§ 270-246. Legislative intent; objectives.

A. 

Intent.

(1) 

It is the intent of these provisions establishing a Senior Living District to provide flexible use and design regulations to facilitate the development of an integrated senior living community. The Town of Rotterdam Comprehensive Plan recognizes the importance of providing safe, affordable, and accessible facilities and residences for the Town's senior population. This article specifically encourages comprehensive developments incorporating multi-family residential units, single-family homes, assisted living facilities, and recreational facilities, including but not limited to the continued operation and use of a portion of the golfing facilities.

(2) 

This article recognizes that, while the standard zoning functions are appropriate for the regulation of traditional neighborhoods and land uses, the Senior Living District provides comprehensive planning for an integrated senior neighborhood. Senior citizens require unique services and specialized living quarters for elderly and retired citizens who wish to live independently, but prefer to live in a community designed to support their needs.

B. 

Objectives. To carry out the intent of this article, a senior living development shall achieve the following objectives:

(1) 

Provide a varied choice of the types of environment, residential units, assisted living needs, recreational facilities, including continuation of a portion of the golfing facilities and creation of new recreational opportunities, and open space available to residents the age of 55 and over;

(2) 

Create integrated senior living arrangements that allow for fulfillment of the varied needs of senior citizens in a central location without extended commuting;

(3) 

Enhance the quality of living for senior citizen populations;

(4) 

Increase opportunities for social interaction among senior citizen populations;

(5) 

Create an efficient use of land and services resulting in smaller networks of utilities and streets and thereby lowering housing and assisted living costs for seniors;

(6) 

Create a development pattern in harmony with the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan; and

(7) 

Create a more desirable environment for senior living than would be possible through the strict application of other articles of this chapter.