Apartments Possible Near Walmart

An apartment complex is a possibility for an area just south of the shopping center in New Lenox, though a developer's plans haven't even been considered by the village yet. 

The Landings of New Lenox was originally proposed as townhomes in a 6-acre lot to the southeast of Cooper Road and Route 30. When plans were announced to build the Provena Medical Arts Pavilion, the developer proposed assisted living for seniors.

Now the focus has shifted again, and last week during a village committee meeting, planning administrator Robin Ellis asked whether the proposal is something the Village Board would even consider. 

Trustee Annette Bowden acknowledged that rental is an important option for many people right now, but would have rather seen assisted living.

"To me this was going to be the ideal location for them to be close to shopping and other amenities," Bowden said. "So that's the only thing that's disappointing."

The property is directly behind the new Provena Medical Arts Pavilion, which is located just east of Cooper Road along Route 30. It's across from the Walmart development, which also includes shopping, fast food, a bank and immediate care center. 

Besides the commercial development to the north, the rest of the land is surrounded by residential properties. 

The plans call for 40 units total in four 10-unit buildings. Each unit would have a garage, and Ellis said it's possible the apartments would be two stories. Besides that, she said the plans are very preliminary. 

Ellis noted that senior citizens are a growing population of renters, and Bowden and trustee Dave Butterfield said they would at least like to know more details when they're available. 

"We'll still have to ask more questions, but I don't want to just shoot it down," Bowden said, adding that 40 units in that space made her a bit nervous.