The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission has criticized a proposal that would create an assisted living center in Highland Estates.

The 12,561-square-foot building is proposed at 6301 N. View Drive, at the corner of View Drive and Highland Drive. The center would have 20 beds.

Commissioners said the design is too large.

“You’re way too big, way too big,” Basin Planning Commissioner Kathy Kinsman told officials from Beehive Homes.

The applicant, Beehive Homes, operates more than 40 assisted living facilities in Utah.

“The size would absolutely not be compatible,” Basin Planning Commissioner Bassam Salem said about the Snyderville proposal.

According to Basin Planning Commissioner Jeff Smith, the building’s appearance would clash with the character of the rustic neighborhood.

“This building screams assisted living at every level,” Smith said. “We can’t just shoehorn this in the way it looks right now.”

Remarks from the commissioners came after a long discussion that included comments from several residents in the Snyderville Basin. Most took turns speaking against the proposal.

“I’m worried and fearful for the safety and peace of our neighborhood,” Highland Estates resident Karen Hawley said. “Assisted living for me is just a nice term for people who cannot take care of themselves mentally or physically.”

Neighbors said the community has limited amenities.

“How is this compatible with my house?” Snyderville Basin resident John Bollwinkel asked.

The proposed building is four times the size of some houses in Highland Estates.

“I think this is way too big for the neighborhood,” Snyderville Basin resident Tom Fisher said.

Critics stressed that there are no sidewalks in Highland Estates for people living in the facility to exercise.

“It’s going to place demands on our neighborhood that we’re not set up to handle,” said Basin resident Randy Hamburger. “I would not put my parents or loved ones in a site like this if given the opportunity.”

According to Highland Estates resident Teresa Hall, “this complex is just completely out of scale with our neighborhood.”

The project is proposed next to Highland Estates resident Ashlie Allen’s home. Allen said she is concerned about light pollution, noise pollution and emergency vehicles coming and going at night.

“I have a very young family,” Allen said.

Speaking to the Planning Commission, Basin resident Chad Lundstrom asked what would become of the facility if Beehive Homes went out of business.

“Does it turn into a drug rehab facility or alcohol rehab facility?” Lundstrom asked. “I definitely object to this proposal.”

The property is zoned for residential use. But the law requires that assisted living facilities be allowed in neighborhoods, said Jami Brackin, a deputy Summit County attorney.

“We cannot prohibit these in residential zones,” Brackin said.

Some patients, such as those with severe dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, would not be housed in the facility, Summit County planner Sean Lewis said.

Lewis added that among several comments he had received from the public only one was positive.

Beehive Homes has applied for a conditional use permit for the project. The proposal includes about eight parking stalls for visitors and employees.

But Basin Planning Commissioner Julie Hooker said the design does not have enough parking.

“People are going to come and visit,” Hooker said. “The eight parking spaces don’t make sense to me.”

Basin Planning Commissioner Sybil Bogardus said her major concern is the limited parking.

According to Basin Planning Commissioner Flint Decker, “there is no chance I’ll recommend approval of this as it stands tonight.”

“The size intended, I think it’s an overreach,” Decker explained. “I have a lot more questions tonight than I do have answers.”

Commissioners suggested the applicant return to the Planning Commission after reducing the size of the proposal.