HomeMy WebLinkAboutMORNINGSTAR ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE - PDP - PDP130024 - MINUTES/NOTES - CORRESPONDENCE-NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING (3)Q: How long until you start building? How long to finish?
A: Probably about a year (next spring). Take a year to build.
Q: There are many similar facilities nearby, main difference is the memory care.
A: Memory fairly different.
C: Without Alzheimer units, patients wouldn't get adequate care and would walk out from other assisted
living facilities.
Q: Where will the fences be?
A: Just around the memory care area. A 6' fence for the memory care portion.
Q: Will there be another meeting?
A: This is up to the applicant; we require for a project of this type to have a neighborhood meeting, but
only 1 is required. This may be the only neighborhood meeting.
Q: What about the public hearing?
A: This project is subject to a Planning & Zoning Board public hearing; they are the decision maker. You
will get a notice as to the time/place of hearing -- you are able to attend and give feedback.
Q: What are you taking back from this meeting, Jason?
A: Taking detailed meeting minutes of questions and concerns. It sounds like the three major concerns
are water and that drainage off the site are mitigated and not adding the problem, the proximity of the
building to the western property boundary and traffic.
A: (Applicant) in agreement on same issues, also looking at the entrance and where this should be
located. Look at the traffic study and see if there is need for additional mitigation. Need information out
of the title report.
Q: Does the water include the pond and mosquitoes?
A: Yes.
Q: Can you notify us of any changes?
A: Best way to keep informed is to be on the sign-up sheet and sign-up on the City's website to find out
about development projects coming up. Anyone who wants more information can e-mail or call me and
I'll give you the links and latest information. Detailed plans are available for review online or at the
planning department.
C: Can't get onto Horsetooth; 40mph speed limit but people are going faster.
A: This type of use has a lower traffic count than almost all other uses. Only a few residents will be
driving and staff is off-peak hours. They get to work before rush hour. Sadly family members don't visit
often and come during off-peak hours.
A:This kind of use generates about 200 trips per day. A bank or fastfood is more like 1200-1600 trips per
day.
C: Getting in for an ambulance seems like it would be difficult to get in during rush hour if there is an
emergency.
Q: Currently there isn't a bus that runs down Horsetooth; nearest on Lemay Ave. Are there plans for the
City to expand the routes? To go all the way down to the high school?
A: Yes; but not sure on specific bus routing, but would be incorporated into an existing route. During
preliminary meeting with City there is to be a pad for a bus stop yet to be determined. City aware there
needs to be a bus.
Q: Will bus be expanded just for this development or for the City master plan as a whole?
A: Can't answer why they are asking for a bus pad. When a development comes in it is the City's
opportunity to get certain improvements like a bus stop.
Q: We all pay HOA fees to maintain the neighborhood; will Morning Star help pay in dues?
A: Unlikely if you already have an established HOA.
A: Have a preliminary title report; we need this report first to fully answer. Need to get the information.
C: The owner of the land is the one that developed the nearby area. He built all of this. This land was
supposed to be what I said earlier (tennis courts, amenities, etc.). Whoever owns the property is
responsible for the ditch.
C: A very good use of the land compared to Drake/Lemay and Drake/Timberline -- those are going to be
huge. The density and volume of traffic is a picnic compared to intersections on Drake. A nice project
and a good use of the space. If you make it difficult for the developers your chances of getting high
density apartments may be worse.
C: There are many not against assisted living types of service, but it looks like it needs a redesign for two
parts and some City commitment to address water issues.
Q: Can anyone comment on how this might affect property values?
A: I'm not sure I am qualified to answer. If anything, what we have seen is that people between 40-65
generally like senior housing in their neighborhoods because it allows seniors to stay home and not
move out of the areas they grew up in.
A: I have a mother-in-law that went into a building/facility built 7 years ago. One of the things these
homes typically do is try to be in the community to have family close by and stay in the neighborhood
where they've been living. Won't be a multifamily apartment where things are going on at all hours of
the night; it will be a quiet community. Trying to make sure we address your needs and concerns. The
residents we're proposing are your neighbors now and providing quality housing and add to the
community, not detract from it.
Q: What is the cost to be in one of the units per month?
A: It depends on the amount of care the person needs, but run from 3,000 - 4,500 per month.
truck to pull in and have enough space and length for their hoses to get around the building. Only
preliminary feedback from the City, no proposal submitted yet.
Q: Are local businesses used for this development?
A: All the consultants are local.
A: Architect from Kansas City.
C: Collingdale units will be looking into the memory care units; located very close to this development.
Q: Will you be putting in mature trees to look at rather than the building?
