Source: CentralJersey.com
Middletown officials have announced their intention to become a formal objector to an application that is currently before the Zoning Board of Adjustment in neighboring Holmdel.
The Enclave at Holmdel application, filed by United Methodist Communities in Neptune, has been the subject of several public hearings before the zoning board during the past six months and was most recently heard during the board’s most recent meeting.
According to the zoning board’s Feb. 16 agenda, United Methodist Communities, which serves individuals of all faiths and backgrounds, is seeking a use variance to build an assisted living residence at 470 Red Hill Road in Holmdel.
The proposed facility would serve up to 105 individuals who have dementia and would consist of a residential memory support program that will house a variety of programs and building design concepts including an assessment program; educational services; and community outreach and support, according to a description of the project provided on the agenda.
The property in Holmdel where the assisted living residence is proposed is in a residential zone at the border of Holmdel and Middletown. The proposed use is not a permitted use at the Red Hill Road location.
“Middletown’s concern is the impact of a non-conforming use on their community,” attorney Brian Clancy explained. “There is a potential impact on traffic that will be caused by deliveries being made to the facility and a potential need for Middletown emergency medical services to respond to this facility in Holmdel in a mutual aid situation. Aesthetics is also a concern; seeing the buildings which are across from a residential zone in Middletown.”
The property where United Methodist Communities is proposing to construct the assisted living residence is known locally as Potter’s Farm. Attorney Kevin Asadi, who informed the zoning board he represents a group called Potter’s Farm Preservation, consisting of residents of the Country Woods development in Holmdel. Asadi raised issues regarding proposed principal uses and proposed accessory uses at the property.
Responding to a request for comment from the Independent regarding Middletown’s position on the application, Mayor Tony Perry said, “Middletown residents have voiced their passion for preserving open space when they supported our referendum on the 2020 ballot.
“The Township Committee and I want to be kept apprised of this application to ensure it makes sense for our communities, especially as it is the gateway for both Middletown and Holmdel,” the mayor said.