A new 55-and-older retirement care facility is one step closer to becoming a reality in San Marcos. Planning and zoning commissioners on Tuesday recommended approving a zoning change that would allow Halcyon Concepts—which owns several healthcare service companies and an assisted living facility in Texas—to build at the corner of McCarty Lane and Hunter Road on 20.25 acres. The area is currently zoned for public and institutional use, meaning governmental, civic and public services facilities can be built there, as well as state colleges and universities. The proposed zoning change to Planned Development District with a Mixed Use zoning base would allow the developer to build professional offices, independent living multifamily and single-family homes and apartments, assisted living, nursing and hospice care facilities, adult day care and other accessory uses. Gerald Faldyn, one of Halcyon's managing partners, said Halcyon San Marcos would offer multiple living options for residents age 55 and older and residents with disabilities. The developer said services would include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and hospice care. A high-end restaurant is also included in the plans. "Everything we’re doing is on a higher-end level," Faldyn said.  The property is currently owned by First Baptist Church. Thomas Rhodes, a consultant for Halcyon, said several members of the church attended the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to show their support for the project. As part of the recommendation, commissioners agreed with Halcyon that public streets should not be required. Rhodes argued public streets would endanger residents and stop the preservation of trees located on the property. One resident, Kendall Bell-Enders, opposed the development, saying the proposed project did not blend in with the community surrounding it. "A large mixed [use] development at McCarty Lane and Hunter Road is completely out of character," she said, adding she would rather see the space used as a museum, a park or a school.  Kissing Tree, a community for residents age 55 and older, will be located down the road and will have 3,200 independent living homes once completed. Faldyn said Halcyon's project is different from Kissing Tree in that Halcyon provides everything from independent living to hospice care with services for all stages of life after age 55. The zoning change proposal will go to City Council for final approval at a future meeting.