Zoning Board Supports Senior Housing Proposal for North Wheaton

Wheaton’s zoning board agreed to support a plan to build senior housing at 219 Parkway Drive when City Council considers a developer's proposal May 7.

The board voted 6-1 at a public hearing Tuesday night to recommend approval of Supportive Living Services' application for a planned unit development (PUD), to allow construction of a Heritage Woods senior living facility—a four-story, 84-unit complex for seniors on the 4-acre property. Scott Weller voted against recommending the proposal.

Residents that would be neighbors of the new development opposed the project during a public comment portion of the hearing, citing concerns about the height and size of the building in relation to neighboring homes.

Laura Christensen, president of the Planning and Zoning Board, read a letter from resident Neal Conley, who wrote that the development would not be a "good fit" for the neighborhood. He wrote that the building would "tower" over neighboring houses and "erode" their property values.

Conley also attached to his letter almost six pages of signatures from residents who oppose the proposed development, Christensen said.

Despite concerns that half the property is in a flood plain and the building's height, board members agreed that that the use of the property would fill an existing void in Wheaton.

“Something I think the city has felt strongly about is, we don’t want to relegate our seniors to commercial districts or industrial parks,” Christensen said. She added that many of Wheaton’s residents have been in Wheaton their entire lives and hope to stay.

Located near North Main Street, Christensen said the property is a “border area” between residential and commercial buildings, where seniors could enjoy being part of a residential neighborhood and walk to stores on Main Street.

While Wheaton needs senior housing, board member Scott Shorney said he struggled with the proposed height of the building. Board members Mark Sargis and Suzanne Fitch said the decision would be a "close call."

"There's definitely a need for senior housing in Wheaton," said Sargis, who said he'd rather see a three-story building on the property. Fitch agreed, "If it were three or three-and-a-half stories that would be better, but we have a piece of land that is inconducive to that,” she said.

Bard member Patricia Schwarze said the proposed development would be a “good use” for the property. She added that the management company has a “very good track record” for senior living facilities.

Christensen said with few residents who drive, the low volume of traffic at the development is a "plus" of the project.

Wheaton City Council will vote on the proposal at 7 p.m. Monday, May 7 at , 303 Wesley Street, Wheaton.