The Town Council gave its unanimous approval for a development agreement and the concept plan for the proposed Copper Ridge senior living development at its regular session on Aug. 18.

The proposal would develop the vacant 12.24-acre site that wraps around the Bashas’ shopping center. The new development would be built along Avenue of the Fountains from LaMontana Drive to Westby Drive and north along Westby to Palisades Boulevard.

The project is planned for three phases, the first of which would be a 132-unit age restricted (62 and older) complex at Avenue of the Fountains and Westby. The initial phase also includes a 19,000 square-foot community clubhouse, parking and a park/drainage detention facility along Westby.

Phase II includes a two-story, 80,000 square foot assisted living facility with 60 living units and 52 memory care/physical rehabilitation beds.

A commercial component would make up Phase III at opposite ends of the site. A 12,000 square-foot commercial retail building is planned for the corner of Avenue of the Fountains and LaMontana Drive. A second 30,000 square-foot, two story commercial office/professional building is slated for the site at the corner of Westby and Palisades.

Residents of the Thunder Ridge development west of Westby, between Avenue of the Fountains and Palisades, are not happy with the proposed plan, and expressed concerns to the council.

The Thunder Ridge HOA has retained Fountain Hills Law Firm and former Town Councilman Tait Elkie to represent their interests.

In a letter to the council, Elkie states, “Although Thunder Ridge supports the principle of private development within the Town of Fountain Hills, its concerns lie in the foreseeable negative impact that the current Copper Ridge plans may have on existing communities, including Thunder Ridge and other nearby subdivisions.

“Copper Ridge, as currently proposed, will cause a significant devaluation of the 10 properties located adjacent to Westby Drive and indirectly devalue the remaining 71 properties located within Thunder Ridge, as well as other subdivisions and properties.”

Elkie also cites concerns with the building height (54 feet), a 14-foot excavation cut which, although contrary to the Zoning Ordinance, are being allowed through the development agreement.

They also have issues with potential traffic and noise concerns, according to Elkie.

Thunder Ridge resident Richard Crawford sent an email to council members stating he believes that three senior living centers in such close proximity (Fountain View Village, across Avenue of the Fountains from Thunder Ridge and Morning Star, a new location not yet open on Paul Nordin Parkway) is not a healthy or beneficial situation.

“We see no possible way that the apartments, assisted living, businesses will make it and they will be a burden on tax payers,” Crawford states.

Others commented that the plan was not consistent with the town’s Downtown Area Specific Plan or the Strategic Plan.

Councilman Alan Magazine stated that while those are useful documents, they are for planning purposes without legal status.

“We are not as transparent with citizens as we ought to be with these,” Magazine said. “It appears they are legal documents that need to be followed, but are only planning guidelines.

“In some cases they may conflict with ordinances.”

Councilwoman Cassie Hansen was pleased.

“They did a really nice job planning,” Hansen said. “There are steps in the façade and open space.

“This is a good plan, versatile and a good addition to the community.”

Mayor Linda Kavanagh said it achieves some of the council goals.

“I envision a lot of people in Fountain Hills who are empty nesters selling their bigger house to relocate into these units,” Kavanagh said. “That would allow families to move into the larger homes.”