Ocoee approves plans for independent-living facility

Ocoee soon may become home to a new independent-living facility.

During its Aug. 7 City Commission meeting, Ocoee leaders approved the preliminary/final site plan for the proposed Arya Independent Living facility. 

The facility is to be located north of Roberson Road and east of Tomyn Boulevard on a 10.47-acre property — 2.45 acres of which are designated wetlands/floodzones and would not be developed. The property, which is currently vacant, has a future land-use designation of low-density residential and conservation/floodplains. 

According to the site plan, the four-story facility would measure 203,000 square feet and host 148 units, which may only be occupied by tenants who are 55 and older.

Plans show the facility would have one main access point at Roberson Road, which would be aligned with the existing George Bailey Park entrance across Roberson.

A 220-foot left-turn lane leading into the site also would be provided for an adjacent assisted-living facility named Legacy Lifestyles, which is about to break ground and will hold 120 beds.

The developer intends to provide older citizens the opportunity to age in place or have someone live next to their spouse who may need daily care, according to the agenda.

The applicant is requesting one waiver in relation to the proposed project regarding maximum height. According to city code, the maximum allowed height is 35 feet, but the developer is requesting a waiver for 53 feet.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The City Commission approved an agreement with Renaissance Charter School and Innovation Montessori that will provide the city a $140,000 reimbursement for providing school resource officers.
• Although the city intended to award a contract for the Ocoee Lake Park Phase 1A project, the city only received one bid from Oelrich Construction. City staff recommended the commission reject the single bid because it was substantially higher than estimated construction costs from S&ME — the firm contracted to design the park.
• The commission certified the non-ad-valorem assessment roll for solid waste, stormwater and fire protection. This year, solid waste fees are expected to generate about $3.2 million for the city’s solid waste fund; stormwater fees are expected to generate about $3.3 million for the city’s stormwater fund; and fire protection fees are expected to generate about $2 million in revenue. 
• Commissioners approved the first reading of a rezoning request regarding a vacant 4.51-acre property owned by Top Gun Cheer located at 651 S. Bluford Ave. If approved in its second reading, the property will be zoned from City of Ocoee General Industrial to City of Ocoee Light Industrial.