On February 28, The Graham Companies hosted a workshop to discuss a proposed Senior Village for Miami Lakes. It was discussed that an increasingly important component was never included to the Town’s master plan – senior housing and elderly care.
This void in the master plan has been discussed many times over the last decade by local government officials, the Elderly Affairs Committee, and Miami Lakes residents. Finally, a comprehensive plan to address senior living in the Town is being proposed by The Graham Companies.
The plan outlined at the workshop addressed four major components of senior living – independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and a community/activity center.
The Graham Companies would build and operate a 220-unit age-restricted rental community. Miami Jewish Health, one of South Florida’s leading providers of services for seniors, would operate a 100-bed assisted living facility and an 80-bed skilled nursing facility.
Further, The Graham Companies proposed to donate a 1.3-acre site and a 6,000 square-foot shell building to the Town for a senior community center.
Miami Lakes residents attending the workshop expressed various concerns including traffic, age restrictions, pricing, preference for Miami Lakes residents, and the need for a senior center.
With respect to traffic, it was discussed that the proposed development would produce significantly less traffic than what may otherwise be developed on the site.
The topic of age restrictions was answered that 55+ is the industry norm but understanding that the typical resident is usually significantly older.
Pricing was not specifically detailed, only addressed by indicating that rental rates of the apartments would be based on market conditions.
Preference for Miami Lakes residents poses a problem given the potential for discriminatory claims while also limiting the ability of current residents to move family and friends into their community.
Several residents questioned whether the Town needs a new senior center. They were referred to Town staff and elected officials as bringing a new senior center to Miami Lakes has been a goal of the Town for years.
Representatives of The Graham Companies stated they believe this is a truly unique opportunity for the Town that may never come again. If the available lakefront land is otherwise developed, there will not be another opportunity for the development of a Senior Village in Miami Lakes.
The proposed development is an opportunity not only for Town residents to age in place, but also an opportunity for Town residents that would like elderly members of their families to receive services in Miami Lakes.
First reading for the land use and zoning changes necessary to allow the Senior Village to move forward is scheduled for the April 18 Town Council meeting.
The Graham Companies is making information about the Senior Village available at www.grahamresidential.com.