Warrenton aldermen in January gave the go-ahead for the owner of a senior living community on North Highway 47 to expand new homes into an unused corner of the Warren County Fairgrounds.
Ed …
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Warrenton aldermen in January gave the go-ahead for the owner of a senior living community on North Highway 47 to expand new homes into an unused corner of the Warren County Fairgrounds.
Ed Schmelz, the developer of the Orange Blossom Estates community, had requested approval for a 4.5-acre expansion that will add nine buildings with 36 total living units to the community. Orange Blossom Estates is an age-restricted housing complex that accepts residents 55 and older.
In contrast with other recent housing proposals, city leaders found no reasons to oppose the development. Warrenton Planning Director Tim Burks, presenting details of the project on Jan. 18, said staff believe the development won’t conflict with any surrounding properties, including the fairgrounds.
Questions from the aldermen consisted of a single short exchange between Alderman Jeff Jaspering and Burks.
“They’re just building the same stuff?” asked Jaspering.
“Yes, they’re just extending it to the south of the existing site.”
“Cool.”
Aldermen voted unanimously to approve the project.
From the city government’s perspective the project involves several different approvals, including changing the use of the property from recreational to residential, approving a permit to build multi-family housing, and accepting the building site plan.
City leaders and planning officials have largely been complimentary of the Orange Blossom development since it was initiated several years ago. The apartments are specially built to provide conveniences and avoid small hazards for senior residents.
The land that Orange Blossom Estates will expand onto was purchased last year from the Warren County Fair Association, which itself had purchased the property more than a decade ago. Association President Paul Owenby previously told The Record that the land had been reserved for a potential fairgrounds expansion that was unlikely to occur anytime soon.
During their Jan. 18 public meeting, Warrenton aldermen also approved the reactivation of a currently defunct Valvoline oil change station. The service station is located at the southeast corner of Highway 47 and Interstate 70.
A permit is required for motor vehicle service and repair facilities, explained Burks, and a new permit has to be issued if a building is vacant for more than a set amount of time. The service station has been vacant since 2016, Burks said.
New business proprietor Anthony Clerk told planning and zoning officials in January that the station would only offer typical preventive maintenance.
“We won’t be doing any heavy engine repair. ... It’ll be a drive-thru facility that focuses on oil changes, filters, wiper blades, fluids,” Clark said.
Aldermen unanimously approved a permit for the business, with conditions that no vehicles be stored outside overnight and no derelict vehicles be allowed on the lot.
