Eviction Looms for Downers Grove Seniors if Building Proposal Approved

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Many of the senior citizens at Oak Trace senior living came to the community in the hopes of setting down roots and living out the rest of their lives comfortably. Now, a proposed development at Oak Trace could force many residents out of their homes and back to the housing market.

The $150 million Oak Trace building proposal includes a health care facility and multi-level residential buildings, Daily Herald reported. Currently, many of the seniors who live at Oak Trace reside in homes of their own and are reluctant to move to a multi-unit setting. The health center would be built in a location on the 39-acre complex that would cause the homes of some residents to be razed. One resident, 82-year-old Pete Riley told the Daily Herald he thinks it's possible for the health care facility to be built on another part of the property so he and his wife —and other seniors— can stay in their homes. He said, "I think they have room for this and us."

An attorney representing the seniors at Oak Trace senior living told Daily Herald that residents received letters last November informing them that they had six months to either relocate within the retirement community or move elsewhere.

The Downers Grove Village Council is set to review the Oak Trace proposal on Tuesday, April 18.

Patch reached out to Oak Trace and Life Space Communities, Inc., who provided the following statement.

"We regret that there will be residents who will be affected by the planned health care center at Oak Trace retirement community. We have considered all options for the location of the new health venue and the current plans are in the best interest of all residents. We have been in communication with the affected residents since the announcement and have made offers of accommodations for relocating within our community and for their inconvenience. The new heath care center at Oak Trace is crucial to the ongoing commitment of care to our residents."

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