Commission recommends approval for Bee’s Place eight‑bed home‑plus care facility; neighbor voices traffic and safety concerns

The Shawnee County Planning Commission on Monday voted 6‑0 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for a home‑plus medical care facility called Bee’s Place at 738 Northeast 43rd Street in Soldier Township.

Planner Harine Perez presented CU2506 and summarized staff findings that the property is suitable for a small home‑like assisted‑living environment under RR‑1 zoning. Staff said the proposal would accommodate up to eight residents, maintain ADA‑compliant bathrooms and shared living spaces, and include staffing and parking requirements. Notices were mailed to 56 property owners within 1,000 feet; staff reported no responses.

An applicant who identified the proposed facility in staff materials as belonging to Kevin and Bridal Taylor described the project as a home‑style assisted‑living option named Bee’s Place and said it was inspired by family caregiving experience. The applicant said staffing could include two full‑time CMA/LPNs and four full‑time CNAs with additional part‑time night and weekend coverage; the applicant also said residents would not be driving themselves and that driveway space could be expanded as needed.

Neighbor Kayla Traver, who lives two doors down at 746 NE 43rd, spoke in opposition, saying she moved to the neighborhood for its quiet, family‑oriented character and raised concerns about the potential for increased emergency vehicle traffic, additional visitor trips, and effects on property values. Traver noted proximity to Seaman School District schools and asked how many vehicle trips and emergency calls the facility might generate.

The applicant responded that Bee’s Place is intended as a small, home‑like facility rather than a large institutional setting, repeated that residents are not expected to drive independently, and said the fire marshal and KDADS (Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services) approvals would be required before operations.

A commissioner moved to approve CU2506 based on the six staff recommendations; another commissioner seconded. The commission called the roll and recorded six votes in favor. Staff announced the recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners on Monday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m.

Staff conditions for approval include limiting occupancy to eight residents, requiring operation according to the business plan submitted with the application, screening trash and recycling containers, limiting signage to the size shown in the site plan (to be removed if the business ceases), providing parking at a ratio of one space per three beds, and securing all required state and local licenses and inspections prior to operation.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; final approval will be decided by the Board of County Commissioners at the Jan. 12 meeting.