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Developer proposes 13–16‑bed women's residential treatment center at 411 West Division in Manteno
Summary
Dr. Sharma of Existential Counselor Society (ECS) asked the committee to allow a 13–16 bed, women‑only residential addiction treatment program at 411 West Division, citing local opioid figures and partnerships; the property’s C‑2 zoning currently bars overnight patient care and the proposal requires a zoning‑ordinance amendment and planning‑commission public hearing.
Dr. Sharma, representing Existential Counselor Society (ECS), asked the Plan & Zoning Committee to consider converting 411 West Division into a 13–16 bed, women‑only residential drug and alcohol treatment facility.
Dr. Sharma said the facility would provide structured, 24/7 supervised care, accept Medicaid and state‑based insurance, and operate on 28‑day stays. He described staffing levels (two overnight supervisors; eight–nine total operations and clinical staff at a site of this size), a strict no‑visitor, no‑walk‑in policy and a background‑check requirement for admissions. "If you approve this, you're not inviting trouble. You're inviting treatment," he said.
Dr. Sharma cited opioid statistics in support of the plan, saying the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Kankakee County had 27 opioid overdoses in 2023 and an opioid‑involved fatality rate he characterized as higher than the statewide rate. He said his existing facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission and that detoxification would occur at hospitals prior to admission to the residential program.
Village planning staff told the committee that the property is currently zoned C‑2 and that overnight patient care is expressly prohibited in that district; bringing Dr. Sharma's proposal to fruition would require amending the zoning ordinance, a public hearing before the planning commission, and a recommendation to the board. Staff also recommended standard life‑safety checks by fire and code enforcement prior to any occupancy approval.
Trustees asked about site upgrades and operations; Dr. Sharma said the building already has many structural features favorable to residential care (commercial kitchen, sprinkler systems and alarm systems), and he acknowledged some additional work such as sprinkler upgrades upstairs would be needed.
Next steps: staff told Dr. Sharma he needs to file a formal application and that the matter will be placed on the planning commission agenda for consideration and a public hearing before the committee or board can act.
