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Zoning board backs Spirited Living senior community; members flag traffic and affordability concerns
Summary
The board voted to recommend a conditional use for Spirited Living’s continuing‑care retirement community on Bell Lane, a project proposing independent cottages plus assisted‑living and memory care; neighbors worried about traffic at a busy intersection while the applicant said shuttles and code‑required setbacks would mitigate impacts.
The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board on Nov. 13 recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a proposed continuing‑care retirement community from Spirited Living on the 3700 block of Bell Lane.
Developer Rich Chisholm said the proposal would include independent‑living cottages surrounding a main building that would offer assisted‑living and memory care services. The concept would allow residents to downsize into cottages and still use on‑site amenities; the applicant estimated cottages at roughly 1,200 square feet and said independent‑living rents would likely sit well above typical affordable thresholds — the applicant offered a range of about $6,000–$7,000 per month for the higher‑amenity cottages.
Neighbors raised safety concerns tied to a busy intersection near two schools. "Having seniors live in that congested area gives me heartburn," said resident Sherry Chapman, who cited difficulty exiting driveways during school traffic. The applicant said the community entrance would meet required distances from the intersection and that van service for residents would reduce trip generation. County staff noted the conceptual plan proposes 96 units in the main building and 52 cottages; traffic estimates were not presented as a full independent study at the hearing.
After discussion the board moved to recommend approval without objection; the advisory decision will be heard by the Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. for final action.
What happens next: The BOCC will consider the zoning board recommendation and any additional traffic or access conditions and issue a final decision at its Dec. 11 meeting.
