Submitted Photo This concept drawing shows the proposed site layout for a continuum of care senior living complex in southwest Minot.

A Minnesota developer cleared one hurdle Monday when the Minot Planning Commission approved its proposed retirement community in southwest Minot.

Southwest Crossing Partners is asking for a Planned Unit Development to include an assisted living facility, independent living residences and a nursing home, with future plans for twin homes. The request now goes to the Minot City Council.

Elements of the plan also will require other types of permits.

Those include getting permits for nursing home beds, which are under a moratorium in North Dakota. However, state law allows facilities to purchase or transfer beds from other facilities. Basic care beds also can be added by converting nursing home beds or by demonstrating a need based on area facilities being at least 90% full during the previous year. North Dakota’s moratorium has been in place since 1995.

The planning commission didn’t address need in its decision.

“The planning commission has nothing to do with that. We are talking about land use issues here,” principal planner Lance Lang reminded commissioners.

In May, the commission had heard from administrators at other nursing and assisted living centers who raised concern about the pressure additional facilities would put on a market that already has vacancies.

Southwest Crossing Partners had come to the planning commission in April and May. Its request was held over on both occasions for more information.

The proposal calls for a three-phased project. A 47-unit memory care facility and 110-unit assisted living facility originally were targeted to open in the fall of 2020. A 197-unit independent living facility would follow in 2021. A 200-bed skilled nursing facility is projected for completion in late summer of 2022. Twin homes will be built in the future as the last phase.

The site is located on the west side of the Trinity medical complex that is under construction.

The planning commission’s recommendation for approval includes several conditions, such as a traffic impact study, storm water management plan and other features that keep the project in line with city specifications.

Mark Black of Advantage Construction Management, representing Southwest Crossing Partners, said the company is prepared to meet the expectations.

“On landscaping, I think we will easily meet or exceed what we have established here as a standard,” he said, referring to the concept plans.

Information previously submitted to the commission regarding the project stated it offers residents a life plan community, where a person can move between the levels of care as needed. It would create a stronger economic environment with close to 200 jobs being created.

It would entail about 500,000-square-feet of floor space spread over four major buildings, along with ancillary buildings and other site improvements.

The project includes dedication of almost 12 acres of public open space or public trails. Nearly a three-quarter mile loop of paved walk is proposed around the perimeter of the phases that will be open for public use and include the west side of the lake, which will have viewing benches and picnic tables.

The assisted living and independent living facilities will be multi-story buildings. Amenities included in the design of each of the four proposed facilities are an ice cream parlor/cafe, central and private dining rooms, beauty and barber salons, craft, art and game rooms and living room. Certain facilities also will have a library, convenience and gift shop, computer lab, TV lounge, multi-media/performing arts center and fitness center.

The independent living facility is slated to have a billiard room, meeting room, spa and indoor pool, while the skilled nursing facility would have inpatient and outpatient occupational and physical therapy.

Outdoor amenities include 78 resident garage parking spaces with valet parking service, gazebo lounge, outdoor fireplace, dog park, putting green, shuffleboard court, barbecue lounge, arbor and multiple water features.

Commission approves rural subdivision

A proposed rural development received the approval of the Minot Planning Commission Monday, despite opposition from neighbors.

Terry Davis is requesting four rural residential lots to create Retriever Ridge Subdivision north of Minot. The property is located at 6601 13th St. NE.

The plan drew opposition from the Minot Gun Club, which has a range nearby. Club President Matt Monson raised concerns about flooding from drainage and tensions created by residential neighbors who might decide they don’t like the noise and traffic generated by the range. Another neighbor voiced concern over potential traffic on a privately maintained road in the area.

The commission attached conditions to its approval to require a storm water management plan and construction of 11th Street Northeast to township standards between 64th Avenue to the north property line of the plat. Commissioner Todd Wegenast stated the conditions address neighbors’ concerns. The commission voted 9-0 to recommend city council approval.