Aurora committee approves Envision Unlimited’s permit for four-person community residence

The Building Zoning and Economic Development Committee approved a conditional use permit on Nov. 12 for a four-person community residence proposed by Envision Unlimited at 1130 North Randall Road.

Planner Joanna Wu told the committee the property is zoned R-1 for single-family dwellings and that a community residence minor is “a dwelling structure that is occupied by a group of 4 to 6 unrelated persons with disabilities with on-site support staff provided by a sponsoring agency.” Wu said the city’s zoning ordinance requires a 1,320-foot separation between community residences and that staff found the petition met applicable codes and ordinances; an existing community residence is located at 1340 Cottonwood Road in the Indian Trail Estates subdivision, which the planner said is not in the same subdivision as the subject property.

Colleen Rosa, executive vice president for IDD services at Envision Unlimited, said the organization has provided services in Illinois for more than 75 years and serves “more than 5,000 individuals supported annually” across the state. Rosa and Kristen Selkis, Envision’s director of innovation, described the proposed site as a single-level, four-bedroom home where up to four residents would live; staff would not live in the home but would be on site and background-checked. "Our home would be staffed 24/7," Rosa said, while noting staffing levels vary; she also said the organization’s starting pay for direct care staff is "$21.95 an hour." The presenters emphasized licensing by the state of Illinois and a neighborhood-oriented “good neighbor” policy.

Alderman Patty Smith, who identified herself as having a family member with special needs, spoke in favor of the proposal, citing an insufficient local supply of community residences. Smith said her daughter, who is 34 and has special needs, “does live independently” and urged expansion of community placements.

After questions about building modifications and supervision — staff said no structural changes were planned and confirmed on-site supervision — Alderman Smith moved to approve the permit and Alderman Juan Garza seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; the chair recorded the result as "4 to nothing." The committee then approved routine minutes from Oct. 29, 2025, and adjourned at 4:18 p.m.

The conditional use permit (agenda item 25-0885) was approved by the committee and is recorded as passed by the Building Zoning and Economic Development Committee. The record contains inconsistent references to the street name (the item was described both as 1130 North Randall Road and 1130 North Bridal Road in the transcript); the committee record should be checked for the definitive mailing address before any permitting or notice steps.