By Meg Peters
Review Staff Writer
Orion area seniors will have a new residential area to consider near Scripps Rd. and M24.
Pomeroy Living, a senior living community which provides both independent and memory care facilities, was approved for their special land use permit at the Planning Commission Board meeting November 20.
To continue moving forward, planning commission will be asked to approve site plans after the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality determines wetland site use, which could take up to 60 days.
Two residential communities would be built.
The first phase consists of a 63-unit community specifically designed for people affected by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in three small neighborhoods called Beacon Square. All lots would be connected to a half-acre courtyard.
Beacon Square will be licensed through the State of Michigan Health Department under its home for the aged designation.
The second phase will be expected to start 12 months after completion of the first phase. It will be an independent living community called The Tides composed of 120 units featuring fully equipped, large apartment homes.
The homes would be connected to a village center containing multiple dining, social and educational spaces, which will be open to the village and greater community alike in hopes of fostering intergenerational connectedness. This area will also be adjacent to family neighborhoods close by, churches, and other retail shopping options at another new site near M24 and Scripps called Orion Commons.
The total area for the two communities is approximately 19 acres, boarded by Scripps Rd, M24, and Stadium Drive.