An assisted living facility in the Historic Benicia Arsenal will be the subject of a joint workshop between the Benicia Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Review Commission on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers.
The proposed project consists of two buildings. One is an assisted living facility with 188 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. The assisted living facility would be housed in a two- and three-story building.
The second building is a Memory Care facility and would consist of 85 rental units. The project is in the early stages of development. The workshop will give the developers an opportunity to hear concerns of businesses in the area, and citizens interested in the Arsenal.
Bill Simpkins, owner of Simpkins Auto Care Center is one of those with concerns because the project is across the street and downwind from his business. “I think most people understand that separation of commercial and residential is a must,” said Simpkins. “Would you want my repair shop next to your house?”
Steve Gizzi, of the law firm Gizzi and Reep, who is representing the developers noted that residents would be renters, not owners. “It’s very nice because it’s got the units for people to rent,” said Gizzi. “They aren’t buying, so if they are unhappy with the noise they can go somewhere else.”
Attorney Dana Dean, who represents Amports and was speaking on the company’s behalf, wasn’t as upbeat about the residential aspect of the project. “It has long been recognized in the City of Benicia that there are appropriate places for residential uses and inappropriate places,” said Dean.
According to Gizzi, his clients Rick Beasley and Nick Huettenhain will present their project to the commissioners but that they are there mostly to listen to the concerns of citizens.
“I think it has the potential to be a compatible use,” said Gizzi. “There is definitely a strong need for this type of facility in Benicia.”
“We’re just at the infancy of the project,” said Dean. “I can’t say our concerns can’t be resolved but I can say we have concerns. We are taking this very seriously.
Do you subscribe to the Benicia Patch newsletter? It brings our latest stories, blogs, announcements and the day's calendar events to your in-box early each morning.
Do you have opinions, experiences and views to share? Consider becoming a Benicia Patch blogger!
If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.
Black Drill Sergeant: Gump! What's your sole purpose in this Army? Forrest: To do whatever you tell me, Drill Sergeant! Black Drill Sergeant: Godamnit, Gump! You're a goddamned genius! That's the most outstanding answer I've ever heard. You must have a godamned I.Q. of a hundred and sixty! You are godamned gifted, Private Gump!
Since this isn't Section 8 housing, nor will it become Section 8 housing, let's focus on the real issue here: Is this a good idea for the Arsenal? Actually, this question goes out to everyone who has commented.
The term "hater" has become an altogether over used and asinine thing to call someone just because their viewpoint differs from your own. There is not a single iota of "hate-filled" sentiment in what I had to say. I have been trying to buy a home in Benicia now for a while as a single parent with a single income. I personally talked to the developers at Water's End about the new homes which were four, five and six bedroom homes. Do YOU not think that that is geared toward a wealthier demographic? Please, if you are going to make a comment, use some common sense. My statement was simply that Benicia is quite obviously not providing a lot to the much more realistic trend in 2012 of single parent families with one or two children. In addition Scott, I happen to qualify as one of the "hard working tax paying people" that Benicia is damned lucky to have as one of its residents. I deeply resent your implication that I am hateful toward any other group simply because I would like to see my own demographic be given a voice for once. Snap out of attack mode and try to equably see someone else's point of view.
I think that spending a few minutes on a sunday afternoon reviewing comments on an issue that is important to me is pretty important, so I am fine with it. I'm a pretty hard working person during the week, so this is about the only time I have to stay connected with what's happening in Benicia.
Thank you.
This is a private developer who has some experience building assisted care facilities. So far there have been no requests for tax breaks to make this affordable housing. So, to be clear, as presented the project is for profit and is not tax-payer funded.
Also as an aside, I've have visited quite a few assisted living/elderly care facilities with memory gardens as part of my occupation. From having seen these operations, I can opine that I really don't think that this area in the arsenal is an ideal location for this type of facility. My opinion is mainly based on traffic patterns and the inconvenience of the location.
I think you've struck the nail upon it's head.