Talk getting down to details
on Four Seasons application
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — More details about Hovnanian’s proposed Four Seasons development came to light at a recent meeting of the Planning Board.
Four Seasons, an 800-unit age-restric-ted community, is planned for the area of Route 33 between Millhurst and Wood-ward roads. In conjunction with the development of the Four Seasons, Hovnanian is planning to build a 100-unit senior rental apartment building which will help Man-alapan satisfy its state mandated obligation to provide housing for people whose in-comes meet regional guidelines.
Speaking about the apartment building, Barbara K. Schoor, vice president and pro-ject director, Community Investment Strategies, Bordentown, told board members that an emergency access system would be available for residents, should a crisis in a home warrant the notification of emergency services.
"Sometimes we have it (a pull cord system) and sometimes we don’t," Schoor said. "When you have a pull cord system it gets referred to a central monitoring station and they call an EMT (emergency medical technician)."
Schoor noted several systems that could be used by residents to call for emergency help. She said she preferred that people use a cell phone which would be able to call 911 direct.
"Not putting someone in between 911 and the resident is more beneficial," she said.
Schoor said information about different lifeline companies can be provided to residents if they wish.
"But, usually, just that telephone is sufficient," she said.
Planning Board member Michelle Roth said some people might not be able to afford such a lifeline system, but noted those systems can be invaluable.
Attorney Lewis S. Kurland, representing Hovnanian Construction Northwest Inc., of Edison, said an emergency pull cord system will be installed in the apartments. The pull cord will unlock the door so that emergency responders can enter the apartment, he said.
There was no testimony presented as to the type of emergency response system that may be offered in the private homes.
In other testimony, landscape architect Sam T. Melillo described the landscaping features that will be included at the Four Seasons. They include existing wooded areas; 2- to 3-foot tall evergreen shrubs; 2.5- to 4-inch caliper deciduous trees; 6- to 8-foot tall evergreen shade trees; and hedges.
Engineer Robert Michael Rodgers reviewed exhibits indicating access roads and noted projected vehicle volumes on roads in and around the planned adult community. He noted that within the development all minor collector roads will have sidewalks on one side only. He said turning lanes will be added on Woodward Road and improvements will be made to Route 33.
The Four Seasons application is expected to resume on Oct. 24.