The race isn’t over, but the Jewish Home and Care Center made it across one hurdle Monday night when the Mequon Planning Commission recommended the rezoning of 17.4 acres to allow construction of a senior housing residential facility just south of Mequon Rd. and west of Port Washington Rd.
At its meeting in June, the commission requested more information concerning the impact of increased traffic, sewer capacity and staffing of the facility. On Monday, Bill Hoppe, city engineer, said, “After reviewing the additional information, we’re satisfied all the issues were adequately addressed and we support the request for rezoning.”
The council will review the commission’s recommendation at its Aug. 13 meeting. If the recommendation is looked upon favorably, a public hearing will be held in September.
Rob Irwin, attorney representing the JHCC, said, “While Monday’s vote was gratifying, we still have a long way to go…. We needed the initial recommendation from the planning commission just to move forward. However, we still need the approval from the council and a conditional use permit from the planning commission.
“I’m pleased that the commission is satisfied with the concept from both an architectural and operational standpoint. That shows the merit of our project.”
Previously, the commission rejected a joint development proposal by the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and the JHCC on a 74-acre site owned by both entities. Following denial of the joint plan, the JHCC went forward on its own in Mequon, while the JCC is pursuing renovation and expansion of its facilities on the Karl Jewish Community Campus in Whitefish Bay.
While the JCC remains undecided about what to do with its parcel in Mequon, Mequon Planning Commissioner Dr. John Ridley questioned city staff about the use of the remaining 66 acres. “Will this [JHCC] project, in any way, make it more accessible for a community center to be built to the east?”
Brad Steinke, director of community development, said, “If this rezoning is approved, it will definitely not set the stage for the JCC. Actually, our intent is to change the land use plan for the remainder of the parcel to accommodate single- and multi-family housing.”
Several commissioners expressed disappointment that the location of the facility could not be moved to the eastern portion of the property.
Ald. Pamela Adams said, “I want to support this project, but wish it could be moved easterly. I can’t support plunking this institutional use in the middle of a residential zone.”
However, Commissioner Cindy Bock, who voted to recommend the rezoning, said while she wished “there was more transition between the project and the homes to the rear of the site … institutions such as schools and churches do belong in neighborhoods.”
Jerry Kurzer, whose property abuts the site, urged the commission to recommend the project.
He said, “Regarding the concerns stated by the commission at the June meeting, I think McDonald’s generates more traffic in a day than the Home will in a year; few people who reside in assisted living facilities have cars…; I prefer the siting on the property because I finally know what will be built behind my home …; and the most noise that will originate from the property will be ‘grandma’ yelling ‘bingo’!”
Plans call for mix of independent, assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing units, a hospice and memory care apartments.
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