Here's an update on the effort to convert to condos. This comes from the minutes of the Feb. 12 Palatine Village Board meeting.

Consider a Motion Approving a Request for Condominium Conversion to Convert
719 Units at Countryside Apartments into Condominiums, 975 Sterling Avenue (Woods of
Countryside LLC) DISTRICT 1
Councilman Wagner, seconded by Councilman Varroney, moved to approve.
Councilman Jezierski expressed concern for the lack of parking, over 200 spaces short of
code requirements for condominiums, and would recommend the construction of additional
parking. He also noted that the ratio of subletting should be limited due to the impact on
the Village inspection services. He prefers a limit of not more than 20% to be sublet.
Mayor Mullins stated that the Village strives for a balance in housing alternatives, and
therefore opposes apartment conversions to condominium.
Councilman Wagner asked for clarification on taxes.
Village Manager Reid Ottesen stated that apartments are assessed on a higher ratio than
condominiums. Homeowner occupied is awarded a homeowner/occupied exemption.
Countryside conversion to condo, with a majority non-owner-occupied, would necessitate
unit inspections.
Village Manager Reid Ottesen stated that a mechanism has been included to construct the
additional parking if needed.
Councilman Wilson requested an impact study.
Vickie Bresnahan, and Bill Mitchell, of Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle, LLC, attorneys for the
petitioner, addressed the Council, discussing the economics of rental vs. condo property.
They have created an exhibit creating 198 parking spaces in green space. Should there
be a need, the association can install the spaces. They project 50% owner occupied. The
entire property would convert at once, without a phase program. Current renters would
have right of first refusal.
Village Manager Reid Ottesen noted that a sprinkling system would have to be installed
prior to conversion.
Mayor Mullins asked about limiting the non-owner-occupied units.
Councilman Jezierski noted the 1.62 parking ratio and recommended a phase in plan for
the conversion.
Councilman Jezierski would like to have a report on the economic impact of inspections on
the Village.
Councilman Solberg noted that there are no designated ground parking spaces.
Village Manager Reid Ottesen stated that anything under a 1.8 parking space ratio is not
satisfactory.
Councilman Varroney, offered a substitute motion to approve based on the owners
agreement to meet the 1.8 parking ratio prior to conversion. Motion died for lack of a
second.
Councilman Jezierski, offered a substitute motion, seconded by Mayor Mullins, to direct
staff to conduct a study of the economic impact to the Village and to report the findings to
the Council.
Zachary Daniel, resident at Countryside, recommended that the Village do the impact study
of the current residents.

User Responses
From: Silas	Date: 11/20/2006
Very interesting. Too bad that they couldn't get the termination option in my lease! It has been the worst experience for me here. They are such liars at the office! This place is a real dump!
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/21/2007
Silas & bac82, I agree with you both. I feel extremely screwed over and ripped off living here because of all of the same problems I've had that everyone already wrote about.

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