Council delays approval of 72‑bed assisted‑living expansion after parking concerns

Council members on Nov. 18 postponed consideration of a proposal to expand an existing assisted‑living facility at 71 West 30th Street from 40 to 72 beds after persistent questions about staffing levels, visitor and employee parking, and the potential for off‑site mitigation.

Applicant counsel Javi Vasquez told the council the operator will provide a parking study, a parking‑management plan and evidence of a lease or cross‑parking agreement with a neighboring property. Janet Suarez, the facility’s administrator, said the operator currently staffs the 40‑bed facility with more employees than required and estimated only a modest increase in staff would be needed for the expansion.

Council members repeatedly pressed for precise staffing counts and how many employees would be on site at peak daytime shifts. “If you have 72 beds, you need 12 employees,” one council member said, noting that peak‑shift staffing drives daytime parking demand. Vasquez responded that assisted‑living facilities have staggered staffing shifts and that the operator would secure off‑site parking and a parking‑management contingency if necessary.

Because council members remained unconvinced by verbal assurances alone, the applicant asked for, and the council granted, a deferral. The item was postponed to the Dec. 9 meeting with a request that the applicant submit a signed, sealed parking study, a parking lease or access agreement for additional spaces and clarified staffing plans before reconsideration.