The Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission has given its support for the building of a $7 million apartment structure for individuals with mental health issues and disabilities.
The Hanover Township Mental Health Board is planning the 40-unit, three-story building in collaboration with UP Development at 711 E. Chicago St.
Hanover Township Supervisor, Brian McGuire has said a township task force has been working since 2015 to move the project forward. It was modeled after facilities in Mount Prospect and Wheeling.
“The greatest benefits of this facility is that parents of children with mental health issues will be able to rest easier knowing that their family members will have a place to go when they are no longer available to care for them,” McGuire said.
“Tenants looking to live in the 40 proposed apartments will need to confirm their disability, meet income requirements, be able to live with some independence, and have no criminal background,” he said.
Mayor Dave Kaptain remarked that, “If approved by the city, this project would provide affordable housing and quality mental health assistance to some of our most at-risk residents. Ecker Center will bring professional mental health services on site to the residents of the complex.”
Those with mental health issues have fallen through the cracks since the state has closed down and downsized so many facilities that used to provide assistance.
This project will be a way to allow UP Development, rather than the government, to build and own the facility. Ecker Center, experts in the field of mental health, will provide appropriate supports so that the tenants can live safely, inexpensively, and have staff to assist them with independent living skills.
Kaptain said, “The close supervision and assistance will keep the individuals with mental health problems focused and on track to a better life.”
McGuire added, “This program will be a little step forward for caring for those people with mental health issues. It will not be a cure-all.”
The benefits well out-weigh the negatives. This complex needs the full support of the community. With that, the city council can move ahead for approval of this project in coming weeks.
Linda McDaniel-Hale is a Fox Valley resident who offers opinions on local topics.
