ROGERS -- An apartment complex for developmentally disabled adults was tabled again by the Rogers Large Scale Development Planning Committee on Tuesday.
The 11-unit complex planned for the intersection of 45th and Oak streets was tabled so engineers can address committee members concerns with drainage. The plat was tabled for the same reason in March.
About 20 residents attended to speak against the plat if approved by the committee. Another 15 attended to speak in favor of the complex.
The plat would have been considered by the Planning Commission the same night, if approved during the large scale development meeting. Residents would have been allowed to speak during the commission meeting.
Bosts Inc. plans to build the complex on 2 acres. The Arkansas nonprofit group provides services and housing for disabled adults.
Kent Jones, Bost executive director, said the property would provide long-term living arrangements for people who have difficulty living alone. This could include people who are epileptic, autistic or physically disabled.
Apartments would be equipped to meet the needs for these individuals, Jones said. For example, doorways that are wider than traditional standards to accommodate wheelchairs. Each unit will have two bedrooms and will house two individuals. The complex could house up to 22 people.
Karen Bradshaw of Rogers said her 30-year-old son has a developmental disability. He lives with her. She said she's concerned about when she gets older and she's unable to care for him.
"These apartments would be affordable and convenient housing for him," Bradshaw said. "Other apartments cost $500 to $800 a month. He works 25 hours a week at minimal wage."
Jones said the apartments can be paid through a Medicare waiver that covers living expenses for developmentally disabled individuals. The affordability is one attraction for family members. He said the complex can also accommodate staff members who help people living there with tasks such as grocery shopping or cooking.
Mike McLemore, a resident near the proposed complex, said he and his neighbors aren't against the complex because it serves developmentally disabled individuals. He said they are against multi-family units in the region.
The property was rezoned from agriculture to residential office in 2007, McLemore said. He said residents didn't oppose the rezoning at that time.
"This is not a residential office," McLemore said. "This is a multi-family complex."
McLemore said residents didn't realize multi-family complexes are allowed in the residential office zoning.
Bosts Inc. can represent the complex to the Large Scale Development Committee during its meeting April 21 at 4 p.m. at 301 W. Chestnut St. If the property is approved it will be reviewed by the Planning Commission during a meeting the same night at 4:30 p.m.
NW News on 04/08/2015