Much to the chagrin of several dozen residents in the area, a 75,000-square-foot assisted living facility called Alexandria Memory Care will be constructed in the 2800 block of King Street in Alexandria. The three-story facility will house 66 units for those who are affected by memory impairment. Residents who spoke out against the development stated that there isn't enough room for the facility and that it will be "out of place." Despite these criticisms, the Alexandria Planning Commission unanimously approved a zoning change and special use permit for the development. One reason why the Commission approved the development is because it met the goal in the Alexandria Housing Master Plan to create "a variety of safe, quality housing choices that are affordable and accessible to households of all ages and abilities." The projection that the senior population will double between 2000 and 2030 also prompted approval from the Commission. As reported by Alexandria Times, the facility will be built on a triangular lot between Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare and the Ivy Hill Cemetery. Currently, there are only 17 assisted living facilities within 20 miles of Alexandria.
· Planning Commission approves controversial assisted living facility [Alexandria Times]
· New Nursing Care Center Adjacent to Woodbine Proposed [Old Town Alexandria Patch]
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