Proposed assisted living facility stirs controversy in Charlotte County

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Kristi Gross / WINK

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. Not in my neighborhood.

That’s what dozens of Punta Gorda Isles residents said about the Villas of Holly Brook, a proposed assisted living facility, at a city council meeting Wednesday in the Charlotte Convention Center.

“This is meant to be a retirement, relaxing community,” an unnamed resident said.

Developers are requesting special permission from city officials to build the 59,000-square-foot, 127-unit facility at the corner of Aqui Esta and Socoro drives.

While most residents were against it, some welcomed having the facility in the neighborhood.

“To have a facility like this in a community, where you can visit and be around friends in a comfortable familiar and similar environment is invaluable,” said one resident who remained unidentified. “I know I would treasure it and value that myself.”

The developers have met all the requirements and hope City Council will allow them to make their vision a reality.

“I just want the public to know that my client will work with them to make a facility that will become a part of their community,” said Geri Waksler, the developers’ attorney. “That’s his goal and that’s what we hope the council will approve.”

The council was unable to reach a decision Wednesday and will continue discussing the issue at another meeting July 5.

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