Developer Behind Catherine Alice Gardens Considering Lawsuit

All options are being considered by UP Development of Chicago, the developer behind the Catherine Alice Gardens supportive housing project, after the Palatine Village Council rejected the proposal last week, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

The paper reports consultant Jessica Berzac said not only are they considering reapplying to locate the project at 345 Eric Drive where it was voted down, but the developer also is contemplating a discrimination lawsuit - in addition to being open to other locations in the village. 

The CEO of Kenneth Young Center, a partner in the project, told the Daily Herald just days after the no-vote that a lawsuit was not planned. 

Other discrimination lawsuits have been filed after similar projects were proposed and rejected in Wheeling and Arlington Heights. Wheeling settled the lawsuit and that project is moving forward, while the one filed against the Village of Arlington Heights was dismissed. 

The 33-unit supportive housing project would have housed mentally and physically disabled people, while providing social services to them. 

The village council voted 4-2 against the project on Monday, August 5. 

Those who voted against it cited the loss of property in the manufacturing zoned area, while proponents said the project would fill a vital need for housing for those with disabilities.