A significant residential development proposal advanced through Bellevue's planning process on January 22, 2026, when the Planning Commission considered rezoning approximately 9 acres at the northwest corner of South 36th Street and Granada Parkway for multi-family senior housing. The proposal, submitted by Foundations Development LLC on behalf of property owner RD Blair LLC, seeks to rezone the property from BN (Business Neighborhood) and AG (Agricultural) to RG-20 (General Residence, 20 units per acre) to accommodate an age-restricted residential community serving active seniors.
The property legally described as Lot 1, Roth's Anderson Grove, Replat 1, currently sits undeveloped with mixed agricultural and business neighborhood zoning that limits development options. Foundations Development's rezoning application represents the first formal step toward creating housing specifically designed for residents aged 55 and older. The Bellevue Planning Commission reviewed the proposal during their January 22 meeting, recommending approval before the request advances to City Council for public hearing on February 17, 2026.
For homeowners living near the proposed development site, understanding the rezoning process helps anticipate what changes might occur in your neighborhood. American Planning Association guidance emphasizes that rezoning requests must demonstrate consistency with comprehensive plans, compatibility with surrounding land uses, and adequate infrastructure capacity to support proposed development. Bellevue's review process evaluates these factors before approving significant land use changes.
The RG-20 zoning classification permits up to 20 dwelling units per acre with specific development standards for building height, setbacks, parking, landscaping, and architectural design. This density level typically produces two-to-three story apartment or condominium buildings with shared amenities like community rooms, fitness facilities, and outdoor gathering spaces designed for active adult lifestyles. The age restriction requires that at least 80 percent of units have at least one resident aged 55 or older, following federal Fair Housing Act provisions for housing for older persons.
Neighboring homeowners concerned about development density should understand that senior housing typically generates less traffic, noise, and school-age population impact compared to family-oriented apartments or single-family subdivisions. Active adult communities attract empty-nesters downsizing from larger homes who seek maintenance-free living with age-appropriate amenities. This demographic profile creates different neighborhood dynamics than traditional multi-family development.
The 36th and Granada location offers several advantages for senior-oriented development. The site provides convenient access to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants, and services that seniors use frequently. Granada Parkway connects to major arterial roads without requiring navigation through residential neighborhoods. Nearby commercial development provides walkable amenities that support aging-in-place as driving becomes less desirable or feasible.
For homeowners considering home additions or aging-in-place modifications, understanding senior housing development patterns provides insight into how Bellevue accommodates diverse housing needs across different life stages. Some homeowners modify existing homes with main-floor master suites, accessible bathrooms, and barrier-free entries to age in place comfortably, while others eventually transition to senior communities when home maintenance becomes burdensome. Both options serve important roles in Bellevue's housing ecosystem.
Bellevue's planning staff evaluates whether existing infrastructure can accommodate proposed development before recommending approval. Senior housing generates different infrastructure demands than other residential types. Water and sewer capacity calculations account for unit count and occupancy patterns. Traffic analysis considers trip generation rates specific to senior populations, which typically drive less than working-age adults. Stormwater management addresses site-specific drainage patterns and regional water quality standards enforced by the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.
These same infrastructure considerations affect homeowners planning substantial home additions or new custom home construction. Adding bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry facilities increases water and sewer demand that must fall within municipal system capacity. Expanding impervious surfaces through additions, driveways, or patios requires stormwater management that prevents flooding on your property or neighboring lots. Experienced contractors understand these requirements and design projects that comply with infrastructure constraints without compromising functionality.
The February 17, 2026 City Council public hearing provides the formal opportunity for neighbors to comment on the rezoning proposal. Bellevue's public hearing process allows residents to voice concerns, ask questions, or express support before council members vote on rezoning requests. Neighbors who participate effectively in these hearings come prepared with specific questions about traffic patterns, building height, setbacks, landscaping buffers, and construction timeline rather than general opposition to change.
Understanding how to engage productively in municipal planning processes helps homeowners influence neighborhood development patterns. The same communication skills that produce successful public hearing participation also benefit homeowners working with contractors on home improvement projects. Clear articulation of preferences, specific questions about processes, and respectful dialogue produce better outcomes than vague complaints or unrealistic demands.
Senior housing development at 36th and Granada will transform currently undeveloped land into active residential use. For neighboring homeowners, this development may increase property values by adding residential density that supports nearby commercial viability while maintaining compatibility through age-restricted occupancy. Active adult communities typically maintain high landscaping standards and building maintenance levels that compare favorably to alternative commercial or industrial uses permitted under existing BN zoning.
Property owners throughout Bellevue should monitor planning commission and city council agendas to stay informed about development proposals affecting their neighborhoods. The city's website publishes meeting agendas, planning documents, and public hearing schedules that allow residents to engage proactively in land use decisions. When homeowners stay informed about neighborhood changes, they can make better decisions about when to invest in home improvements that capitalize on or prepare for evolving development patterns around their properties.
