Credit: NewtownPANow.com
Representatives for a company that is looking to bring an assisted living facility to the Steeple View mixed use development in Newtown Borough came before Council Tuesday evening.
Steeple View developer Allan Smith laid out a proposal to replace three planned residential condominium buildings in the rear of the nine-acre former Stockburger property with an assisted living facility with 90 units, including one and two bedroom apartments.
Smith and officials from the company who is proposing operating the assisted living facility highlighted the fact there would be no additional burden on the school system, limited parking needs, working to match the community and providing tax revenues.
Michael Stoller, CEO of New England-based LCB Senior Living, said his company currently employs about 70 to 80 employees, a mix of part- and full-time, at their current facilities. He also said the largest shifts at their sites have about 20 to 25 workers and the smallest shifts have three to four workers overnight. As a benefit, Stoller said, the facilities are not cookie-cutter and would be designed to fit the community.
Phase One of Steeple View on Thursday.
Credit: NewtownPANow.com
LCB Senior Living officials said they were drawn to Steeple View because the facility would be so close to Newtown Borough’s central business district.
“This is ground zero for us,” Stoller said. “This is perfect.”
Although every unit will be certified for assisted living, about 15 to 30 percent of units are independent living, Stoller said.
If LCB Senior Living moved forward with plans for their facility in the Steeple View development, on-site services would include medical care, activities for residents, common areas and dining facilities.
Smith said adding the assisted living facility would not be as tall as the three proposed condominium buildings and reduce the need for parking.
A zoning variance would be needed to move forward with the plan for the assisted living facility, according to Tim Duffy, the attorney representing Smith.
Credit: NewtownPANow.com
Council person Tara Grunde-McLaughlin reminded the public at the meeting that if the assisted living facility moves forward, the building would be reviewed by the Historic Architectural Review Board.
Duffy told the Council plans for the proposal would be submitted and they would then seek feedback from borough officials.
A resident raised a concern during public comment that adding the assisted living facility would change the property to an institutional use.
Phase One of Steeple View is currently under construction along South State Street. Phase Two is planned to include a parking structure, condominiums, businesses, a natural area along the Newtown Creek and public spaces.
