South Cook News

The Alsip Board of Trustees agreed to table a vote on a proposed zoning variance for a 25-unit apartment complex at 12000 S. Hamlin Ave. after residents raised several questions before the board.

According to a YouTube stream of the Nov. 14 meeting, Sertoma Center is seeking the variance for the complex, and the company has a long history in the village. Trustee Catalina Nava-Esparza pointed out during the session that the board has to also consider the interests of the residents who elected them.

“I am not against Sertoma and so forth, but again, as the Planning Commission made its decision, it felt like the air was sucked out as if, you know, what decision was already made,” she explained. “And, it hurts to kind of hear residents also feel that as well at this meeting. So, hopefully the board digests the information and when it does come up to a vote that takes into consideration what the residents are also stating and again, they're not against the organization, but just the scale of the development.”

Sertoma officials said they want to build an apartment complex for people with disabilities and their families, pointing to a need to independent housing options for individuals with disabilities. A similar complex that recently opened resulted in 500 applications for 16 available units, it was noted during the meeting.

Jane Sloss, architect for the proposed project, outlined specifications of the site, noting that the developers are seeking a variance to change the zoning from R1 to R3, which would permit multiple units for the 25-unit proposal.

The plans also include 25 parking spaces, stormwater draining, landscaping and access from Hamlin Avenue. Previous plans were revised to reduce the proposed structure to a maximum of two stories and 35 feet.

Trustees debated aspects of the proposal as they entertained comments from residents who expressed concerns about safety and traffic congestion in the area. The size of the project, situated among single-family homes, also worried neighbors. 

Trustees delayed the vote for additional discussion.