The debate and disagreement that we saw here about whether to build senior housing at Skillman and Church is being repeated elsewhere in the country. The New York Times reports that a Baltimore neighborhood, which seems similar in many ways to Lake Highlands, is in the middle of deciding whether to allow a company to build 225 independent-living units, 58 assisted-living units and a 40-bed skilled-nursing facility, plus a 403-space underground parking garage on 17 1/2 acres. The land is part of a country club that is part of the century-old planned community.
The arguments sound quite similar. The developer told the Times that Baltimore, like many other cities, faced a severe shortage of housing for the elderly. Country club officials said it was their land, and they could do with it what they wanted. Many residents said they feel betrayed.
