Longwood Board recommends denial of special exception for ARO Senior Care facility expansion

In a recent meeting held at the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners, a proposal to expand an assisted living facility in Longwood sparked significant discussion among officials and community members. The facility, located at 2825 Waldens Pond Cove, currently accommodates six residents and seeks to increase its capacity to eight without any structural modifications.

The facility, known as ARO Senior Care, has been a part of the Mandarin Subdivision for over a decade, providing around-the-clock care for non-driving elderly residents. The request for a special exception to allow two additional residents was met with mixed reactions. While the applicant argued that the increase would not significantly impact traffic or the neighborhood's character, county staff raised concerns about the implications of such an expansion.

According to the staff report, the request meets only two of the ten criteria required for approval under the Seminole County land development code. The report highlighted that increasing the resident count could transform the facility's classification from residential to commercial, necessitating additional requirements such as parking and safety measures that would alter the neighborhood's appearance. Furthermore, the increase in residents was projected to lead to more traffic from staff, visitors, and medical professionals, which could disrupt the quiet residential environment.

During the meeting, the applicant, represented by CEO Chuck Bongiovanni, emphasized the facility's long-standing presence in the community and its commitment to providing quality care. He noted that the facility operates with minimal traffic, averaging only a few visitors each month, and argued that the additional residents would not significantly change this dynamic. Support from family members of current residents was also voiced, with testimonials highlighting the quality of care provided.

Despite the support, the Planning and Zoning Commission had previously voted unanimously to recommend denial of the request, citing concerns about compatibility with the surrounding residential area. Seven letters of opposition from local residents were submitted, further illustrating the community's apprehension regarding the proposed expansion.

As the meeting concluded, the Board of County Commissioners was urged to consider both the potential benefits of increased capacity for the vulnerable population served by the facility and the concerns raised by residents about maintaining the character of their neighborhood. The decision on whether to grant the special exception remains pending, leaving many in the community awaiting the outcome with bated breath.