Brunswick Planning Commission continues discussions regarding proposed senior living property in existing special planning district

BRUNSWICK — The Brunswick Planning Commission has not yet approved the proposed senior living community that would be part of the city's fifth special planning district. Planning Commission discussed the property during its meeting Thursday. The property is at 953 Pearl Road. The current proposal is to turn it into an "active adult" community with 86 units and 18 buildings on around 16 acres. It would be for older adults who are seeking community and socialization. The area became a special planning district under a different senior living company in 2019. The company did not develop the property, and another senior living company purchased the land. The city is now working to determine if the new proposed plan for the space still meets the requirements of a special planning district. Doug Harsany was selected as a consultant to help determine if the proposal qualifies as a special planning district. Areas zoned as a special planning district typically have mixed-use design, and there was a debate on if this proposal met that standard. Harsany said he currently does not think the proposal is as strong as it needs to be for a special planning district. Yet, the developer could lean into handling sensitive areas on the property and its stated purpose of trying to develop something more than a typical community to strengthen its argument. "If they really want this to be a (special planning district), and they really want to lean into those things, then they're going to need to be able to demonstrate how they're doing that on their site plan," he said. Dave Baylis from Briar Hill Development said the property would not just feature senior housing but other amenities like a clubhouse, pickleball courts and green areas. The developer argued the units combined with the amenities makes the proposal fall under the required range or mix of compatible uses. The site being long and narrow with wetlands was also brought up as a reason for qualifying as a special planning district. "These amenities seem to be a standard now in any apartment complex or cluster homes," Planning Commission Chairman Joe Shirilla said. "How would they go beyond the standard because in the definition of a (special planning district), we need to have numerous entities that justify the (special planning district)." Other zoning options are potentially available for the property, but density would have to be decreased, Harsany said. "You could shrink this down, but then it starts defeating the purpose of a senior active community with less engagement, less people and less types of people," Baylis said. "This is already getting on the small side for active adults." Shirilla said the burden of proof is on the applicant to give written evidence as to why a special planning district is needed. He suggested the developer show its proof within the details of the plan itself. "In my perspective, you made a very good case for your business model," Planning Commission member Jeff Arona said. "I'm not convinced of what you presented in your plan tonight. I know I would not approve it as a (special planning district) in its current shape or form." The project was tabled on Thursday. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.