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Developer proposes 40-bed nursing convalescent and extended-care facility near St. Joseph’s South; neighbors raise concerns about light and noise
Summary
A proposal to rezone a 3.97-acre site in Riverview to allow a 40-bed nursing convalescent and extended-care facility drew staff support and limited public concern at the hearing; the applicant limited building height, bed count and FAR and emphasized one-story design and primary access on Simmons Loop.
An applicant seeking to rezone a 3.97-acre parcel in Riverview told the Hillsborough County Zoning Hearing Master on May 19 that the intent is to develop a single-story nursing convalescent and extended-care facility with 24-hour inpatient services and up to 40 beds.
The project team described the site as adjacent to St. Joseph’s Hospital South and within a rapidly developing corridor on Simmons Loop. Rhea Hunter, the applicant’s planner, said the proposed facility would provide post-hospital discharge care and short inpatient rehabilitation services such as physical and occupational therapy; she said average stays would be about 13 days. “The proposed facility is to provide 24 hour inpatient services. There are no proposed outpatient services,” Hunter said during her presentation.
Why it matters: The facility is proposed in an area seeing rapid residential and medical development. Staff said the single-story design, a 0.25 FAR limit, a 25-foot maximum building height and other site design measures were intended to preserve compatibility with adjacent residences while locating patient access and parking along Simmons Loop.
Project specifics: The applicant proposed a single building limited to one story (25-foot maximum height), 40 beds, and a maximum FAR of 0.25. Primary vehicle access and patient drop-off would be on Simmons Loop, with secondary access to Mary Lou Drive. The plan includes a 20-foot perimeter buffer on the western property line and retention of existing vegetation where feasible; a 30-foot wetland buffer will be observed along the northern edge because of off-site wetlands.
Public comment: One nearby resident, Steven Unick of 6806 Simmons Loop, opposed the application in part because his property sits close to the proposed facility and he expressed concerns about potential noise and light intrusion. Unick asked whether there were reasons his parcel would not also be eligible for commercial rezoning; the hearing master clarified the matter: “The application under review tonight is all I’m considering, not any other properties,” the hearing master said.
Staff and recommendation: Development Services filed a revised staff report and recommended approval subject to conditions; Planning Commission staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and community plans. The hearing closed and the hearing master will file a written recommendation to be included in the BOCC record.
Ending: The applicant said the project had been well received at a community meeting and reiterated the design measures intended to reduce impacts on adjacent residences.
