The Augusta Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning to allow the former A. Brian Merry Elementary School building to be renovated into a senior living facility, Monday afternoon.
George Locke McKnight recused himself to go before his fellow commissioners as they considered his petition to rezone the eight-acre property at 415 Boy Scout Road from One-family Residential (both R-1 and R-1A) to Multi-family Residential (R-3B).
The concept plan for the proposed 48-unit assisted living complex indicates it would have side and rear setbacks of 25 feet. Planning staff noted that this would require McKnight to later apply for a variance allowing this from the Board of Zoning Appeals, as R-3B zoning requires 50-foot rear setbacks.
“You look at assisted living, and the way I’m looking at it kind of scares me, because you go in there and there’s just a bed and… there’s only one way out,” said McKnight, highlighting the features of the building already suitable for the renovation, such as the gym and cafeteria, as well as those he plans to add, such as walking trails, tennis courts and a swimming pool. “We’re going to have a lot of amenities here that go with the school.”
Most of the responses from residents who attended the meeting were not so much opposed to the project, but did have some concerns. Local attorney Lee Prather, who owns a home near the parcel, urged commissioners to include a condition that residents of the dwellings must be aged 65 or older, to avoid the renewed building being later offered as low-income rental.
Betsy Sharp, a neighbor of Prather’s, agreed, and asked whether the building would expand in the future, particularly in height.
“I’m happy that they’re going to just remodel the school,” said Sharp. “I hate to lose the school, and so I’m happy for all that. It’s just, how can we as residents be protected? That it’s not going to turn into apartments, that’s our huge concern.”
Staff noted that the age restriction for residents of the facility was already a recommended condition for approval. Responding to concerns about the height, McKnight explained that since the development would be using the building already present on the property, one would be “financially limited” in attempting to raise up that existing structure.
McKnight agreed to an added condition that the structure not exceed two stories. All of the other planning commissioners save for Donnie Smith, who abstained, he said, due to a conflict of interest, voted to recommend approving the rezoning.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
