Planning board approves 42-unit senior housing at 3272 National Road

The Village of Hebron Planning & Zoning Board voted unanimously to approve a variance and the final site plan for a 42-unit senior living development by National Church Residences at 3272 National Road (Parcel #078-334482-00.000).

Johnathan Holway presented the project to the board as a 55+ multifamily development financed through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. According to the presentation, National Church Residences will build, operate and manage the property; typical unit size is about 650 square feet. The board approved the variance after discussion; Mayor Valerie Mockus moved to approve and Scott Jacobs seconded. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Jacobs, McFarland, Mockus, Wolf and Stoner.

Board members asked staff and NCR representatives about several operational and site details. Economic & Community Development Director Brittany Misner said NCR coordinated with county staff and village superintendents to address stormwater and water management for the site, and that zoning and parcel size limit the project to 42 units unless additional land is acquired. When asked whether medical staff would be based on-site, Misner said she did not believe so but confirmed the fire department was involved to ensure emergency access.

NCR representative Sarajane Steffes described application logistics and services: prospective residents can add their contact information to an interest list, applications (online and paper) will be released about 120 days before opening, income will be verified, and units will be offered first-come, first-served with a waiting list thereafter. Steffes said a service coordinator will be on staff some hours each week and that NCR has discussed partnerships with the Licking County Aging Program and The Harbor Community Center in Buckeye Lake to support residents. On rent, Steffes said, "it will be a range due to serving seniors in different income levels, but between $500- $1,100 depending on market value." Mayor Mockus said, "Hopefully this will help a significant number of our residents obtain housing and be a nice fit within our community."

The board recorded the project address and parcel number in the public record and approved the variance as presented. The public hearing was opened and then adjourned before the regular meeting reconvened; the hearing adjournment motion passed unanimously at 6:27 p.m.