The Planning and Zoning Commission looked favorably on a plan for a 134-resident independent and assisted living campus on a parcel near Saguaro and Shea Boulevards.

Dan Kauffman, a Fountain Hills developer, presented his plan to the commission April 23.

The package the commission was looking at included a zoning change, hillside protection easement abandonments, special use permit for the assisted living and cut and fill waiver.

Those items were combined in the Planned Area Development (PAD) request.

The commission considered and approved unanimously a concept plan for the project.

Commission Vice Chairman Mike Archambault questioned whether the density for the PAD proposal was greater than if regular multi-family were built on the site.

Kauffman explained that the plan is for nine dwelling units on the site up to 10,000 square feet with each accommodating approximately 15 people.

He described it as similar to a group home with a central gathering area and separate living suites for the residents. He said it would not be the same as having apartment units in the complex.

Archambault also questioned Kauffman’s reporting that the complex would bring up to $100,000 per year in sales tax to the town.

Archambault said that number does not appear to be accurate and wondered whether a retail complex on the site would generate more in revenue for the town.

Kauffman said his accountant arrived at that number and he is not certain how it was derived.

Archambault asked that the information be clarified before going to the council.

Archambault also proposed that the public art accommodation or payment be waived for the project. He also wanted a reversion clause stating that if the project were not built it would return to the straight C-1 zoning with no PAD.

All of those items were added to the motion to recommend council approval.

Kauffman had met with neighbors prior to the meeting and those who came to speak were generally positive about the proposed project, although there were some questions and concerns remaining.

Robert Huschen said he is not a resident of the neighborhood but does live across the street from Fountain View Village and said that facility is a good neighbor.

“I believe (The Hemingway) is a real asset to the community,” he said. “If we had stopped (Fountain View Village), who knows what would be there.”

Jane Bell lives near the site of the proposed project and said she likes the plan, but has a couple of concerns – the density and the noise and congestion that will go with construction for up to a year.

Kauffman said he has a plan to make the construction process as smooth as possible without disrupting the neighborhood.

Another neighbor, Glenn Mills, said he has no opinion for or against the project, but has concerns regarding traffic congestion around Trevino Drive where the entry will be, as well as parking on the site.

Kauffman said there are 90 parking spaces planned for the project, well over the number required.

Kauffman describes the facility as spacious single-level homes. He said they will have 15-foot ceilings with 16 individual suites for residents. There will be a large living room/library and large common kitchen.

The common space can also be used for educational programs, exercise, games, worship and social events. Residents will be able to dine in a common dining area.

On site there will also be a beauty parlor, medicine room, laundry and office. The facility will provide 55 jobs in the community.

He said the outside grounds will be designed to encourage family visits with walking areas, benches, a ramada, putting green and even a tot-lot playground for children who visit.

“Emphasis has been on the front yard of the residences with the landscape, sitting areas, resident water feature area …to allow residents to gather out front for more socialization as a well-rounded neighborhood should be,” Kauffman said.

The Town Council is scheduled to consider the plan May 21.