Plans for a new senior independent living facility are on hold after the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission voted to table a rezoning request for the site.

The details

At their Jan. 20 meeting, commissioners voted to table a proposal to redevelop the former Plano Athletic Center site, which closed in June, into a new senior living facility.

Integrated Real Estate Group, a Southlake-based company that builds and manages senior housing across Texas, is requesting a zoning change to develop a five-story independent living facility on the 6.3-acre property.

The proposed project would be a new Watermere independent living and active adult facility, similar to locations in Frisco and McKinney. Trevor Armstrong, development manager for Integrated Real Estate Group, said the project would include 250 one- and two-bedroom units and about 30,000 square feet of amenities space.

The current planned development district, which covers 108 acres at the southeast corner of Park Boulevard and Preston Road, would need to be updated to include independent living as an allowed use and increase the maximum allowed building height for the site.

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What happened

City staff recommended denial of the request, citing concerns about building height, density and compatibility with surrounding uses, according to city documents.

Plano Senior Planner John Kim said current zoning limits the site to specific nonresidential uses and a two-story building. Additionally, Kim said recent Senate Bill 840 would allow the facility to be built up to 45 feet by right, but the applicant is requesting a 65-foot building.

“[The proposed height] does not match the adjacent buildings and can be out of character,” Kim said.

Staff also noted the project’s density does not align with Plano’s comprehensive plan, which recommends 10-to-22 dwelling units per acre for multifamily. The development is planned to have about 38.9 dwelling units per acre.

Kim said the city received 175 responses to the zoning change, with 168 in opposition.

In a letter to city officials, Armstrong said the proposed Watermere facility is “less dense and less disruptive than what could otherwise be built” under SB 840.

“Despite the recent code changes brought on by SB 840 that would allow an alternative, less public approval route, we believe the transparency of the rezoning process is a win-win for the city and the community at large,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said the proposed 65-foot height is needed for the project to work financially.

He said the building would include a lower level with structured parking, with residential units above. While some Watermere locations have three stories over parking, Armstrong said this site requires four stories to make the project viable.

“The only way to get the units we need is four stories over one podium [level],” Armstrong said.

Another perspective

Natasha Jamal, owner and executive director of Preston Park Montessori Academy, which is just below the site, opposed the development, citing safety concerns such as construction debris and dust.

“We’re opposed to any construction of this magnitude being built adjacent to our school,” Jamal said. “Any development at this location would negatively impact our ability to safely operate.”

Jamal said the school would not be able to mitigate the impacts of the development in a child care environment.

What they’re saying

Several commissioners said they support adding more senior housing in Plano but are concerned about how this specific project would affect nearby neighbors.

“The issue in this case is not the quality of the development. It’s not the need for senior living, which is beyond dispute at this point,” Commissioner Michael Brounoff said. “The sole issue in this case is impacts on neighboring properties.”

Because staff recommended denial, commissioners also noted that approval would require them to complete findings that show the proposal is “substantially beneficial” to the area.

Chair Bennett Ratliff said he supports adding senior housing options in Plano but had concerns about the visibility and impact of a taller building at the intersection.

“I believe it’s a perfect use for that intersection,” Ratliff said. “The concerns I have are the concerns of the neighbors, and I think we need to figure out if we can find a way to address those concerns about visibility.”

Commissioner Sean Lingenfelter said the building’s height is the main issue and asked the developer to work on ways to reduce impacts on the nearby day care.

What’s next?

The proposal will go back before the commission at its March 24 meeting.