Project could energize land

Greenfield — A 150-unit senior living facility is proposed for 20 acres near 96th Street and Cold Spring Road.

Under plans presented to the Greenfield Plan Commission, Elizabeth Residence would consist of two single-story, assisted-care buildings of 30 units each and a three-story, 90-unit independent building.

Construction would be done in four phases beginning next spring, developer Richard Coury told the Greenfield Plan Commission, and likely last two to three years.

Coury operates Elizabeth Residence facilities in other several communities, including Franklin, Bayside and Cudahy, and construction on another will soon begin in New Berlin.

Valuable property

Greenfield officials are pleased the development will generate taxes and park fees for the city.

Each of the 30-unit buildings would add about $1.2 million in assessed property value to the city's tax base, while the three-story building could be worth between $4 million and $5 million, Coury said.

Currently, the land is owned by We Energies and has a vacant farmhouse and barn, which would be torn down. The property stands as one of the last undeveloped parcels in Greenfield and, until recently, held the city's only unpaved road.

Dealing with concerns

While the development has raised some issues, the project is garnering general support.

Neighbors had expressed concerns about traffic but for the most part, a recent informational meeting was "positive," officials said.

Developers are also working around a Butler Garter snake habitat, according to a report to Plan Commission members.

The Greenfield Plan Commission recommended the Common Council approve a zoning change and an amendment to the comprehensive land use plan to allow the project to go forward.

A public hearing will be held at a future Common Council meeting.