December 10, 2008
JOHNS CREEK – The Johns Creek Planning Commission recommended approving a senior living complex off Fox Road, near Kimball Bridge Road on the west side of the city.
Principal Senior Living Group requested a change in zoning from R-5 Conditional to O-I (Office-Institutional) for a proposed 38,000 square-foot, one-story complex on five acres that will hold 59 units. Forty-seven of the units will be assisted living and 12 units will be for memory care.
The proposed facility would include a common dining area, living room, various common areas, a courtyard, hair salon and laundry services.
"We've been excited about coming into the Johns Creek area," said David Winters, partner at Principal Senior Living Group.
But some neighboring residents said they were concerned with the intersection of Fox and Kimball Bridge roads and said a traffic signal should be installed for safety reasons and to assist with traffic congestion in the area.
"The majority of (residents) don't drive so we feel that the impact would be very minimal," said Winters. The senior living community provides a service that drives residents to such places as doctor's appointments.
Winters added that he shares concerns over the intersection and would be willing to be part of making improvements to it.
Justin Kirouac, zoning and planning administrator for Johns Creek, said there would not be a significant increase in traffic in the area.
"It's been established that there are traffic issues at the intersection that are not caused by the proposed development," said Kirouac. "You would be placing the burden on (Principal Senior Living Group)."
City staff said traffic signals cost about $50,000 on average.
Kirouac said a traffic signal warrant study could be conducted to determine the need for one at the intersection.
The property of the proposed community is adjacent to Alpharetta's Webb Bridge Park. A portion of the proposed senior community property was originally intended for a children's day care facility, but Principal Senior Living Group scratched that off the plans.
"In the back there is some additional land and what we're going to use it for is questionable – we're not sure what we're going to use it for at the moment," said Winters.
At a Johns Creek Community Association meeting last month, Winters said the additional space could be used for independent senior villas in the future.
The Planning Commission conditioned the recommended approval to prohibit future uses such as parking garages, hotels, funeral homes and hotels, among others.
A public hearing for the zoning case will be held at a future City Council meeting.
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