CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A senior living facility is coming to the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake and some people aren't happy about it.
On Tuesday, city council approved the Knell's Ridge Group Housing Development. It will fill roughly 12 acres of vacant land between Oak Grove Rd. and Knells Ridge Blvd. The development will have 125 units for both independent and assisted living, 26 town house-style condominiums and walking trails.
Jaleh Shea, Planning Director for the City of Chesapeake, said the development will be great for the senior community.
"That's something that we have a growing need in the community as our folks age," said Shea. "It's conveniently located on Battlefield Blvd. to provide transportation to Chesapeake General Hospital and all the services they need are conveniently located surrounding it."
But during the city council meeting, some people in the community said they're concerned the development will worsen traffic conditions in the area.
Victoria Nichols lives in Chesapeake, she said senior housing could be a danger to the area because it's too close to a major road.
"You do not want my 80-year-old dad out on Battlefield Blvd," said Nichols.
Others raised concerns about whether the development is safe for elders.
Several leaders within the development company, Bonaventure Realty Group, assured concerned citizens that a significant number of supervision and security measures are in place. There will be a gated area to ensure Alzheimer's patients can't wander away.
Shea said there is still no word as to when the development will be complete.