GOLDEN — Jefferson County Commissioners approved a rezoning Tuesday that will allow for a 130-unit senior housing facility near the intersection of West Bowles Avenue and South Simms Street.
Nebraska-based can now move forward with the senior community that is geared toward residents 75 and older but is not a care facility.
Residents will be allowed only if they are 55 and older, but development director Bob Lewis said the average age at his other 11 communities around the country is 80.
Rent will include three meals per day and access to onsite facilities such as a movie theater, fitness classes, lounge area and a library. Lewis estimated the building would cost more than $25 million to construct.
“It gives the senior population here an option to stay in the area, get out of home ownership, pay monthly rent and go month to month,” Lewis told commissioners. “It also provides an option to be close to their children and grandchildren. We feel that’s needed.”
The 8 acres that the site will be built on has been vacant for decades and was previously zoned for commercial use. It is adjacent to a Rite Aid on the corner of Simms and Bowles.
The developer sought amendments to the rezoning request to ensure that tenants are 55 and older and lower the number of parking spaces required. The typical layout for a Resort Lifestyle Communities development involves 60 one-bedroom units, 62 two-bedroom units and four three-bedroom and studio apartments.
Commissioner Libby Szabo supported the development, saying that there had been time for a commercial development to come forward at that site.
“I hate driving by and seeing vacant lots,” Szabo said. “That doesn’t do anything for our property values or for our community.”
Jefferson county staff had concerns and said they would require 293 parking spaces for a development of this layout in normal zoning.
Commissioner Don Rosier shared that concern and asked for more spaces, especially considering that a portion of the parking provided would be in a garage that would cost additional rent. The developer accepted a request for 180 parking spaces after some debate.
Concerns also arose about the ability to enforce the 55 and older age limit with Commissioner Casey Tighe wondering why it was necessary for inclusion.
David Foster, legal counsel for the applicant, said he believed the age restriction is why there was no public outcry against the proposed development.
“I think the limitation is important because I think that’s why no one is here,” Foster said.
Tighe eventually decided to support the rezoning.
“I’m concerned about giving up commercial zoning,” Tighe said.” But I’ll vote yes because I think it’s a good development.”
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joe_vacc
