Commission recommends conditional-use permit for adult day care at 15 South and 700 East; council to review parking and hours

The Mendon Planning Commission voted to recommend a conditional use permit for an adult day-care operated by Innovative Harbor at 15 South and 700 East (C-2 zone). The facility is proposed to operate in a detached accessory structure on a lot that includes an on-site group home intended to house up to eight residents.

Staff explained the program is for adults with disabilities and that the state will inspect the facility and set the final permitted number of participants; staff used a placeholder of up to 20 participants (including residents) in the staff report but said the state's capacity determination will control. Staff described operations as daytime-only, with employees parking on-site and two vans picking up participants from elsewhere rather than participants driving themselves.

When commissioners asked about hours, staff said the applicant indicated daytime operations and that it likely would not run into the evening. “It’s not gonna really extend into the evening,” Michael said, noting the commission could ask the applicant to specify exact daytime hours for the city council presentation. Commissioners also asked about family drop-off and visitor policies; staff said applicants had not indicated family drop-offs would be common and reminded the commission that the on-site residence is covered by federal housing protections that limit imposing blanket visitor restrictions.

Commissioners moved and seconded a recommendation to approve the conditional use permit and added a recommendation that the applicant present a specific daytime-hours range when the project goes to city council so the council can consider parking and drop-off logistics. The motion passed on voice vote. The city council will receive the commission’s recommendation and hold a public hearing before making a final decision.