LAKEPORT >> After nearly three hours of discussion, the Lakeport Planning Commission approved a new senior housing project.
The project will be constructed on 3-and-a-half acres of a total 10-acre parcel located at 1255 Martin St.,less than half a mile away from the 48-unit Bella Vista senior apartments complex.
Targeting income-qualifying seniors, the proposed project includes a total of 32 units, of which 26 would be one-bedroom units and six would be two-bedroom units, Cameron Johnson of Encino-based AMG & Associates said. The units will be arranged in five, two-story residential buildings.
A community building, spa, pool, covered picnic area, laundry room, computer room and exercise facility are included in the project’s proposal.
In May, the Lakeport City Council unanimously approved an expedited review of the project, as developer Pacific West Companies is “under special time constraints in which they must obtain … land use entitlements prior to and necessary for filing for financing applications,” according to Kevin Ingram, Lakeport community development director.
“We really need to strike while the iron is hot,” Johnson said.
Pacific West Companies also developed the Bella Vista senior apartment complex.
If all funding is secured and no delays are presented, the company expects to break ground on the project by September, according to Johnson.
The project’s impact on surrounding buildings was discussed, particularly about the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). Because repaving the road and installing sidewalks, curbs and gutters are included in the project, the commission wondered if response time would be affected.
A letter regarding the project and concerns was sent to the LCSO with no response received, Ingram said.
It was determined that the LCSO would experience little change in its day-to-day operations unless a major incident occurred, as deputies would already be on patrol.
As for environmental impact, “all vegetation removal and ground disturbing activities including clearing, grabbing, and grading in undisturbed areas shall occur between September 1 and February 1, outside of the typical nesting season, to avoid disturbing nesting birds.” If bats are detected, humane measures will be used to remove them.
Finally, commissioner Suzanne Russell voiced her desire to see loading zones or parking spaces included in the project’s plan, citing that the Bella Vista apartments did not have an area for cars to drop off or pick up passengers.
After nearly 45 minutes discussing the situation, the commission determined that of the complexes 36 parking spaces, 31 would be regular spots, four would be used for handicapped parking and one would be used for loading.
The commission approved the project with a 4-1 vote, with commissioner Ken Wicks dissenting.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
