GCC gives first reading approval to assisted living facility, sends drive-thru back to planning board

GAINESVILLE - At its meeting Tuesday evening, the Gainesville City Council gave unanimous first reading approval to a rezoning request by Over the Hill Holdings, LLC to bring a 200-bed assisted living facility to Gainesville.<br /> <br /> The facility would be located on Thompson Bridge Road, north of Minor Drive.<br /> <br /> Brian Sticker, a co-owner of the business, says they expect there to be 130-140 residents when the facility is at full capacity, and that quality is more important than quantity.<br /> <br /> "We don't have a room under 400 square feet (when the legal minimum is 80 square feet)," said Sticker. "Of course all of that is secondary to our care."<br /> <br /> Sticker and co-owner Mike Pascoe already operate a similar facility in Canton, Georgia.<br /> <br /> They intend to use similar architecture as their first business.<br /> <br /> The 10-acre tract will also include a community boat dock and 20 attached independent living homes.<br /> <br /> "We found that there is a need for this facility in this area," said Sticker, who said their form of license allows for older folks to age in place for a longer period of time.<br /> <br /> Sticker said if the plan is given final approval at the council's December 16 meeting, they hope to close on the property by December 22, and start the construction process within 45-60 days.<br /> <br /> <b>OTHER BUSINESS:</b><br /> <br /> The council voted to send a proposal that would bring a drive-thru restaurant to Virginia Circle back the Planning and Appeals Board.<br /> <br /> A representative for applicant David P. Johnson said they have several issues they're hoping to work out, and that a simple denial could set them back eight to nine months by being forced to reapply.<br /> <br /> The planning board will take another look at the matter at its January 13 meeting.