Senior living project approved in Clemmons: Petitioner lowers building height and number of units in revised site plan

CLEMMONS — After continuing a public hearing from the previous meeting because of changes to the site plan, the Clemmons Village Council unanimously approved a zoning map amendment for Abattoir Properties LLC involving an independent senior living project located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Fair Oaks Drive and Harper Road in Monday night’s meeting.

The final vote was 5-0 in favor for real property owned by Abattoir Properties LLC with the request from RS-15 (Residential, Single Family) to PB-S (Pedestrian Business — Special), with the petitioner requesting multifamily as a use, for properties addressed 7420 Fair Oaks Drive and 7452 Fair Oaks Drive, consisting of 2.188 acres (Zoning Docket SZMA-24-1).

Planner Doug Moore noted in his comments that the applicant had worked with the planning board and had a recommendation to lower the building from four stories to three stories along with reducing the number of units from 62 to 52.

In addition to the structure not being as tall with fewer units, an adjustment was made with the parking with just 52 spaces, including four for handicap accessibility, and that the two parcels would be combined into one.

Moore said that the project conforms with the comprehensive plan and future land use map, that the area is consistent with an institutional designation and that the developer is going to restrict the minimum age of residents to 62.

During the public hearing, council member Mary Cameron asked the petitioner, Carl Carney, about the need for this kind of facility.

“We did the project across the street, which was 54 independent living units,” Carney said. “We had a study done before we did those showing over 1,000 needed senior housing units. After we built that project we were able to make a deal with the Lutherans to purchase that. That thing filled up in about four months. So was there a need in the community? That was a resounding yes.

“Clemmons is very underserved, and there is a lot of need in this community. Our population is aging. Clemmons is a fantastic place to live. This gives them a clear path to be able to move into a smaller facility with people their own age where they can do things together and socialize and not have all of the concerns of a yard and a house and all the other things to take care of.”

Carney added that fewer units will reduce the traffic impact and the reduction in parking places means “listening to the community and their concerns about impervious versus pervious” regarding stormwater.

The Planning Board previously approved the project with a vote of 3-2, and the staff also recommended approval with the new conditions.

Also in Monday night’s meeting, the council heard from Village Manager Mike Gunnell with a staff recommendation of moving forward with a pavement condition study for $37,830 with Summit Engineering.

“The last pavement condition survey was done in 2019,” Gunnell said. “We’re into it about five years, so I think it’s time that we get another one. We’d like to get it done before we continue with any more paving.”

Council member Randy Wooden asked if this was a customary time frame for this kind of work.

“We’ve typically done it about every four to five years,” Gunnell said. “It gives us an evaluation of our streets, and here lately we’ve increased our pavement index to above standard, and we’d like to continue to do so.”

Mayor Mike Rogers added: “Quality roads equals higher home values.”

The request was approved unanimously by the council.

The board also received a quarterly stormwater update from Emily Harrison, stormwater technician II. Her report covering the months from April through June included 22 structure repairs, 12 right-of-way ditch line projects, one minor culvert replacement and one shoulder repair.

Harrison also gave updates on public outreach, including a visit to the Southwest Elementary Pre-K 4-year-old EC classrooms and events such as Clemmons Wheels & Squeals, Clemmons Middle School Spring Fling and the Clemmons Community Spring Cleanup.

In other highlights from Monday night’s meeting, the council:

• Approved a budget amendment of $20,000 for the replacement of the HVAC unit at village hall.
• Approved the low bid of $85,416 from Marvin’s Garage Doors regarding a budgeted item for Public Works for boxing in the front shed at Public Works.
• Approved the street closing/right-of-way abandonment for Tumbleweed Trail with Gunnell stating there was “no need for a stub at this point.”
• Decided to move the next council retreat to Monday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. prior to the regular meeting that night at 6 p.m.
• Heard that Shontell Robinson, the new manager in Forsyth County, would be having a meet and greet session next Tuesday, July 30, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Clemmons library to hear from citizens in the community.
• Heard from Shannon Ford, marketing and communications director, that the recent Christmas in July event was “a huge success” along with the first-ever Clemmons Farmers Market in the evening.

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