Residents near proposed assisted-living center criticize developer's plan
By LINDA TAYLOR
A proposed assisted-living center has drawn opposition from nearby residents, who say it would hurt their quality of life and property values.
Homeowners near Countryhill Drive and Rapp Road turned out in large numbers to voice their concerns to Keller’s planning advisory board on Monday. They urged members to deny developer Nisher Inc.’s request to build the center, Mustang Creek Estates.
The 4.8-acre development would house 104 assisted-living units in eight, one-story buildings on the north and northwest sides of the intersection. Plans call for each building to be 6,000 square feet.
Nearby residents said the campus would increase traffic, worsen drainage problems and drive down the value of their houses. Most residents who spoke said it would pose a safety risk to the many children who walk or ride bikes to schools.
"Country Hill Drive is a neighborhood street, not a major arterial road," Terry Leake said. "There are a number of kids who ride to school who access Country Hill to reach the marked crosswalk on Rapp Road. Having the entries to the facility on Country Hill could present some serious safety issues to those kids."
Architect Scott Roberts said the center would add fewer cars to area roads than a commercial center, which the site is currently zoned for.
"We feel this zoning and use is much less impactive than the uses possible under the [current] zoning," Roberts said. "The buildings are very residential in nature and are arranged at angles to create more interest. We will try to be the best neighbors we can."
But some residents oppose the center, citing potential harm to their home values.
"Every realtor I’ve talked to said you will narrow your prospects when potential buyers see the retirement community located at the entrance to the neighborhood," Mike Reed said. "This will definitely decrease the property value."
Despite that concern, Roberts said, values near a similar facility in Allen have risen steadily since it was built.
Board members had their own concerns, which centered on parking. With a proposed 28 parking spaces, most members felt the number would not be adequate to accommodate staff, visitors and residents who have their own vehicles.
"The part that really jumped out at me is you only have three handicapped spaces for eight buildings," member Leslie Sagar said. "Parking is a big issue. You have 28 spaces and 16 of them are for employees."
Doug Miller agreed with Sagar, saying the proposed parking could cause visitors to park on Countryhill Drive.
"By my calculations, you could have as many as 24 employees on the premises at one time," Miller said. "The parking is woefully inadequate."
Most board members seemed to favor a zoning change but disapproved of the Mustang Creek Estates plan.
"We have a real conundrum here," Gary Reaves said, praising Nisher’s preparations. "I do applaud your efforts, but I’ve listened to the residents and they have some very real concerns. I think this project as it is proposed is too much of a strain on this neighborhood and I cannot support it."
Renee Ramsey, the would-be owner of the center, said she was willing to work with the neighbors on their concerns, possibly even reducing the number of buildings from eight to six.
The board postponed a decision until December to allow opponents, the developer and city staff to work out major sticking points.
Linda Taylor is a special contributor to The Keller Citizen.
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