Assisted Living Company Looking to Build on Parker Gardens Property

Representatives from an assisted living company came to Tuesday's Scotch Plains council meeting to do a preliminary presentation of plan to build on seven acres of the Parker Gardens property on Terrill Road.

The proposed project would be developed on the seven acres of the property next to Terrill Middle School, while Parker Gardens would retain the other seven acres of property.

David Holland, owner of Shelter Development, explained that he was coming before council to seek their thoughts and direction before moving forward with a request for a zoning change or variance to allow for such a project in a single-family residential zone.

Holland indicated that if the project moves forward, Parker Gardens would then operate a smaller scale business on the remaining half of the property before eventually closing and perhaps building single-family homes. Holland's attorney, Richard Stolik, estimated that six homes could be built on the remaining seven acres.

Holland explained that a single building would house three services on the proposed development: independent living, assisted living, and a secure environment for seniors with cognitive impairments.

Holland explained that Shelter Developments (which operates as "Bright View Gardens") owns 25 properties between DC and Boston and has been in business for more than 30 years. He gave council members a packet of information with photos of a comparable property of theirs in Marlton, NJ. (See them in our gallery, above right.)

Holland said the price for the units would likely start at $3,500 per month. He estimated that the development would provide the town with $500,000 in tax ratables.

Councilman Mickey Marcus suggested that the company might also want to look into the former Terry Lou Zoo property as a possible location for the development.

Deputy Mayor Colleen Gialanella asked if adding lighting to the adjacent sports fields would be a problem for the residents if the property does get approval and if the town is able to add lighting. She also asked how the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad would figure into the development, noting they are already very busy.

Holland responded that he didn't anticipate the lighting to be a problem and that the development could augment emergency services with its own EMTs if necessary.