Palatine Makes Two Big Decisions on Business, Development

The Palatine Village Council made two strong decisions Monday regarding business and development in the village. 

More than 100 people attended the meeting to learn the fate of Catherine Alice Gardens, a 33-unit supportive housing project that would have provided a home for people with mental and physical disabilities. 

Debate broke out over allowing the facility to be constructed in a mostly industrial and commercial use area at 345 Eric Drive. 

Though the Palatine Plan Commission twice approved it, the village council rejected the development by a vote of 4-2 Monday. 
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A new project, with old controversy, also was considered by the council.  

More than a year ago, a development that would have included a Starbucks, Charley's Subs and two retail spaces in a 7,700 square foot building at 205-207 W. Northwest Highway was rejected. 

The new plan, which now includes a Dunkin' Donuts, Jersey Mike's and two yet to be filled retail spaces, was sized down by 1,000 square feet and a traffic study conducted to address how customers would get in and out of the property. It is bordered on all sides by BMO Harris Bank, Maaco, Fortune Cookie restaurant and McDonald's. 

The plan was criticized for increasing competition with locally owned businesses and concerns expressed over increasing traffic at the already busy intersection at Northwest Highway and Smith Street. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the project in June, and the Palatine Village Council agreed and unanimously approved it Monday.