Commission approves 141-bed skilled nursing and memory-care facility off Highway 200; conditions include HOA outreach on eastern buffer

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners on June 17 approved a special use permit for a proposed single-story skilled nursing and memory-care facility off Highway 200, across from the neighborhood Walmart and adjacent to Countryside Farms.

Applicant documents described a 141-bed facility on about 9.47 acres with a primary entrance from Highway 200, a deceleration lane and a service area and generator pad on the east side. Planning staff recommended approval with conditions; the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with agreed modifications. County engineering and fire staff reviewed traffic, access and response implications and requested coordination on turn lanes and transport coverage for the corridor.

The approval includes a modified Type B buffer along the shared property line with Countryside Farms. The applicant and staff agreed to increase plantings (shade and ornamental trees and a three-foot-high shrub hedge) instead of a six-foot wall, with additional plantings and screening around utilities and the generator. The applicant noted saved mature trees and explained the planned screening and grading; staff noted the facility will sit at slightly lower grade than adjacent residential parcels. The board added a condition directing the chair to meet with the neighboring homeowners association president about the eastern boundary and to confirm whether a wall should be constructed; the applicant agreed to that outreach.

Commissioner Stone moved to approve with the amended conditions; Commissioner McLean seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioners and applicant noted the facility fills local need for memory-care and long-term skilled nursing capacity and that the site plan will proceed to technical review and permitting.