Proposed development south of Maxwell Ave.

On April 27th, the Orange Township Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed development of a 22 unit independent living for seniors age 55+ complex to the Board of Trustees. The developer is requesting a number of variances that include: (1) a zoning classification change to PERD by using the PERD-zoned adjacent property to meet the 10 acre minimum requirement, and (2) t0 allow 4.44 units per net acre (zoning code requires a maximum of 4.0 units per gross acre). Basically, the developer is requesting Board approval to squeeze a 22 unit development onto a lot that surrounds a single-family home.

Another concern raised by homeowners has been that the development is being proposed as a 55+ community for seniors, but there does not appear to be any language that safeguards those parameters. Affordable housing has also been discussed during the hearings. Without clarifications on these items, as well as many other questions, it would be premature to approve this development.

See pages 47-49 of detailed project plan for view of site: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wk90wZ2QrJi1rVha2IOEE11wiMQujdUC

The next Zoom meeting (TBD) will be with the Board of Trustees. Homeowners will have the opportunity to voice concerns although your time may be limited to 3 minutes (similar to the March hearing). At the end of the hearing, the Trustees will vote to approve or deny the development. The Board of Trustees are elected officials and should be listening to the constituents' concerns and vision for their community. Being that this will be a Zoom meeting, there may not be time for everyone to speak or share their concerns, so it is vitally important that the Board knows how many homeowners are opposed to this development.

Three minutes is not a lot of time to voice concerns regarding one of the biggest investments most people make.....their home. As a homeowner, we all take great pride in our home, our neighborhood and our community. We invest our time, money and love into this place that we call home. We must take this opportunity to voice our opinion regarding this development.

By signing this petition, you will be voicing your opposition to this development to the Board of Trustees. In addition to signing the petition, you are encouraged to email or call to voice your concerns to the Board members: Ben Grumbles (bgrumbles@orangetwp.org / (740) 548-5430, Debbie Taranto (dtaranto@orangetwp.org / (740) 548-5430 x 3202) and Ryan Rivers (rrivers@orangetwp.org / (740) 548-5430 x3117).

Rebecca Miranda    Contact the author of the petition