Council approves zoning change for Bastion veterans wellness facility
The Bastion Community of Resilience proposed Gentilly Wellness Center at 1901 Mirabeau Ave. (Courtesy of Bastion Community of Resilience)
The Council approved a legislative grouping requesting a conditional use and zoning change to permit the proposed veterans’ wellness facility on Mirabeau Avenue.
The proposed facility, adjacent to the Bastion Community of Resilience, a residential center, would provide holistic care to primarily, veterans and secondarily, members of the community.
The new facility will include an outpatient clinic, an adaptive gym, a yoga studio, storage, “flex-space” and an office. Neighbors have expressed concern that the center will change the residential character of the area.
The project has received support from all City Council members except Councilman Jared Brossett, who represents District D, where the Bastion Commiunity is located. Brossett did not attend Thursday’s council meeting.
Council members stated the applicant made significant efforts to engage the community by hiring additional staff members, working with consulting firms and meeting one-on-one with neighbors to ensure this effort did not disrupt or alter the integrity of the surrounding neighborhood.
Bastion officials say the facility would be the first fitness center with neurological therapy in the state. It would also be the first fitness center in the state that serves people affected by paralysis and amputations. All services would be available for commercial use by the public.
Bastion Executive Director Dylan Tête has said the center will address the signature wounds from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bastion made an investment to help their residents learn other skills to help with the psychological and physical trauma.
If Bastion ceases to use the building, the site would revert to the residential zoning.
