Rarely is there contention in paradise, but Paradise Valley finds itself wrestling with a question that reveals the heart of what kind of community it wants to be. The planning commission recently voted 4-3 to recommend reducing occupancy in assisted living facilities from 10 to six residents; a proposal that has divided the town in ways that go beyond simple zoning.
Those supporting the reduction have legitimate concerns about maintaining Paradise Valley’s character. This isn’t about being exclusionary but instead goes to the heart of protecting what makes the town special: its low-density, residential nature that residents have chosen and cherished. With 75% of the town being residential, there’s an understandable desire to ensure that commercial enterprises don’t gradually reshape neighborhoods in ways the community didn’t anticipate.
Yet the opposition’s arguments carry profound weight. With nearly 30% of Paradise Valley’s population aged 65 or older and 25% over 70, the numbers tell a story of a community aging in place. These small-scale assisted living homes allow families to keep their loved ones nearby during vulnerable years; a deeply human need that transcends zoning considerations.
The testimonials were moving: families who found quality care for parents, seniors thriving in structured environments with companionship, and residents who can age with dignity while remaining part of their community. One planning commissioner noted that police have received very few complaints about these facilities, suggesting the feared impacts on neighborhood character haven’t materialized.
What’s striking is that both sides care deeply about Paradise Valley. Neither wants to harm the town; they simply prioritize different values. The proposal does grandfather existing 10-resident facilities, acknowledging that disrupting current residents would be unconscionable. But it limits future options for an aging community with growing needs.
Perhaps the answer lies not in strict occupancy limits but in addressing specific concerns through thoughtful regulation: parking requirements, staffing standards, or spacing between facilities. As Paradise Valley’s median age climbs, the question becomes: can we preserve our town’s character while also ensuring it remains a place where residents can age gracefully, surrounded by family and community, rather than being forced elsewhere when they need care most?