Tuesday night ordered developers of a proposed senior citizens condominium complex back to the drawing board after dozens of angry citizens of all ages testified at a public hearing that the project was too tall, too dense and, most importantly, not even marketed to seniors.
The project, which is near downtown but also borders a residential neighborhood, calls for construction of 129 condominiums that would be sold to people as young as 55.
”The community recognizes the need for senior housing,” said trustee Ralph Lynch Sr, ”but we felt this project was geared for the empty-nesters generation who are still quite active.”
According to Lynch, a younger demographic group would be more mobile, contributing even more automobile traffic to a highly congested area.
But some of Glenview`s longtime residents feel that canceling the project is equivalent to chasing seniors out of the village. Ed Burke, 76, a Glenview resident for more than 30 years, said the project was a ”way for independent seniors to retire in Glenview. I feel like I`m being chased out.”
The project is far from over. A subcommittee made up of residents, trustees, and members of the Planning Commission will be charged with coming up with an alternative.
