Construction work wrapped up in 2012 on Myers Place, a new supportive housing development in Mount Prospect.
Mount Prospect trustees waived the required two readings and approved a conditional use permit for nonprofit the Kenneth Young Center to operate a mental health program for adults on the village’s south side.
The program known as “The Living Room” is offered at Kenneth Young’s Myers Place at Dempster Street and Busse Road. Because the type of program is not specifically addressed in village code, it is considered a “unique use” by the village and requires Kenneth Young Center to obtain the conditional use approval.
The Living Room allows for adults experiencing mental health crises and episodes to seek intervention and recovery. It is “intended as an alternative to an emergency department visit for psychiatric care,” the village said in a memo. Participation is voluntary and no violent behavior can be exhibited.
Converted from three offices at Myers Place in 2024, The Living Room has a six-guest capacity with a 23-hour stay limit. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Twenty-two Living Room facilities are currently run by community health agencies around the state. Two trained staff members are required to be on site at all times. Services offered include crisis intervention, peer support, professional counseling, and furnished recliners offering a safe space to relax.
“The Living Room’s 24/7 operation, nature of services, and higher potential for EMS or police intervention increases the intensity of the use beyond a traditional medical or professional office,” the village memo adds. Police responded to eight calls for service at The Living Room in its first year, the village reports, but calls have been down since then as police and the village work more closely with the facility.
Planning and zoning commissioners unanimously recommended the conditional use request on Feb. 26.
“I think it’s a vital service. I’ve had the opportunity to see before and after help, and they play such a vital role in transforming those individuals from absolutely needing help to coming out of that and having a clear thought process on how exactly they can continue to move forward,” said Trustee Vincent Dante. “I think this addition to it is outstanding.”
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