Zoning approved for assisted living center in Derby

An assisted living center developer wants to build in Derby.

NAK Development Wichita LLC, which has a facility in Andover, wants to build a similar facility at the northeast corner of Woodlawn and Meadowlark, just west of the Family Video store. As planned, it would have 25 to 40 studio-type apartments and perhaps some independent living.

The company got the lead on building a presence in Derby from its Andover workers. “A lot of our staff is familiar with Derby as they either worked or lived here,” said Chase Thornock, managing director. “We thought it was a beautiful location and it seemed to be a good fit.”

The company has a contract on the land, and the wheels are in motion to make the project happen.

Company officials asked for and received a zoning change from the Derby Planning Commission, which approved the request at its Feb. 21 meeting.

City Planner Justin Givens said the city received only two comments on the proposal from neighbors. One comment was positive, saying that “it would be a great fit” and the other individual asked questions about the rezoning and proposed use but did not state an objection to or support for the project.