March 2012 Gem Lake Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 5 of 6 Developer Expresses Interest in Hansen Land (continued from page 1) land along County Road E, which is owned by Tom Hansen, as a potential site for a senior housing complex of some kind. No specific plans were discussed, such as exactly how big the complex might be or exactly where on the open land it might by situated. In order to get the conversation underway, Eric reviewed recent building activity by the company, which showed the facilities tend to house between 80 and 150 residents, spread out between the categories of independent living, assisted living and memory care. Most of the company's complexes offer all three options, which provides seniors with a continuum of care as they age. New Perspectives is now constructing a 151 unit community in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and recently opened a 145 unit community in West Bend, Wisconsin. Most of the facilities are between three and four stories high, include some underground parking and are rich in on-site features such as beauty salons, exercise rooms, movie theaters, on-site restaurants for residents. Some facilities include swimming pools that allow for physical therapy. Eric fielded a variety of questions from citizens including concerns over traffic, building height and security. He stated that traffic volume is usually not a concern, as residents typically no longer drive and on-site parking needs are fairly modest. Regarding security, he emphasized that the New Perspective model usually includes an on-site reception area that is staffed 24-7, which cuts down on security concerns. Regarding height, he explained that it is very important to reduce the distances that senior citizens have to walk to navigate a senior living facility. This can mean building up rather than out. Everyone concerned with this idea session emphasized that discussions were very initial and that no specific plans were underway. City Council members and the Gem Lake Planning Commission will discuss the idea in more detail at future meetings, in order to evaluate how such a facility might fit into the Gateway Zoning District, which covers the land where such a facility might reside. Although there are no specific drawings or plans, the developer stated that it would be most practical to locate the facility along County Road E on perhaps 5-8 acres of land, rather than moving it to the back portion of the open land. Comments from the public are welcome at anytime.