Westland City Council considers nursing home proposal with contested access points

The Westland Planning Commission has taken a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services in the community by approving a proposed site plan for a new skilled nursing and rehabilitation center at 1155 North Wayne Road. The facility, which will feature 98 private suites, is designed to provide 24-hour care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy services, catering primarily to seniors in need of comprehensive support.

The site, spanning nearly 17 acres, was recently rezoned from single-family residential to a low-intensity commercial business district to facilitate this development. The nursing home will include various amenities such as a dining hall, kitchen, and social activity spaces, aiming to create a supportive environment for its residents.

The plan includes two full-service access points from Campus Drive, which has raised concerns among nearby residents of the Abbeys of Westland condominium complex. Residents expressed worries about increased traffic and the potential impact on the privately maintained road. They argued that the entrances should be relocated to Marquette or Wayne Road to mitigate these issues. The Abbeys' board president highlighted that the community bears the costs of maintaining Campus Drive and requested assurances regarding road maintenance and potential damages from construction traffic.

Despite these concerns, city officials believe that the access points are compliant with existing agreements and that the development will not detrimentally affect the surrounding area. The administration recommended approval of the site plan, emphasizing that it meets all zoning requirements and aligns with the community's future land use goals.

As the planning commission moves forward, the next steps will involve addressing the residents' concerns while ensuring that the nursing facility can begin operations to serve the community's healthcare needs effectively. The commission's decision marks a pivotal moment for Westland, promising to enhance local healthcare infrastructure while balancing the interests of existing residents.