Politics & Government

Palatine Says No to Catherine Alice Gardens Project

By a vote of 4-2, Palatine village councilman voted against the 33-unit supportive housing facility for people with disabilities.

After a close to two hour discussion about Catherine Alice Gardens - a proposed supportive housing project for people with disabilities - the Palatine Village Council voted 4-2 against it Monday night. 

Village council chambers were packed with people; an overflow room was provided but dozens chose to stand as they waited for a vote on the hugely polarizing project.

Hundreds of letters and emails were received both for and against the project over the last couple of months, village officials said. 

Despite a lengthy presentation by village staff, which included the Palatine police and fire chiefs stating they had no concerns over safety, the majority of councilmen believed the project was not appropriately placed in the manufacturing zoned area at 345 Eric Drive.  

Village officials showed off an inches thick stack of papers detailing the proposed development, and letters from residents and people as far away as Chicago and Oswego who were for, and against the project. 

"This issue really did take on a life of its own," said Reid Ottesen, village manager. 

Councilmen who voted against the project said they were concerned about giving up a piece of property zoned for manufacturing as the economy begins to show signs of improvement. 

"You’re never going to get this back," said Tim Millar, District 1 councilman. "This property represents about 2 percent of the industrial property in the community. I’d hate to lose that asset."

Other concerns expressed by councilmen related to a residential use butting up against commercial/industrial uses. 

"When we start to mix the two we could start to have problems," said Scott Lamerand, District 2 councilman. 

Councilmen Millar, Lamerand, Kollin Kozlowski and Brad Helms voted against the proposal, while Jim Clegg and Greg Solberg voted for it. 

The Palatine Plan Commission heard the issue two times; the first time they voted 7-1 in favor, and after the issue was sent back by the village council, they again voted 7-1 for the project


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