I’m a little troubled by commercial business in a residential zoning district. We have to look out for our neighborhoods. To me this is a simple ‘no’ vote.”

Brenda Kalivianakis, Fountain Hills Town Council member

The Fountain Hills Town Council has voted to deny a request by an assisted living provider to increase its resident count from 10 to 16.

The vote was 6-1 with Vice Mayor Sharron Grzybowski the only supporter.

Fountain Manor, an assisted living residence at the corner of Palisades Boulevard and Westby Drive has operated in Fountain Hills since 2005. It is licensed by the State of Arizona for 10 residents. The owners had applied to the Town of Fountain Hills for a Special Use Permit (SUP) to increase the number of residents to 14, plus two additional caregivers.

The structure is 4,259 square feet with the owner having no plans to expand the building footprint to accommodate additional beds. The request to exceed 10 residents moves the facility into a category that is more commercial in nature, according to Senior Planner Farhad Tavassoli. That triggers the requirement for the SUP. The expansion beyond 10 beds also changes the licensing requirements from the State Department of Health Services to include approval from the municipality.

People living in the neighborhood, which is predominantly multi-family residential, have opposed the permit citing concerns related to increased traffic and lack of parking. Staff received eight letters of opposition and three spoke at the council meeting to object. Town officials indicate there are nearly zero vehicles associated with the facility, and staff would require additional parking as a stipulation for the permit.

The town did receive letters of support for the Fountain Manor expansion coming primarily from relatives of residents living at the home.

Grzybowski said she does not believe it is up to the council to judge the comfort level of the residents. Also, those familiar with the facility seem to overwhelmingly support the expansion.

“I’m a little troubled by commercial business in a residential zoning district. We have to look out for our neighborhoods. To me this is a simple ‘no’ vote,” Councilwoman Brenda Kalivianakis said.