Developer Scraps Plans for Senior Living Facility on 63rd Street

A petition to build a senior living facility in Downers Grove has been withdrawn, village officials confirmed late Friday.

The petitioner, Delta Development of Downers Grove, had hoped to construct a three-story, 94,840-square-foot supportive living facility on 63rd Street between Main Street and Fairmount Avenue. The proposal went before the Downers Grove plan commission Jan. 28, but was put on hold as the meeting reached its fifth hour.

The decision to adjourn was prompted in part by a resident's testimony regarding a restrictive covenant that limits lots in the subdivision to only single-family homes. The village verified the covenant in a letter dated Jan. 31, and gave the developer until Feb. 11 to resolve the issue.

Village officials posted an update on its website Friday evening, saying the petition had been withdrawn and that "no further action will take place regarding this petition."

Representatives from Delta Development were not immediately available for comment.

The proposed senior living facility would have included 120 units—60 studios and 60 one-bedroom apartments—for seniors 65 and older, and was authorized under Illiniois' Supportive Living Facility Program, which provides a subsidized, long-term residence option for senior citizens who need extra help but do not require a nursing home. 

The plan included the purchasing of land from First Christian Church of Downers Grove, 801 63rd St., to create a 7.25-acre campus in an area surrounded by single-family homes. 

Nearly two dozen residents went before the plan commission to speak out against the proposal. A petition with more than 250 signatures was also presented.

Residents raised a myriad of concerns about the facility's presence in their community, including the impact on traffic, property values, storm water runoff and the overall character of the neighborhood.

The 63rd Street location was Delta Development's third attempt to build a senior living facility in Downres Grove. The initial license was obtained in 2005, but was revoked after a period of inactivity, according to company president Michael Fiandaca. 

About two years ago, Fiandaca and his team began working with the village to secure the site on 63rd Street, but were told that the lot in question did not meet the five-acre requirement for sheltered care facilities in Downers Grove. Last year, they petitioned the village to build a five-story facility at 5100 Forest Ave., the site of a vacant bank building across from the Downers Grove Public Library.

In October, the plan commission voted 5-2 to forward a positive recommendation to the village council, with Gregory Beggs and chair Greg Hosé casting the dissenting votes. However, the petition was withdrawn in November after commissioners expressed overwhelming opposition to the project—primarily due to its location in downtown Downers Grove, which they said went against goals outlined in the village's comprehensive plan.

With time running out on the SLF license, Delta Development went back to 63rd Street, this time to partner with First Christian Church to purchase more land. 

During the meeting, Fiandaca said they have until January 2014 to build the facility, which he said would be the missing link between independent living and a nursing home.

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