A proposed project for senior residents in Chesapeake Square has been retooled for a different property in the same area.

Marlyn Development Corp. submitted a proposal to the city of Chesapeake late last year for a senior living retirement community at the former site of the Chesapeake Square Mall movie theaters, according to Grady Palmer, a Williams Mullen attorney representing the Virginia Beach-based developers.

City Council voted unanimously to pull the application at the request of the developers on July 12.  The mall was recently put up for sale by the Loan and Asset Sales Group of Mission Capital Advisors, which factored into the decision.

“My understanding was that they were going to try and finalize the agreement to have it on the perimeter of the mall, instead of the middle of the parking lot,” said Councilman Roland Davis.

The site owned by Economic Development Authority would have created difficulties for potential mall developers and for residents navigating the parking lot, Davis said.

“It was in the center of the parking lot of the mall, which was not really the best location,” He said. “Not only for the residents but for future commercial possibilities.”

The proposal outlines a 160-unit apartment complex for residents ages 62 and older, as well as a beauty salon, a business center, garden plots and dog park. Palmer said the developers have decided to relocate their proposal for the adjacent, 9.4-acre Russel property owned by Bradshaw Harbor LLC.

“I think that for the public safety for the residents and for economic development, having it on the perimeter is a much better solution,” Davis said. “Otherwise it’s a really good project.”

Palmer said he expects the project to be resubmitted to the Planning Commission this November or December.