After Parking Lot Changes, Board Gives Senior Development Green Light

Developers seeking to build age-restricted housing on the south end of New Lenox came in front of the Village Board for the third time Monday night and finally got approval to move forward.

The issue that kept sending them back was parking at an age- and income-restricted apartment complex called The Lodge. In the last couple trips in front of the board, developers were told to increase parking spaces per unit from 1.5 to 1.75, and as of Monday it increase to 2.1 spaces per unit.

"We've done everything you've asked of us," developer Joe Perry said. "The Lodge will provide quality homes for a market that is vastly under-served."

The plans for the Bristol Meadows development include the three-story senior apartment building, but also townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes. There are also plans for commercial space, a new location for and a possible park.

In , village planner Jeff Smith said most of the apartments would be income-restricted; residents could not make more than $36,600 per year. He said the estimated rents are $650 a month for one bedroom and $1,000 for two bedrooms. Residents would also have to be at least 62 years old for the apartments and 55 years old for the townhomes.