Developers preview memory‑care proposal for former Kevin Keyes site; council raises traffic and screening concerns

City staff and a development team presented a sketch plan May 6 to tear down the Kevin Keyes automotive site and build a three‑story, 20‑unit memory‑care facility. Staff said the project would require rezoning from PCD‑4 to PRD‑5, site‑plan review and several variances because of the site’s triangular shape and limited buildable area.

Josh Branson, president of Greco, described the memory‑care model and said the proposal was chosen after stakeholder meetings; he characterized the use as low‑traffic compared with other potential uses and said the design would emphasize safety, screening and a residential appearance. Architect Mindy Michael explained that memory‑care buildings are typically secured with magnetic locks and controlled access, and noted design strategies to discourage wandering and provide safe outdoor spaces.

Developers estimated daytime staffing of about seven employees (up to eight during transitions), overnight staffing of four, average daily visitors of one to five, and limited vendor/food deliveries a few times per week. Branson said emergency visits are historically low (one to three per month) and that the operator will use recognized data to size parking and operations; he also said an emergency‑only access off Eden Prairie Road is under discussion.

Council members asked for clearer sidewalk and pedestrian connections, a traffic and parking study, massing and neighborhood‑context visuals for the next submittal, and data on resident elopement or wandering incidents from comparable facilities. Several councilors and staff stressed the importance of landscaping and screening along the property edges and of addressing cut‑through traffic risk if multiple access points are proposed. No formal vote was taken at the sketch‑plan stage.