Forest Hill finally receives permit for cottages
Carmel Pine Cone, September 14, 2007
By KELLY NIX
THE CITY of Pacific Grove has issued a permit to
Forest Hill Manor which will allow about a dozen anxious
seniors to move into new cottages they’ve been prohibited
from occupying since the units were completed in April.
On Wednesday, the city issued a temporary occupancy
permit for the Cottage Apartments at Forest Hill Manor.
“It’s a long time coming,” city attorney Heidi Quinn said
Thursday. “I think the parties worked very hard. The city had
legitimate concerns, and Forest Hill came a long way in providing
that information.”
Forest Hill had to provide the city with a parking plan,
safety inspection and other things in order for the permit to
be issued.
The seniors, as far as the city is concerned, will be allowed
to move in to the cottages immediately, Quinn said. Beverly
Power, executive director of Forest Hill Manor, said they
were pleased with the permit but wished it had been granted
sooner.
Forest Hill had originally sought a permanent occupancy
permit, but the city refused to issue that until Forest Hill
completes its South Wing project — which includes a new
four-story building with apartments, and skilled nursing and
assisted living facilities. The South Wing is slated to be completed
by April 2008.
The temporary permit isn’t perfect. If Forest Hill —
owned by California-Nevada Methodist Homes — doesn’t
complete it or meet other conditions, the permit could be
revoked, which would mean cottage residents would have to
move out.
But Quinn said that’s an unlikely scenario.
Forest Hill’s attorney, Mary McEachron, requested the
temporary occupancy permit in July. She could not be
reached for comment this week.
The Mediterranean-style cottages range from 1,000
square feet to 1,300 square feet. General prices for the new
cottages and apartments range from about $239,000 to
$532,000.



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