Date: Fri 28-Aug-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-Ashlar-Lockwood-Lodge

Full Text:

P&Z OKs Changes To Assisted-Living Facility At Ashlar

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has approved some construction

changes for Lockwood Lodge, a 48-unit assisted-living apartment building being

built adjacent to the Ashlar nursing home off Toddy Hill Road.

On August 20 P&Z members granted an amendment to a special exception to the

zoning regulations to Masonicare Geriatric Healthcare Center, formerly known

as The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, to allow changes to the

construction plan.

The changes approved by P&Z members include:

Enlarging and moving an emergency generator building farther away from the

existing Ashlar nursing home than initially planned.

Installing a 25,000-gallon fire protection water storage tank.

"Squaring off" the northeast corner of an addition to Ashlar's kitchen, thus

adding less than 100 square feet in area to the building.

Adding a covering over a sidewalk at the nursing home.

Making some technical changes to the construction plans such as using

additional angular rocks to stabilize embankments, building a larger garbage

storage area, constructing wider fire access lanes, and installing additional

underground piping.

Last September, the P&Z granted the masons a special exception to the zoning

regulations for the construction of Lockwood Lodge. Groundbreaking ceremonies

were held last November.

Lockwood Lodge, an almost 54,000-square-foot rest home, will be located inside

a three-story building adjacent to the 156-bed Ashlar nursing home.

Six of the 48 apartments will be larger than the others, allowing double

occupancy in those six units, thus providing room for up to 54 residents at

the new rest home.

Besides apartments, Lockwood Lodge will contain living rooms, activity areas,

kitchens and dining facilities. Lockwood Lodge will be connected to Ashlar by

The Commons, an area containing a lobby, meeting room, activity area, mail

room, cafe, convenience store, rehabilitation service area, and a wellness

center. According to Ashlar, Lockwood Lodge will provide its residents with

three meals a day, assistance with the activities of daily living,

housekeeping, nursing care, security and transportation.

Fees for Lockwood Lodge residents will be based on the size of their apartment

and the level of service they require. Typically, assisted-living facilities

cost about 40 percent less than nursing home residency, according to Ashlar.

Residents pay for assisted-living facilities privately. Lockwood Lodge will be

open to the general public.

Lockwood Lodge will provide more care than is available at an independent

living facility, but not as much care as is provided at a skilled nursing care

facility such as Ashlar's nursing home. Residents in assisted-living settings

need some help with activities such as eating, bathing, toileting, and

dressing. The compact apartments in such a facility provide a home-like

setting.

Typically, residents of assisted-living facilities are widows or widowers. A

typical resident is a widow in her early 80's.