The Herald-News - News Story

The Dayton Planning Commission unanimously endorsed a zoning change Monday for a Life Care nursing home to be built on Manufacturers Road, despite some concerns over the project's environmental impact.

The project is expected to bring up to 125 jobs to Dayton.

Planning Commission member Ted Jones said his only concern is that the project might increase flooding on adjoining property. But he said the planning commission does not have jurisdiction over environmental matters and he voted to endorse the zoning change.

The Dayton City Council must now approve rezoning the 16-acre tract before it can officially switch from an industrial classification to a special residential zone.

Linda Cross, senior project manager for the Cleveland, Tenn.-based nursing home company, said a team of scientists and engineers will work on the property to properly manage environmental concerns.

She said state and federal environmental officials, along with the Army Corps of Engineers, would also have to approve the project before construction begins because of the property's location in a flood plain near Richland Creek.

"We want to be a good neighbor, and causing flooding wouldn't be getting off on the right foot," Cross told the planning commission. "They will not let us do anything ï¿1/2 nor would we want to do anything ï¿1/2 to cause flooding."

Steve Dillard, of Dillard Construction, is selling the property to Life Care. He said the property will be raised at least six feet to lift the land above flood stages.

Jones said he worried that added elevation would cause rainfall to pour off onto neighboring properties.

"I'm 77 years old and I've seen what water does in that area," Jones said.

One of the neighboring properties is Eagle Exxon, owned by Dayton City Council member Gary Louallen.

Louallen said he doesn't expect to be negatively impacted by the Life Care project.

"It will be handled properly and I don't expect to be flooded out," he said.

Louallen was one of at least three landowners to discuss a deal with Life Care. He said he is still excited the company is building a nursing home and bringing new jobs to Dayton, even though he was unable to sell his land to the company.

"Life Care is going to be a welcomed addition and a good asset for the city," Louallen said.