by BRIAN NADIG

Construction of an 88-unit senior housing complex is being considered on the site of the overflow parking lot for the 17th (Albany Park) Police District station, 4650 N. Pulaski Road, according to Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th).

The proposed five-story complex, whose first floor would include storefronts and meeting space for seniors, would be constructed on the underutilized parking lot across from the police station. It is situated at the southeast corner of Pulaski Road and Leland Avenue and often contains standing water after storms.

The East Lake Management and Development Corporation is partnering with the Darul Amaan Group to redevelop the site. East Lake has applied for low-income housing tax credits from the state for the project.

"(Darul Amaan) has a great track record and has done a wonderful job at 4814 N. Kedzie Ave, (and) there is a considerable waiting list there," Laurino said. The Darul Amaan Senior Apartments on Kedzie opened about 5 years ago and features 56 affordable living units.

The City of Chicago would sell the parking lot to the developers if the Pulaski-Leland project were to move forward, but a selling price has not been determined.









Laurino said that she suspects the final price would be below-market value given the benefit to the community. "We want to take care of our seniors," she said.

Plans call for 30 parking spaces in the rear of the building, with egress and ingress from Leland.

The development team also plans to add extra green space to the project in response to concerns raised at a recent community meeting, Laurino said.

The building would include 72 one-bedroom units and 16 two-bedroom units, and applicants would have to meet annual household income restrictions, expected to be under $28,000 for single occupants, Laurino said.

Approval of a planned development zoning ordinance is required for the project.

Also in the ward, the Elderly Housing Development and Operations Corporation is seeking tax credits to finance the maintenance and eventual upgrade of senior housing in the H Building at North Park Village, 5801 N. Pulaski Road, according to Laurino’s office.