The aldermen’s approval of the zoning distinction for the new assisted living facility Tuesday night is a big step in the right direction, not only for the future of our senior population, but also for the community as a whole.

In a 5-2 vote, the Board of Aldermen gave its official stamp of approval to the Brookhaven Planning Commission’s recommendation to grant an S-1 special use status for Advanced Healthcare Management Inc. to build its proposed 44-unit facility on Silver Cross Drive.

We commend the aldermen who said “yes” to this new development. Other businesses will no doubt see our city’s welcoming attitude to positive growth, and will want to come to Brookhaven, too.

Now the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce should move quickly to market our status as a welcoming community and as a Certified Retirement City.