The Will County Board approved a special use permit Thursday for a rural events venue on about 5 acres in Homer Township, over the objections of the village of New Lenox and developer Pulte Homes, which plans to build a large residential community nearby. Nick and Paulina Paleothodoros plan to host private events such as weddings, birthday parties and showers for about 50 to 150 people on their agricultural-zoned property in the 14100 block of West Chicago-Bloomington Trail of Homer Township. The property contains existing barns and horse shelters and there would be a tent installed for events, according to county documents. The land would also include about 150 parking spaces. The village of New Lenox, less than a half mile from the site, protested the permit, writing the rural event venue does not comply with its comprehensive plan. Village officials were concerned with the plans proximity to a planned residential development as well as its hours of operation, noise and traffic. Homebuilder Pulte Homes has bought about 220 acres to build 490 single-family homes on the Teerling Nursery property at Cedar Road and Chicago-Bloomington Trail, said New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann. More than 200 of those homes will be deeded for residents 55 years and older, and construction is expected to start in the spring, Baldermann said. Pulte is also investing millions of dollars in utility infrastructure to bring water and sewer to the site. “This is such an important project for the village,” Baldermann said. “It adds a 55 and older community people have been clamoring for.” Because the events venue would be near some of the homes, New Lenox officials voiced their concerns. Baldermann said noise could be disruptive to the homeowners. Susan DeMar Lafferty/Daily SouthtownTeerling Nursery, at Cedar Road and Chicago-Bloomington Trail, in 2018. (Susan DeMar Lafferty/Daily Southtown) Caitlin Csuk, an attorney for Pulte, asked for more conditions on the events venue. She said the company was also concerned gravel parking would create dusty conditions. Homer Township officials did not object to the plans, Supervisor Steve Balich said. Paulina Paleothodoros said the events venue aligns to the character of the community. The venue plans to operate within the hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. to comply with the county’s noise ordinances, she said. “Our proposed rural event (venue) aligns with the values and characters of this community, adheres to all zoning regulations and enjoys strong support from our neighbors,” Paleothodoros said. “This project represents not only a meaningful addition to the community, but also the combination of significant effort, investment and vision on our part.” She said they are excited about this new business venture. In addition to private events, Paleothodoros said they plan to host children and family events that will connect children with animals and rural life. Board members debated whether to vote on the project or delay it so Paleothodoros and Pulte Homes could agree on conditions. Board member Julie Berkowicz, a Naperville Republican, said she didn’t want to postpone the vote. “I’m looking at the little guy, the resident and the taxpayer,” she said. “This is their life and their dreams.” The project passed by a 17-2 vote with Republicans Jim Richmond of Mokena and Frankie Pretzel of New Lenox dissenting. Group home The board also approved a plan for a group home for senior citizens in Frankfort Township over the objections of some residents and board members. Mohammed Elshareif and Thera Ayesh plan to use a single-family home in the 7500 block of West Hickory Creek Drive, Frankfort, as a group home for up to six residents age 55 and older who may need assistance with such tasks as bathing, taking medication, eating or housekeeping and want to age in place in their community. A caregiver will be on site around the clock. Mohammed Elshareif plans to open a group home for senior citizens in Frankfort Township. He said the home will be for residents 55 and older who have trouble with completing a few tasks and want to age in the community. (Michelle Mullins/for the Daily Southtown) “It provides a valuable service to the community by supporting seniors,” Elshareif said. “We see ourselves as part of the community, not separate from it. Our goal is to create a space that benefits our residents, families and the neighborhood as a whole.” Elshareif and Ayesh specialize in senior care, he said. Several residents spoke against the plan and emailed the county board with concerns that a business was opening up within a neighborhood. Some residents said the house was too small for the use. Residents also said they feared the group home would negatively affect property values. Board member Dan Butler, a Frankfort Republican, said he agreed the house could get crowded and was not comfortable approving it. Sherry Newquist, a Democrat from Steger, said the zoning already allows for a group home, and the applicant only needs a special use permit to operate the home for senior citizens. Jackie Traynere, a Bolingbrook Democrat, said the market conditions will determine if residents like the business model and want to live in the home. The plan passed 15-4 with Richmond, Pretzel, Berkowicz and Butler dissenting. Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.