Community Corner
Controversial Wheaton Subdivision: Planning Board Recommends Approving Plan
Only nine nuns remain at the convent that would be demolished
The Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board voted 4 to 2 to recommend a developer's plan to build homes on the Loretto Convent property, according to the Daily Herald.
The convent once housed 8o nuns, but now there are only nine. The nuns have arranged to sell the property to the Pulte Home Company in order to support the remaining sisters in retirement.
"This is our retirement, and I think we deserve it," said Sister Kay Foley, according to the Daily Herald. "I really think the sisters -- I've watched these women, I've been among them for 50-some years -- deserve the fruits of their labors."
Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Pulte Home Company is planning on building 48 single family homes on the 15.7 acre property, according to documents submitted. The homes would be marketed to retirees.
Residents have cited traffic concerns and historic preservation in their opposition to the development.
Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Wheaton City Council will review the development plan at their March 20 meeting.
Image via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.