New Rental Units in Winnetka?

Nothing has happened yet on that stretch of Elm Street in Winnetka just east of the train station. Conney's Pharmacy, Phototronics, Love's Yogurt and a host of smaller stores are still there. What was once grandly designed as 31 luxury condominiums and storefronts has lost steam - blame it on the recession.  

The developers have come up with a new plan - they are considering 39 rental apartments on the three floors that would be located above the retail section.  The original high-end condos were to average 2500 square feet - the rentals come in at around 675-1300 square feet.  

Good or so-so idea?  Affordable housing has been a hot topic in town during the past several years.  The Winnetka Village Council decided not to pursue affordable housing because of strong public sentiment that it was not right for Winnetka.  Those in favor felt there was not enough housing for local workers, policeman, fireman, and teachers.  Rentals would ease some of animosity and stress over the affordable housing debate.

Whether we need this many rental units in Winnetka is not clear, and the project would take several years to complete.  The developer was given a preliminary approval to submit new plans that most likely will have to be approved by several levels of committees.

I think this may be a good idea - some tweaking will surely be necessary.  I am looking forward to see what they have planned.