Ridgecrest planning commission approves 42‑unit assisted‑living conversion amid tenant and infrastructure concerns

The Ridgecrest Planning Commission on Sept. 23 unanimously approved a conditional use permit to convert a five‑building commercial complex at 900 North Heritage Drive into a 42‑unit assisted‑living community.

Staff told commissioners the site is zoned for general commercial uses but that the proposed assisted‑living conversion meets setbacks and parking requirements and aligns with the city’s general‑plan goals to increase senior housing near commercial services. Staff also said the project qualifies for a CEQA exemption because it modifies an existing facility; staff recommended approval with conditions in the resolution attached to the project.

Ray Zelly, asset manager for Heritage Engineering and representing the applicant, described the plan as a modest campus with courtyards, an interior atrium and secure gates. "We are not canceling any leases," Zelly said, adding the developer plans to phase conversion, work with existing tenants and, where possible, relocate or keep some businesses on site until leases expire. He told the commission some tenant leases run through November and said the applicant will coordinate with contractors and engineers if the commission approves the permit.

The proposal drew mixed public reaction. David Lusk, a longtime Ridgecrest resident and tenant in the office park, asked whether the decision was already ‘‘a done deal’’ and warned the project could force at least two primary‑care doctors, two physician assistants and a nurse practitioner to leave town. "Will we be kicked out of the medical building for which we have provided services to Ridgecrest for 13 years?" he asked.

Others voiced support and concerns. Eric Burkhart, president of the Heritage Village Board of Directors, said the board supports more senior housing but urged the commission and applicant to study traffic flow and the aesthetics of proposed fencing. Renee West delusk, a Heritage Village homeowner, opposed the permit citing potential increases in emergency‑vehicle sirens, dumpster odor and negative impacts on property values; she also said the mailed hearing notice used an outdated map and that several medical businesses were not listed on the notice. Anne Bowman, a local dental practice owner, said she was worried the site’s water and sewer infrastructure might be insufficient for a 42‑50 unit facility.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on operational details. Commissioner Mondragon asked about landscaping and water use, saying, "We live in the desert. Water is scarce and it's a valuable resource." The applicant said landscape plans will be developed with a local contractor to use climate‑appropriate plantings and that staff will review the plans and water usage during follow‑up. Staff clarified that a conditional use permit runs with the current owner and that an extension request can be filed in writing if the applicant needs more time to meet conditions.

On procedure, staff explained that public hearing notice is mailed to property owners as required by law, which can leave commercial tenants without direct mailed notice; staff said that practice explains why some tenants reported learning of the hearing only shortly before the meeting. The applicant reiterated an intention to avoid abrupt tenant displacement and to work with affected businesses on timing and relocation options.

The commission approved the permit by voice vote; the five members present voted in favor. After the vote the public‑hearing record on the item was closed at 6:41 p.m. Next steps are for the applicant to satisfy the permit conditions and proceed with required building permits and agency reviews, including any fire and building‑code reviews before construction can begin.

The commission and staff noted the project’s timeline is contingent on engineering and contractor schedules; the applicant estimated initial work could begin within about 18 months but said full completion could take up to a couple of years, depending on identified conditions and approvals.