The Snellville City Council recently voted 5 to 1, with Councilmember Bobby Howard voting against, to approve zoning changes to build a senior living development at Tree Lane and New Hampton Drive behind Eastside Medical Center.

Senior Lifestyle Corporation and Griffin Fine Living plan to construct a 201-unit mixed-senior housing development for those 62 and older. The project will consist of 24 independent living cottages, duplexes and triplexes, 64 assisted living units and 32 memory care units in a 3-story, 75,000-square foot building, and 81 independent living units located in a three-story, 89,000-square foot building with the option to add up to 192 additional senior-type units and/or not exceed 51,500-square foot of medical offices at a later time.

The approval followed a public hearing that included several homeowners from adjacent properties to the development expressing concern about the impact of a three-story building directly behind their homes. The developer agreed to a 50-foot non-disturbed buffer along the adjacent residential property line and Waterford Township Community development. The buffer will be enhanced with evergreen landscaping and plantings, subject to the city’s review and approval, with limited access for utilities and landscaping maintenance. The buffer also includes a row of evergreen plants where necessary to create a visual screen. The building may not exceed 60 feet in height.

The city council’s approval came with a list of additional conditions including one restricting all service and supply deliveries and pickups, including moving vans and trucks, using the rear loading area be limited to between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.