Retirement News : Seniors : New Lenox trustees welcome assisted living center, but keep fees

New Lenox trustees welcome assisted living center, but keep fees

Date Added: 16-08-2005

An assisted living center will be a welcome addition to the community, said New Lenox trustees, but they were not willing to waive impact fees for the project.

The board conducted a public hearing on the annexation agreement last week for the proposed Paradise Park, an 80-unit facility on a six-acre site at 1023 S. Cedar Road.

Tanzanite Development Company LLC, of Burr Ridge, is planning to build five single-story buildings with 16 300-square-foot units in each. Two buildings would be set aside for Alzheimer's, dementia and special needs residents.

Jim Boris, owner of Tanzanite, described it as a "first-class, luxury facility."

But since it is a for-profit business, village officials were not willing to waive its impact fees. Fees for the fire district also would not be waived.

Regarding impact fees for the school, park and library districts, board members agreed that each governmental entity should negotiate its own.

Fees are based on the number of bedrooms, but since this is an assisted living facility, officials agreed that the impact on some of these agencies might be less than a typical residential area.

"It's easy to say waive the fees, but there will be an impact to the community," Mayor Mike Smith said, adding that it is a "very welcome addition."

One resident of the Liberty Square subdivision expressed concern about the fencing that would separate Paradise Park from the existing homes on the west.

"The fencing in town is disturbing. Only one side is maintained," he said. "I do not want to look at a weathered fence."

He wanted to see landscaping between the fence and his property.

Trustee Dave Smith said the building department is working on new codes to address such maintenance issues.

Trustee Ray Tuminello said he liked the project, because it provided a service the village does not currently have and does not burden the school system.

He suggested that lights behind the buildings, near the homes, be shut off earlier and that screening be provided to shield headlights. He also was concerned about providing adequate parking, but it was noted that Paradise Park could share parking with the future commercial development to the south.

"I look forward to you joining our family and helping our seniors," Trustee Annette Bowden said. "It's something that is needed. If you go into the detail you said, it will be very nice."

Boris said the five buildings will be in a park-like environment, entirely fenced in for the safety of the residents. It will have walking paths, benches, gardens and a gazebo with landscaping and decorative lighting throughout.

Residents will wear a device similar to a wrist watch, so staff can monitor where they are, while allowing them to move about freely.

The interior of the buildings features an open floor plan, with the dining and kitchen area opening into a great room, with a fireplace, 50-inch television and book shelves.

Residents also will have a Jacuzzi tub, exercise room, Internet service and beauty salon.

Meals and housekeeping will be provided, but residents are expected to assist themselves as much as possible.

"It is not a skilled care nursing home," Boris said.

He previously reported that the monthly rates would range from $2,800 for assisted living to $4,200 for Alzheimer's patients.

During a July plan commission meeting on the proposal, members unanimously recommended approval of the annexation and planned unit development.

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