On February 21, 2015, after more than two years of development review and a six-hour public hearing including 53 speakers representing both sides of the issue, the Alexandria City Council approved a rezoning and development special use permit for the 66-unit Alexandria Memory Care Center by a required 6–1 supermajority vote. The Center, adjacent to the Woodbine Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility on King Street, will serve as a senior living facility specifically designed to provide care for 66 residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
WCL&W shareholder Cathy Puskar represented the applicant, 2811 King Street, Inc., and led the development team through the long and controversial review process. Cathy and the development team worked with City staff and the community to address issues associated with the applications including building mass and scale, architecture, site design, tree preservation, affordability, and other technical items.
The approved Center meets the high bar set by City staff and the community to ensure compatibility with the adjacent residential neighborhood while addressing the critical need for senior assisted living facilities set forth in the City’s Strategic Plan on Aging. In consideration of Alexandria’s strong commitment to its seniors and the provision of affordable housing, two beds at the Center will be provided at a 40% subsidy for the life of the facility. Cathy’s counsel and determination brought this arduous and contentious process to a successful conclusion.