A: We haven't developed the landscape plan. They will be mature, but not likely to be 50'. Likely a 2"
caliper tree. 10-12 feet in height.
Q: Is there a chance there will be a dirt access road for fire access?
A: No.
Q: Are you accepting veterans in the units?
A: Yes
Q: Do the assisted living have any facility in their rooms, microwaves or is it all in the dining room?
A: Each room has a kitchenette. Not independent cooking in their rooms; no stove or cooktop. Not
available in the memory care units.
A: Sink/shower, storage in memory care.
C: I think it is an appropriate use of the land. Everything looks great, but my concern is the elevation to
make the building level. As you level, the backyards are already flooding and swampy and this will
exacerbate the runoff during flooding times as it currently flows into the empty field. The complex is
squeezed to the back. Can you rotate and move the building slightly to help with the drainage/flooding
issues.
C: Why does the west wing have to be there, or shortened up a bit? Truncate that wing?
A: In order to keep it 2-stories there has to be a certain footprint, or you have to go to 3 stories.
A: 3 stories not permitted.
A: If you cut off too many, financially it doesn't work.
Q: Is this the only piece of property you looked at in Fort Collins?
A: Looked at many areas: Market study indicated this site would be the strongest. "
C: Looks like you need more space or larger property to build this. I don't see this is feasible with all the
groundwater and drainage problems; being so close to the condos -- why choose this spot?
A: Looked at what works and what the market study says.
C: After you place your development here, you'll really congest the area. Traffic is backed up from the
stoplight and if no stoplight can be put at Horsetooth/Lochwood, it is going to be very congested. How
many no -votes do we need to stop the project. The other places in town they aren't put into the
residential areas. On the westside of town, they have a lot of facilities with big open areas that is all
that's there. Why this piece of property is so prime to put this facility into.
A: We don't know if a light is completely infeasible or off the table. Traffic operations and city -staff will
look into this.
A: Evening shift more care managers, nurse from 8am-8pm. About 10 people.
A: Night shift about 3-4 people overnight.
Q: Are care managers CNAs?
A: No, these are mostly for skilled nursing facilities.
Q: How many total residents?
A: 75-85, some vacancies and majority of room single -occupied, but some married couples or some may
choose a roommate.
Q: Concerned about the detainment of water, can you do that in CO? and the bug issues with
mosquitoes and the effect of nearby wetlands heading out towards the power trail. What is the scope?
A: Cannot capture water and use it for a different use in CO -- does not really apply to holding water
temporarily and releasing downstream. This will be a detention pond (not holding water permanently)
for a short period of time before releasing downstream. Pond will hold back a certain quantity, but also
a water quality pond so contaminants settle out and water going out is cleaner; this is a requirement of
the City of Fort Collins.
Q: Will the pond be covered? It could be a safety issue.
A: Safety concerns when it is deep or has steep slopes. Try to keep the sides sloped very gently and it
will not be very deep and shallow because of water table issues. Will not likely be fenced in; no City
requirement to fence it in. Water will stay for roughly 24-48 hours.
Q: What will it take to put a pipe in?
A: Issue is likely figuring out how far downstream would be required, looking at costs and easements --
difficult to answer.
C: Most properties getting flooded are down the line, exacerbating the problem with all the pavement
being put in. When the Warren Lake area was developed and piping through it is seeping and the water
is coming through the stormwater drainage of the City. Would like to see a solution besides just a bigger
ditch. Can give the history of the ditch for the last 30 years.
C: Not all water comes from Warren. We have water standing on lawns after precipitation events.
Cherry Hill is a hill, and when it rains or snows it drains down the hill like a river. Causes problems with
mowing.
Q: Building footprint only using about half the land. Is this a prototype building that you are just trying
to fit onto the land. Will there be a phase 2 later on that we have to worry about? Why not spread the
building out throughout the rest of the site.
A: City development code has specific setbacks and orientations that help determine
location/size/orientation of the building.
A: Certain requirements of State jurisdictional like the length of corridors, and certain distances you
can't go over and can't get licensed. This layout tries to consolidate the corridors. Trying to make the
facility work under state guidelines and requirements.
A: There will be no phase 2.
A: Try and keep the hallways shorter and have more open and green space, make it feel like a garden.
Most residents will need some assistance and can't walk a long way.
A: Can design in many different ways and different unit compositions. There will be no road going back
around the building. We have to provide a space yet to be determined by the fire department for a
Q: The northernmost entrance is not very far from the A building of the Cherry Hills Condo, is there any
possibility for moving it south due to proximity to the buildings and many families, children, dogs and
pool across the street -- population not good at paying attention.
A: We would like to move it further south, but the location of the access may move slightly. Most
critical entrance is the one further south. The northern access may come down, but still need to work it
out with Staff. Site line distances coming around the curve not looked at quite yet.
