Planning commissioners consider special permit tonight

A homeowner's plan to turn her spacious Lakeview house into a care home for up to 10 seniors has sparked concerns in the community that has in place strict restrictions that prohibit it.

Carson City planning commissioners will consider granting the special use permit for Karen Kelly tonight. If approved, the private home could open for residents by the summer, Kelly said.

Kelly operates three similar care homes in the San Diego area and has been in the business for the past 10 years. The home at 4150 Namuga Pass would offer lake views and a private, serene space for elderly people who don't have dementia or any needs that would require a lock-down situation.

"That house is perfect for an elderly care place," Kelly said. "It's a regular home environment like as if we would be taking care of our own parents. It's going to be great for them. Why shouldn't they have all these wonderful amenities of this neighborhood that these other folks have?"

Senior residents who will be age 65 and older would be selected for the home by Kelly. The cost for each resident would range from $3,000 to $3,500 each month for full-time care. Two assistants would live at the house full-time, she said. Residents are typically chosen for their compatibility to live with others who they could play cards with, talk and befriend.

Usually, the residents sit outside, walk the grounds of the property, which is nestled on a large lot among other residential homes with spacious lots. They aren't usually fit to walk around the neighborhood, Kelly said.

"It will be a couple of gentlemen and a couple of ladies who would sit together, play cards and enjoy each other's company, just like a family would do," Kelly said. "They won't even know we're here. Everybody's going to be amazed after all this brew-ha-ha."

Kelly said she is aware of the concern among neighbors and feels a lot of misconception is spreading in the community. She walked the exclusive neighborhood Tuesday afternoon passing out fliers and trying to meet and talk with neighbors to explain her plans for the home.

The somewhat-isolated area of 300 homes is made up of many retired homeowners mixed with working professionals and families.

Lakeview Homeowners Association president Linda Costa said residents are heavily opposed to the idea of placing an elder-care home in the area. The subdivision has in place certain rules and covenants that have been approved by the city prohibiting commercial operations.

Also, the lack of snowplow maintenance and lack of sidewalks would present safety issues for emergency vehicles, Costa said.

"The biggest issue is that if this is approved, it basically goes against the (neighborhood rules) established in 1979," Costa said. "This is a threat to all communities with CC&Rs."

Costa has been in contact with residents and many are expected to attend tonight's meeting.

Resident Gil Yanuck said when he bought his home seven years ago, he and others relied on the neighborhood regulations that prohibited these types of homes and businesses. He said the issue may end up in court if a special use permit is granted by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

"I don't think we're trying to be a bad guy," Yanuck said. "We think when you choose a location, you've got to look at all aspects of that location. I don't think it would be in the best interest of the people living there. There would be much more suitable locations in Carson City with better access than up here isolated in Lakeview."

City staff is recommending the commission allow the care home to operate and issue the special-use permit.

IF YOU GO

What: Carson City Planning

Commission meeting

When: 5 p.m. tonight

Where: Sierra Room, Carson City

Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.