Senior housing complex battling for approval

Diana Sahagun

Monday, Nov. 8, 1999 | 12:01 p.m.

A 43-acre senior housing complex that once drew a slew of opposition is heading before the North Las Vegas Planning Commission for final approval.

Ken Templeton Realty will appear before the commissioners at 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall Council Chambers for approval of a final development plan for a 442-unit senior housing complex near Alexander Road and Allen Lane.

But according to staff reports, the fire department and public works department are recommending the item be continued because a new site plan does not show enough detail. City staff members also are recommending a continuance so the developer can provide more information.

The Carefree Senior Housing project, which resulted in a master plan amendment that will allow senior apartment complexes to be developed in low-density housing zones, has been bouncing back and forth between the Planning Commission and the City Council for more than a year.

It was originally denied by the Planning Commission in August 1998 after about 200 residents protested.

Although it was approved by the council in March, the original site plans have changed since then.

According to staff reports, a Boys and Girls Club originally proposed at the southwest corner of Alexander Road and Allen Lane is now proposed as open space.

The senior complex has also been reduced from 472 units to 442 units.

According to the site plan, the proposed development would consist of four phases when construction begins. The first phase would consist of 23 buildings and a clubhouse. Phase two would consist of 15 buildings, phase three would consist of 18 buildings and phase four would consist of 19 buildings.

Site plans show the primary entrances would be next to Alexander Drive and Allen Lane. Earlier plans called for access from Valley Drive. In addition, a third entrance would be provided next to Alexander Road at the west end of the proposed development.

Bill Quinn, vice-president of Ken Templeton Realty, did not return repeated calls from the Sun.