Changes at Westlake Hospital site discussed
Plans call for retirement home
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

The public will have an opportunity to comment on plans to build a senior citizen independent and assisted living facility on the former Westlake Hospital site at Lakeview Canyon and Watergate roads.

The Westlake Village City Council is holding a hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 13 at City Hall to discuss the Sunrise Senior Retirement Facility, which is being proposed by Sunrise Development, Inc. of Newport Beach.

An environmental impact report is available for review at city offices and on the city's Web site at www.wlv.org.

The proposal calls for the demolition of existing buildings to make way for a more than 271,000squarefoot, 35foothigh building and underground parking on the 6.5 acre site. The three-story facility would consist of 210 residential units including 170 for independent living and 40 for assisted living.

Also being planned are communal dining areas, a library, multi-purpose room, swimming pool and hair salon. Access would be through two entrances, one on La Venta Drive and one on Lakeview Canyon Road.

Most residents are expected to be 70-years-old and above.

Although satisfied that the architecture and construction materials are compatible with the city's character, council members and residents have expressed concern over the project's size, which some feel is too large for the site.

According to the environmental impact report, the "proposed project could result in substantial adverse changes that may degrade the visual character of the site and its surroundings."

Several alternatives are included in the environmental report that propose reducing size of the structure and making it two stories only.

Sunrise Development operates several homes for seniors in the area, including one at Townsgate and Lakeview Canyon roads.

For additional information on the company and the project visit www.sunriseofwestlake.com.