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P&Z gives nod to new hospice location

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A new Hope Hospice cleared the Planning and Zoning hurdle Tuesday, as the commission approved a special exception to allow the end-of-life care facility to be built on Savona Parkway in a residential area.
A hospice is an allowable special exception within a multi-family district by the city’s Land Development regulations.
The new facility received universal praise from the commission and was unanimously approved.
The facility will be located at 1730 Savona Parkway, West.
“We really need this type of development … this is an excellent fit as far as the demographics go,” said Chairwoman Patti Martin.
Susan Bancer owns a single-family residence directly across from the forthcoming hospice location. Currently occuppied, Bancer argued the neighborhood — all residential — is not suited for the kind of traffic a new Hope Hospice facility would undoubtedly bring.
Bancer said she was previously a hospice volunteer.
“I understand the value of hospice, but this particular area, it has a school system nearby … this is better suited as multi-family,” Bancer said.
Commissioner Frank Triscari said the neighborhood “should be proud” to have the facility.
“The project is outstanding,” Triscari added.
In other news, P&Z approved a parking lot expansion for Barnes Family Chiropractic.
A home at 1520 S.E. 43rd St will have to be razed in favor of the parking lot.
Also, P&Z approved Ordinance 3-11, rezoning 216 acres near the Veterans Investment Zone from agriculture to industrial to help facilitate mixed use developments in that area.
The ordinance was unanimously approved ball the commission.
The acreage is where the previously announced “Patriot Plaza” will likely be constructed.
The development was announced as having medical, hotel and retail facilities.
City Council previously approved a funding mechanism that would allow Patriot Plaza’s developers to recoup $1.5 million over 15 years.