Developer presents Forest Glen senior-housing concept, removes Orchard access from plan

Ben Valletta, a potential developer, presented a preliminary concept for a senior-housing development called Forest Glen during the April 28 Village Board meeting. Valletta said he has completed training in assisted living and memory care and secured financing interest from Bank Five Nine. He described the proposal as removing individual lot lines in Phase I to create "six 16-residence Assisted Living and Memory Care Lodges" (branded "The Lodges of Forest Glen") plus ten independent living cottages ("The Cottages of Forest Glen").

Trustees pressed Valletta about vehicle access and emergency egress after he said the design removes through access from Orchard; he said the only vehicular access would be to Ringwood and that an emergency-only access could be provided. Trustee Walter and others questioned why a connection to West End or Orchard would not be completed; Valletta said the current walking path and a 60-foot easement at West End factored into the design. The Fire Department has reviewed the concept and, according to the presentation, the layout meets fire-truck access standards. Attorney Shaw told the board it could not take a vote on the concept that night and that Valletta must file a formal zoning petition; the Zoning Board will hold a public meeting and make a recommendation. Shaw also noted potential sewer-connection issues involving the City of McHenry and county septic rules that could affect whether corner lots must hook up to sewer.

"Every single day over ten thousand people turn sixty-five years old so the need for senior housing right now is at an absolute crisis," Valletta said in his presentation, framing the project as a response to local demand. The presentation was explicitly described as preliminary by Valletta and by the board; no approvals were sought or granted that evening and next procedural steps include a zoning petition and Zoning Board review.