The proposal to expand the Aeros Senior Care facility, located on Walden’s Pond Cove, was met with strong resistance during the public hearing. Many residents voiced their opposition, emphasizing the potential adverse effects on traffic and the residential nature of their neighborhood. Concerns centered on the increased number of visitors and staff that the facility’s expansion might attract, potentially altering the area’s tranquility.

Ray Sat, a long-time resident of the Mandarin subdivision, highlighted the potential for increased traffic and the lack of communication about the project. He noted a pattern in which properties without homeowners’ associations were being converted into assisted living facilities, raising concerns about the community’s changing landscape. Another resident, Nabil Gurgas, underscored that the community was not intended for business operations, emphasizing that the increase in residents would disrupt the neighborhood, particularly with the presence of children.

Elaine Scott, another resident, argued that the facility was not designed to support the needs of eight seniors, pointing out the potential for noise from ambulances and the overall disruption to the quiet residential area. She recalled previous agreements to limit the facility to six residents and argued that the proposed expansion would be financially exploitative.

The applicant, Carol McIntyre, sought to address these concerns by stating that the increase in residents would not impact traffic, estimating only minimal additional visits from families. She emphasized the growing need for additional elderly care options, arguing that the increase would not require structural modifications to the facility. Despite these assurances, the board remained concerned about the implications of transitioning the facility into a non-residential commercial use.

During the board’s deliberation, members discussed the adequacy of parking and the potential increase in traffic. One member emphasized the importance of zoning regulations in preparing for worst-case scenarios. Ultimately, the board decided that the expansion would impose additional burdens on the neighborhood.

The board’s decision to deny the application was a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners, who will make the final decision on May 13. Residents were encouraged to participate in the upcoming meeting if they had further interest in the matter.

In other proceedings, the board approved the Encore at Hillview Preliminary Subdivision Plan, which involves 28 townhome lots on 3.34 acres. The development was found to be compliant with local land development codes, and the motion passed without opposition. The applicant, Zachary Miller, noted the plan’s compliance with future land use regulations, stating that the process seemed straightforward.

Staffing updates were also provided during the meeting. Joy Giles was appointed as the new division manager for planning and development, and Dagmarie Sagera was introduced as the new deputy development services director. The board was informed about ongoing work sessions regarding updates to the land development code, signaling future discussions on zoning and planning matters.