Planning commission recommends approval for 39-unit Greendale Senior Village on Technology Drive

The Lake St. Louis Planning and Zoning Commission on May 7 recommended that the Board of Aldermen approve a Major Site Plan for Greendale Senior Village, a proposed two-story, 39-unit rental senior living development on the north side of Technology Drive.

Robert Ring of Ring Property Company, LLC, and Matt Kriete of Engineering Surveys and Services presented the proposal for the 3.93-acre site bordering Autumnwood Forest Drive and ABC Daycare and Learning Center. The project targets residents 55 and older and would provide all two-bedroom, one-bath units. Ring said "the units will be rented" and that an onsite property manager would oversee the facility; he added the complex is not intended to be a full-service senior facility.

The applicant described site features including two entrances onto Technology Drive, a 10-foot-wide sidewalk parallel to the full frontage, stormwater management via a bioretention and detention basin on the west side of the property, and landscape mitigation of 212 trees, 21 street trees and roughly 540 shrubs. A 25-foot no-disturbance buffer is planned along the property’s north edge. Presenters said the project density is under 10 units per acre and that a 30-year deed restriction will require operation as a low-income facility for residents 55 and older; the applicant will make a parkland payment to the city.

Commissioners raised design and environmental concerns. Commissioner Rhonda Ferrett asked whether residents would own or rent units; Ring confirmed rental units and onsite management. Members questioned exterior lighting plans and placement of floodlights, and Alderman Jacalyn Schauer expressed concern about the proposed building elevations. During public comment, resident Dave Stalker said he was in favor of the development but asked about excavation and flood-plain impacts, and resident Zachary Schiller raised questions about the retention basin.

After discussion, Commissioner Rhonda Ferrett moved to recommend that the Board of Aldermen approve the Major Site Plan subject to the conditions listed in the Community Development Director’s staff report; Commissioner Ken Spoden seconded and the motion passed. The recommendation will go to the Board of Aldermen for final action.