Today’s Naperville Sun covered the story of the Naperville Plan Commission rejecting the proposed Alden Naperville Horizon Senior Living Community housing. I’m no water expert - but just upstream of the proposed Alden three-story building is going to be the 75th Street/Washington expansion (now slated for construction in 2008) that will create a bigger road footprint. Where is the rain runoff water going to go if not, ultimately, downstream and downhill from that area? I’ve been told by one nearby resident that there are also concerns about
- The loss of over 200 trees in the project including the potential loss of at least one 300+ year old oak tree (when it comes to water retention the loss of trees is a compounding factor);
- Concerns that runoff coming as far as Wehrli Road drains in the river and more construction will make flooding worse;
- Concerns that the land being built on is spongy wetlands regardless of its official designation; and
- Concerns about the affect of the footprint that the building, parking and road construction will make as it affects rain runoff in the area.
None of his bodes well in an area that already has flooding problems.
The sad thing is, we need more affordable housing in Naperville for our seniors and other residents - something this project purported to offer. Alden Naperville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center’s expansion behind their building (near to the river) just seems the wrong location for a new building addressing this compelling need. The Naperville City Council will take up the issue next.
Post a Comment