BEDS Plus, whose mission is to help vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services, is in the public process of applying to the Village of La Grange to build a three-story building that will have 20 apartment units above the administrative and daytime support offices.

“We’re providing longer term solutions that reintegrate people into a community where they formerly lived,” BEDS Executive Director Tina Rounds said.

A hearing was held for the zoning application on Feb. 10 for the building that would be located at 9601 West Ogden Ave., across the street from Brookfield Car Wash. Rounds, her lawyer and the building’s architect presented their requests to the commissioners. They explained what the facility would be used for, the zoning changes they were applying for and a detailed presentation of the architecture.

In order to live in one of the single-person apartments, applicants must go through a screening process, and those living within 250 feet of the building are able to help with these screenings. BEDS won’t allow any felons or sex offenders, and will give preference to those with multiple cases of homelessness and people who have lived in the Lyons Township area.

“I initially thought it sounded like a good plan, because BEDS is a good thing and the homeless people rely on BEDS,” Joe Dillon ‘15 said. “The only con I could see is how the community will adapt to having people that aren’t from the community coming here, because I feel some local businesses would not be happy.”

The hearing was opened up to audience members, and more than 20 people spoke both for and against the proposed facility.

“I believe that this is a community of diverse housing and that we should be proud of defining our neighbor as not just those who can afford a large house next to us, but all kinds of neighbors,” La Grange resident Meredith Onion, who has raised her family across the street from one of BEDS’ overnight shelters, said.

Among the people that spoke against the facility were two concerned small business owners, Brookfield Car Wash owner Bill Klump and Gemini Gymnastics Academy owner Chris Kozelka Campbell, whose businesses are located near the proposed location.

“There is a perception, whether real or imagined, of the clients that BEDS Plus will cater too,” Campbell said. “They could be saints and the nicest people in the world, but I can’t say my customers would not draw conclusions about BEDS Plus and its proximity to my gymnastics academy. I would rather fail by something that we do in our business than to have an external force negatively impact the viability of my business.”

The commissioners needed more information before they could vote, so another hearing is scheduled for March 10. They requested there be modifications for safety codes, an impact and traffic study and a new environmental assessment.

“We’re having some healthy discussions [with the village board],” Rounds said. “Ultimately, they will decide if this is something we’ll be able to build.”