Can Joliet Become a Premier Veteran City?

A little less than a year ago, I was very angry at the City Council of Joliet for their perceived lack of support of our military and veterans. I even issued a thinly veiled threat that this issue could cost some members of the council their seats in the upcoming election.

Volunteers of America had proposed a multi-unit housing complex on the site of the former Silver Cross Hospital. Commitments were secured for the land to be donated, funding was assured, and the Joliet City Council declined.

At the time, it was inconceivable that the Council would do other than welcome with open arms a project that would provide housing for veterans. Particularly since it would not only be at no cost to the city, but the city would benefit in countless other ways. Yet, that is exactly what they did.

The reason most frequently cited is the proposal violated the housing density the city has deemed appropriate for multiunit projects. The reason not so publicly cited was this housing density issue goes to the heart of the city’s fight over Evergreen Terrace. The city’s legal argument there is based on this issue of density, and a variance granted for the proposed veterans housing would undermine their density argument for Evergreen.

However, the city granted another variance to the density rules for a senior’s housing project. Perhaps the recent court ruling that appears to support the ongoing battle over Evergreen Terrace has had an effect as well. Whatever the reason, things look hopeful for our veterans.

As of this writing, Volunteers of America has confirmed the first steps have been taken to resurrect the project. The Silver Cross hospital board has agreed to discuss an updated agreement to transfer 3.2 acres on the now mostly shuttered grounds of the old hospital. There are many steps yet to be accomplished, but one of the most important is a commitment from the City of Joliet. This is the point at which things fell apart last year, so while there is hope, it is far from a done deal.

There are a few considerations I’d like the City Manager and Council to keep in mind while they weigh whether or not to commit to allowing this density variance. Perhaps this time, these other considerations will be enough to motivate the city to get behind this project in force.

~This project will be built at absolutely no cost to the city of Joliet.

~This project will re-purpose a now defunct tract of land in an economically depressed and deteriorating area of the city.

~For veterans who were formerly homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, housing stability is one of the most important keys for a successful transition, directly affecting employment, mental and physical health for themselves and their families. 

~Turning this property into residential housing will promote opportunities for area businesses – many of which have already gone under since the hospital moved.

~Creating an influx of this demographic of society into an economically depressed area opens possibilities for new businesses. More than half of these units are to be two- and three-bedroom apartments intended for families; families who will need places to shop, eat and buy groceries as well as a host of other services. Once veterans have housing stability, they are able to more easily take advantage of a host of other services and opportunities. Now, they are consumers, and able to spend their dollars locally.

~New businesses means more tax revenue for the city.

~New businesses means more potential jobs, both for existing area residents as well as for veterans.

~With the proximity to the VA medical center, once veterans have achieved the economic stability needed to no longer require this housing, they may choose to become permanent members of the community by moving into some of the nearby areas where housing is relatively cheap. Currently, in the area bounded by Maple Road on the north, Cass Street on the south, east from the railroad tracks to approximately Highland Park, there are more than a dozen homes for sale under $100k; at least five can be had for less than $75k. Even a modest, stable income puts ownership with reach. This is the goal of this project - help veterans transition into civilian life.

~Joliet may finally be able to exchange it’s prison town reputation for one as a premier veteran city.

Everything the City Council and City Manager can do to support this project should be done. The benefits to both the city and our veterans are innumerable. Besides, it’s simply the right thing to do.