Minnesota company wants to build a 126-unit senior living complex in Peters
The Waters Senior Holdings LLC., a Minneapolis, Minn.-based developer, owner and operator of senior living complexes across the country, told Peters Township Council it wants to construct a $30 million, 126-unit senior living community at the intersection of Valley Brook Road and Friar Lane.
Paul Maenner of Waters Senior Holdings said the company has an option on 3.7 acres of land, which expires in September, adjacent to McMurray Town Center. He asked council if it would consider fast-tracking planned zoning changes so the project would be in compliance.
“Our challenge is that we are not aware of any specific time table under which the township is undertaking its updating of the zoning ordinance, which places us at a disadvantage relative to specific time lines our seller has allowed us to achieve project approvals,” Maenner said in a letter to council.
The project that Waters wants to construct in Peters would be one building, which could be three or four floors. There would be 78 independent living units and 48 personal care units. Also planned is a sit-down restaurant, a cafe, programming and common areas and an underground parking garage. The average age of someone living in a Waters independent living unit is just under 80 years of age, Maenner said during the March 28 council meeting.
“The Peters market has 11,000 people age 75 and older,” he said. “It is growing five times the rate of the current population.”
Maenner said the proposed complex is consistent with uses such as garden apartments and group living facilities currently allowed in the McMurray Town Center area. If built, the complex would generate 60 full-time jobs, he said.
“We strive not to have an institutional feel,” said Maenner.
Councilman Frank Arcuri called the project a “great idea,” but voiced concern about access to the property in case of an emergency.
“It’s a big thumbprint,” he said.
The company is in the process of developing a similar facility in Marshall Township in northern Allegheny County.
In other business, council agreed to hire Joseph Hursen as its new director of Public Works, replacing Peter Overcashier, who is retiring in July. Hursen, who works for the Virginia department of transportation, is expected to start in mid-April. His salary is $85,500.