Brunswick residents speak out against senior living project

BRUNSWICK — Brunswick residents spoke out against the proposed Provision Living project, which could bring a new senior living facility to the city, during the Brunswick City Council meeting Monday. The proposed project consists of a three-story combined assisted living and memory care facility with more than 80 units and more than 10 independent living cottages. It would be located in special planning district five on 953 Pearl Road near St. Ambrose Catholic Parish and a residential area. Resident Karen Howell said she collected more than 60 signatures of other residents who are against the plan. A concern of hers was the height of a three-story building. "It sets the wrong precedent for our city," she said. "Although probably better financially for them, it's not the correct option for this area, especially if it devalues the property and changes the character of our neighborhood. Many, many neighbors and Brunswick residents feel as strongly as I do." Resident Tom Tkacz said the facility would be an eyesore to residents and asked how many other potential sites were looked at in the city. "We moved to Brunswick probably a little more than a year ago from Parma, and the reason for that is because of the rural flavor that Brunswick has …" he said. "To put a facility like this in the middle of a residential area is just contrary to everything that we moved to Brunswick for." Ward 3 Councilman Brandon Lambert said in a Facebook post on his official account that he is also opposed to the building's location but not the project itself or the people who want to construct it. "Putting a three-story building in the middle of a residential neighborhood just doesn't feel right to me," he said. "I know that the vast majority of residents in those neighborhoods are opposed to it, and I want everyone to know that I stand with you." Brunswick Economic Director Grant Aungst said there is about a 25-foot drop from the peak of Pearl Road to where the facility would be. The change in elevation lessens the building's perceived height from the road. The new facility would also help solve existing stormwater management problems near Keller-Hanna Drive, Ganyard Avenue and Alice Avenue, he said. Stormwater and drainage requirements must be followed by the developers. A few years ago, a different company called Sanctus was approved to do a similar project in the area before backing out. A public hearing was held on Thursday by the planning commission for the Provision Living senior development, and the commission recommended City Council approve the current conceptual plan. The ordinance to do so was moved to a second reading during Monday's meeting. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.