Q: Are they both entrances/exits?
A: Yes
C: Poudre Fire Authority requires 2 entrance/access to the site.
Q: At what point in the process will a dust control plan or vibration plans be completed? Many
neighborhoods close by that will be disturbed.
A: Those plans will come near the completion of the project.
Q: Can we comment/input on that?
A: Not sure if you can comment but likely done before we pull a building permit. If there is a
requirement to come up with mitigation plans, would come after P&Z hearing.
A: It is a requirement for a state permit that a contractor is required to pull after approval by the City
showing erosion control measures. It doesn't mean there is no dust generated, but there are
requirements.
Q: What is the site zoned now?
A: This is one of the uses that could go in this zone. This zone district is Low Density Mixed -Use zone and
it is fairly restrictive. Parcel has been vacant for a long time. Uses could be neighborhood centers, such
as a convenience store, daycare, offices, clinics, places of worship, vets, etc. A gas station cannot go in
here because there is another too close by. If it wasn't this type of use, it would more than likely be
multifamily. .
C: Intersection of Horsetooth & Lochwood -- at this time it is already pretty dangerous, is there any
consideration for putting a traffic light or turn lanes? During rush hour can't turn left or out of the golf
course or Rolling Greens. City never planned for the traffic in the corridor. You can't walk or cross the
street either. Traffic has increased with the new hospital and police buildings.
Q: How disruptive will it be with ambulances and sirens?
A: Generally two types, will use ambu-cap service and they come for non emergency situations and take
them to the hospital (95%). If we tell them it's an emergency an ambulance will come with sirens, but
not as common.
C: We hear plenty of sirens as it is.
Q: Memory care is not skilled nursing?
A: No; we don't have any skilled nursing. Skilled nursing and assisted living are two different things.
Q: What types of staff will you have? Are shifts equal?
A: Majority are care managers, who do hands-on care, the assistance of bathing, dressing, grooming,
reminders, etc. Majority on day shift from 7am-3pm. Also dietary staff, dishwashers, cooks,
housekeepers, maintenance, business office functions (sales and marketing), director -- roughly 20-25
people on the day shift.
memory care. They use a formula that X number of seniors of this age and Y percentage will need
assistance in the near term.
A: Generally look for some drive -by traffic and for a residential feel that fits into a neighborhood. Similar
when you are building your house, you want other homes around; you don't build it next to skyscrapers.
So seniors can feel at home.
Q: What is the area planned for? It was planned as a Collingdale community area and tennis courts, this
has never come to pass. I was shown plans of the original intent, and now we're being told another
thing, can we believe this is going to happen now?
A: There is a process we have to go through with blessings by planners and the City. A significant
amount of work going into the project. When the market study says this is where we should be, we will
continue to move forward.
Q: Will the plans deviate very much?
A: There may be slight changes and details not looked at so far in this stage. We still need to do 3-
dimensional studies. We know historically what size equipment room or elevator rooms we need, but
each City may have unique requirements and some things may change, but minor deviations. The
massing may change some; we won't change from 2 stories. Roof pitch may change.
C/Q: I have gone out with my tools/equipment and cleaned the ditch from Horsetooth all the way down
to Shepardson Elementary and no one else would do it. During heavy rains or when the reservoir is full,
there is constant leakage and always water flowing through. Ditch becomes a mess and has flooded in
the past. Has flooded up to the patios of the condos and Shepardson is in the floodplain. I've had help
cleaning the ditch out. Collingdale HOA management has never done anything about the ditch. I have
contacted the City Councilwoman who got in touch with the City Manager with a response that it is not
the City's problem; it is Collingdale's concern. To make it better for homeowners (floodwaters, seepage)
and I believe it could be solved before the project is started and dug so there is an underground
conveyance through Shepardson. If that was done, where the ditch is could be landscape buffer and
hopefully flood less. Can the ditch be dug out and put underground?
A: Information that can be kept in mind. This sounds like more of an issue they may not be able to
completely solve because the ditch is not on their property.
C: City has told me the properties edging on the ditch are responsible for certain parts. This project
would be responsible for a certain part of the ditch. If the ditch is left without improvements, it is not
good. The developers are responsible for their portion of the ditch.
C: I have a sump pump in my basement because the water table is so high. During a storm it has flooded
and part of the fence came down. The water was above the concrete fence footings and the boards
rotted out. Many issues with water causing street damage. City claims there is too much pressure
underneath and street is again having issues. Please look into this and be aware for drainage.
A: Most of the drainage study issues we have not really begun except for preliminary discussions. A
detailed report will be prepared for the City's engineering department. Still a lot of information to
come, and we are aware of certain water issues, but not detailed analysis at this point.
