Ordinance variances were granted to allow the next phase of a special apartment complex that will be under construction in Worth.
The village had earlier approved a project initiated by Garden Center Services to build Garden Center Apartments at the intersection of Crandall Avenue and Depot Street.
And now the board has approved a second project to be built at 7106 W. 107th St.
Garden Center Services was established in 1956 in Burbank as a grassroots effort to support children with developmental disabilities and their families. The organization has developed into a multi-program agency to provide services to adults with disabilities.
Originally the complex on 107th Street was going to have 16 units. However, due to burgeoning costs, it became more feasible to expand the amount of units to 21, according to WJW Architects, who oversees the project.
Gerry Beagles, executive director of Garden Center Services, was delighted that the next phase will begin after a series of ordinances were passed during the Worth Village Board meeting on Dec. 16.
The Brush Hill Apartments on 107th Street, like the Garden Center Apartments on Depot Street, was selected because both locations allow residents easier access to walk to specific amenities and to take public transportation. This is important because the tenants do not drive.
“And that is why we did a second unit, the need is just huge,” Beagles told board members. “The second thing is our experience with Mayor Mary Werner and the Village of Worth. You just get it.”
Beagles added that they have had a great working relationship with the village. The demand for housing for adults with disabilities is great, Beagles said.
The Garden Center Apartments is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The Brush Hill Apartments development project is to receive financing from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) in May of 2026. According to Garden Center Services, the finance closing will occur sometime next fall. Construction will begin immediately after closing.
WJW Architects said the maximum construction time will take about 16 months. Occupancy of the Brush Hill Apartments is scheduled for early in 2029.
Village Clerk Bonnie Price mentioned that a contract was awarded to NPN Flooring for new carpeting and flooring in the Water’s Edge Golf Course Clubhouse for under $28,000.
A contract was awarded to Raths, Raths & Johnson, Inc., for engineering design consulting services for phase two and phase three services not to exceed $16,600 for rebuilding the North Palos Fire Protection District 3 wall.
Trustee Pete Kats, chair of the public safety committee, said that police were busy last month with 48 arrests. Eighteen drivers were pulled over for either having suspended or revoked licenses. Another 11 were arrested for having no driver’s license at all, Kats said.
Trustee Brad Urban, chair of the public works committee, said the Oak Lawn watermain work is in progress along Southwest Highway. The Oak Tree Drive Palos Hills extension project has been delayed while the watermain work continues, Urban said.
The Worth connection at Worth Avenue and Southwest Highway will not begin until the watermain project is completed, Urban added.
“Alley clearing is still in the works because they were delayed because of the recent snowfall,” Urban said.
A business license was tentatively granted for Legacy Fades, 6909 W. 111th St. Owner Abed Almohsen said this will exclusively be a barbershop.
Goshen Hair Braiding and Salon, 6802 W. 111th St., has received tentative approval. Owner Houessou Olouwakemi said the beauty shop will begin each day with a thorough cleaning. Appointments are required.