Ames planning commission backs rezoning at 3220 Cameron School Road, including assisted‑living proposal

The Ames City Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 6 recommended that City Council approve rezoning and a companion master plan for 3220 Cameron School Road, changing the site from agricultural zoning to Convenience General Service (CGS) and floating Suburban Medium‑Density Residential (FSRM). The commission’s recommendation included the assisted‑living and memory‑care use proposed for part of the 21‑acre parcel.

The rezoning would place about 6.79 acres in CGS for neighborhood‑scale commercial uses and about 14.23 acres in FSRM for residential uses, according to the staff presentation. The applicant proposes an 87‑unit assisted‑living and memory‑care facility, a potential later phase of cottages on a 12‑acre parcel, and a master plan that staff said must be updated with building orientation, interconnectivity, access points, landscaping and a zoning agreement prior to council consideration.

Staff told the commission that sewer capacity is sufficient to serve the proposed mix of uses. "So we're able to serve this with sewer," Justin, city planning staff, said during the presentation. Staff also identified required roadway improvements, including turn lanes at the intersection of George Washington Carver (GW Carver) and Cameron School Road, and a future street extension and east–west connection through the site. Water service is provided by Xenia Rural…