The proposed retirement community to be built on Ohio University property is one step closer to reality after the Athens City Planning Commission yesterday granted preliminary approval for its development.
I think definitely we're going to make it
said Margaret Topping, head of Continuing Care Retirement Community for Athens. It's just a long process. The next step in that process will be a public hearing at 2 p.m. March 31 in the city building. The planning commission could grant final approval that afternoon, passing the matter to Athens City Council.
The retirement home has been controversial because of the proposed location, on a university-owned stretch of floodplain between Stimson Avenue and the Hocking River.
A public forum of about 100 people gathered in January to discuss the plans; some people were concerned about building a home for the elderly on a floodplain and others about the erosion of green space on the riverfront. Many senior citizens also were in attendance to make impassioned pleas for a retirement community.
Topping opened yesterday's meeting with such a plea, telling the planning commission members that Athens continually is losing valuable senior citizens because there is no sufficient retirement community for them.
After the meeting, Athens Mayor Ric Abel said the Columbus-based developer, National Church Residences has eased his concerns about the floodplain.
They've met all of our local regulations and exceeded them he said.
He said he thinks the planning commission, of which he is a member, will approve the plans but said he cannot predict council's final decision.
-Meredith Heagney
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Meredith Heagney
