WILMETTE – Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (“HODC”) filed a revised plan with the Village of Wilmette on October 27 for its proposed affordable housing project at the site of the former American Legion Post at 1925 Wilmette Avenue.
The revised plan no longer includes four additional parking spots located in the adjacent Wil-Ridge Plaza or a service easement across HODC’s property. The agreement HODC had secured with the plaza’s owners was abandoned in May 2017, after the shopping center was purchased by Artis Senior Living. Artis has since filed an application with the village to construct a new senior memory care facility to replace the strip mall.
Richard Koenig, HODC’s executive director told DailyNorthShore by email on October 31 that he remains optimistic despite the changes. “The previous revisions did have to change again due to the new proposed development next door. We are hoping to move forward with zoning approval after first of the year,” Koenig wrote. Koenig had sought the additional parking spaces in response to concerns raised by the community.
But whether or not HODC is able to secure funding after the project is approved by the village remains to be seen. “Funding for affordable housing continues to be available despite the budget issues at the state and federal levels but is a competitive process so we will have to see how it goes,” Koenig wrote.
A meeting has been tentatively scheduled for January 16, 2018 for the Plan Commission to review HODC’s request. To view the new materials and the previously filed application go to www.wilmette.com.