Q: As the land lays today it is a small valley. Will dirt be brought in and leveled?
A: The portion in the rear will have to come up somewhat to comply with ADA requirements. Building
has to be on a single plane. Still some studying to do.
Elevation (on Horsetooth looking to the north). 2 story construction, using various materials (synthetic
stone, lap siding, shake shingles, wood trim around windows, composition shingles to match residential
neighborhoods, copper roof near some entrances) Roof peaks 6/6 or 6/12 slope. Incorporating different
textures and colors. No vinyl siding, all high quality materials.
Q&A Session:
Q: What is memory care, what are memory care units?
A: For residents with some form of dementia (Alzheimer's or dementia related). A secured unit with
their own courtyards, activity areas, dining areas.
Q: What will the fencing look like?
A: Generally wood, 7 feet high. A high -quality privacy fence with maybe lattice work.
Q: Outdoor lighting would be where?
A: There will be some specifically where the emergency exits are located. 4 exits (N, E, S, W). Lighting
on the building will be cut off and by code cannot spill over the property line. A photometric analysis will
be provided in the formal submittal. There is lighting for the parking and some landscape lighting.
Parking lot lighting fully -shielded so you can't see the light -source itself.
Q: Will there be extra streetlights and a traffic light put anywhere?
A: Difficult question to answer at this point. Because Lemay and Lochwood are so close together, it may
be problematic to install a second light; potential spacing issues. Timing of the two Lemay streetlights.
Required to do a full traffic study to determine how much traffic increase the project will add to the
street system. If a light is warranted, and they can make it work operationally, that is something to look
at.
Q: What are the staffing hours, when does the staff come and go?
A: Three shifts, 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am
Q: How close are the condominiums and the ditch? It looks like the D building is closest to the proposed
structure. Will there be lighting next to these buildings? When there are heavy rains, the ditch backs up
very quickly to the D building. Right now the land is absorbing the water, but with added pavement and
walkways with more draining in, it needs to be widened, deepened or diverted.
A: C, D, E are the close buildings. 80 feet from the D building.
A: A full drainage report of the area will be required for both minor and major storms. The drainage
ditch will have to convey both minor and major storm events. Water is not allowed to get up to buildings
on either side.
Q: Will that also apply to buildings down the street?
A: Yes, water must be safely conveyed to downstream pond. Pond on the corner of lot and cannot
release water on our site with any more frequency than with that is happening in current conditions.
Look at how much water is coming off open grass field and release water slowly out so it mimics what is
happening today.
Q: Why this location, what attracted you to Fort Collins?
A: We do market studies in many cities. We have 5 communities in Denver area, a new one in Co.
Springs and a market firm told us there was a need in the Fort Collins area for assisted living and
P4L-
Morning Star Assisted Living Neighborhood Meeting
February 25, 2013
Development Review Overview:
Q: Where are we in the development review process?
A: Step 3, Neighborhood Meeting. No formal submittal yet. Still need site plan, drainage plans,
landscape plans, traffic study etc. to get together for a formal submittal.
Q: Will we be notified of future public meetings?
A: If you received a notification for this neighborhood meeting, you will also get a letter for a public
hearing if the applicant decides to go forward to the Planning & Zoning Board. Please pick up a business
card in the back. The best way to give input to the P&Z Board is to send something in writing (either a
letter or email). Anything sent in writing will be printed out and is given to the members of the P&Z
Board. My email address is jholland@fcgov.com.
Applicant Presentation:
Visit morn ingstarseniorliving.com for more information on Morning Star and the company.
Building oriented to be 25 foot setback from Horsetooth per City Land Use Code build -to line. Land Use
Code encourages entrances near the intersection and parking to the side/behind the building.
Two access points that line up with existing streets. Parking and drop-off spaces. Parking for 58 cars, for
employees and visitors.
Continuous walkways and paths around the facility; sidewalk connections. Mostly open space to the
north and stormwater detention.
Loading and service area near the parking lot.
Have visibility for people coming to the site (primarily from E. Horsetooth Rd).
Most service delivery coming from Lochwood and Horsetooth; service areas located near the entrance
and away from existing condominiums.
Building fully equipped with sprinkler system. Other entrances for exit purposes, memory care wing to
the north and west.
A total of 77 units. 23 proposed memory care suites; all on the first floor with direct access and interior
courtyard area. Also assisted living suites on the first floor. Includes many amenity areas on the first
floor. Dining/kitchen and activity rooms located on the first floor near the front entrance. An open,
visual connection to the second floor.
On the second floor, it is comprised entirely of assisted living suites. Elevator and stairway located near
the center of the building.