Senior living Special Planning District to go to Brunswick City Council for approval

BRUNSWICK — Brunswick Planning Commission recommended approval to Brunswick City Council of the zoning, conceptual plan and development guidelines for Special Planning District No. 5 to turn the area into a 55 and older community. A public hearing was held for the special planning district on Thursday. Applicant Kevin Brokaw said the planning commission previously approved the property at 953 Pearl Road as an assisted living facility with multiple floors and nearly 150 units. The new plan comprises constructing 86 units across 18 buildings on approximately 16 acres of land. "What we have proposed now is what we believe is a much lower impact to the site and to the community," he said. The units are accessible to seniors with an open ranch floor plan, attached garages and a driveway, Brokaw said. There will also be amenities like a paved walking path, a dog park, a clubhouse, fitness room, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and a community garden with the goal of reducing the amount of driving residents have to do. "We think the end result here is a very well thought-out community that will work with the site, enhance the site, enhance the areas around the site and provide a really nice residential community for our seniors," he said. Special planning districts allow areas to have more-compatible uses and more flexible and creative designs than traditional zoning districts. Chairman Joe Shirilla said he believes the property fits the definition of a special planning district based on the detailed design guidelines, layout of the property and since the new plan deviates from the previous plan. "We've seen so many plans on this over so many years that eventually haven't worked out, and there's been a myriad of reasons why it didn't work out," board member Abbas Hasan said. "This, I guess, finally is one that actually works. It requires imagination, creativity and understanding of the lay of the land and how to fit the pieces together to make it something more fun for the city." The next step for the special planning district is for it to go before Council for three readings. The detailed site plan for the property will also need approval by the city. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.