By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
A proposal for an assisted living facility on the east side of Bowling Green cleared a hurdle Wednesday evening following a public hearing on a zoning change for the project.
The Bowling Green Planning Commission voted to change the zoning for the 22-acre site from Interstate Commerce to Institutional zoning. The sole “no” vote on the request came from commission member Julie Broadwell, who questioned the wisdom of locating the senior living facility next to the truck fueling portion of the Quik Trip gas station currently being constructed.
The zoning recommendation now goes to BG City Council for a final ruling on the request.
The zoning request, submitted by Vermillion Development on behalf of the landowner Whitson Properties, involves three parcels, consisting of 22 acres. The acreage sits at the southeast corner of South Dunbridge Road and Expressway Drive – just to the south of the QuikTrip facility being built at the southeast corner of East Wooster Street and South Dunbridge Road. One of the parcels has access to East Wooster Street, just to the east of the Holiday Inn Express.
The proposed use of the property includes a three-story, 120-unit assisted living facility, to be called Silver Birch, to provide housing and care for seniors. Plans call for the acreage to include one residential building, 70 parking spaces, and a designated drop-off area for residents and visitors.
The property is presently used for agriculture.
The surrounding acreage is zoned interstate commerce to the north, industrial to the east, multi-family residential to the south, and innovative employment to the west. Another assisted living facility – the Willows – is already operating a bit south of the proposed Silver Birch.
Marcus LeVigne, of Vermillion Development, said the company currently operates 13 assisted living facilities in four states.
The facilities offer a natural progression for seniors – from living independently at their own home, to residing in a senior community, then if needed later, transitioning to a nursing home, LeVigne said.
“This lets our seniors age in place – rather than leaving their families,” he said.
LeVigne described the Silver Birch facilities as offering one-bedroom and studio apartments with kitchenettes. The units are unfurnished, so the residents can bring their furnishings from home.
The facility will also provide meals, nutritional services, social activities, and some health care assistance. The residents must be able to live independently, though staff can monitor medications and help with illnesses.
There will be no skilled nursing services or memory care, LeVigne said.
The estimated cost per unit will be $3,500 a month, with other services such as fitness programs and physical therapy being added on.
The Silver Birch facility is expected to have a total of 55 employees.
Broadwell asked LeVigne why Vermillion Development considered the setting, right next to a “truck stop,” as being a good fit for senior housing. LeVigne said there would be a landscaped buffer between the Quik Trip and Silver Birch.
“Our community is focused inward,” LeVigne said, adding, “We don’t believe there will be much of a noise impact.”
Planning commission member Abhishek Bhati asked about community outreach for residents living in the facility. He suggested it would be nice for residents to be able to spend time downtown and at the senior center just a block from downtown.
LeVigne said the facility will have a bus and will make “field trips.”
The facility will also be required to construct a sidewalk and multi-use path along South Dunbridge Road.
During the public portion of the hearing Wednesday evening, a city resident asked if Silver Birch will allow pets, since that accommodation is lacking at most assisted living facilities. That detail will be checked on.
