Windermere Village proposed for McKinley Community Outreach Center property

Extended Housing, Inc. in Painesville has proposed Windermere Village, a housing development planned for land currently owned by the McKinley Community Outreach Center in Willoughby. The property, located at 1200 Lost Nation Road, is behind the outreach center, according to Karen McLeod, executive director of Extended Housing.

“We had a meeting with them and it’s a fit,” McLeod said. “Our mission aligns with the mission of the McKinley Community Outreach Center and we have an option to purchase the property.” The site is zoned for single-family use, and within that code, duplexes can be constructed. McLeod noted the project aligns with Extended Housing’s strategic plan to develop more housing on the western end of the city, addressing a local need.

Extended Housing was set to present the proposal to the Willoughby Planning Commission on April 23. The development would include two-bedroom units for families, featuring washer dryer hookups, garages, and full furnishings. McLeod said the company has been working closely with the city to understand its expectations.

“They want this to be a private drive, so an extension of Windermere (Drive),” she said. “The neighbors were concerned if you could go all the way through, so we took that into consideration. We did ask for variances, but we were not granted them, which is fine.”

McKinley Community Outreach Center’s director, Curt Currier, explained the decision to partner with Extended Housing. “We looked at originally doing a homeless shelter,” he said. “When we became aware of Extended Housing, their mission, purpose, the people they serve, we thought this coincides. One of the issues we considered was do we want to maximize profit out of the property and sell it to the highest bidder or sell it to somebody who would continue the mission we’re on in helping people. This was a natural marriage for us.”

Residents have expressed concerns about the project, particularly regarding code ordinances. Beth Morgan, director of the outreach center, stated McKinley is operating according to all proper ordinances. “We are doing great work in the community and value our reputation greatly,” she said.

Mayor Robert Fiala noted the project is reviewed as a major subdivision in an R-50 zoning district, which allows two-family dwellings. The city’s zoning map officially lists this area as R-50. The proposal continues to be evaluated by local authorities as it moves forward.

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