Center for autism plans much-needed expansion

Eden Institute seeks to build at West Windsor site.

By: Gwen Runkle
WEST WINDSOR – The Eden Institute is looking to expand by building two new one-story buildings on Old Trenton Road.
      The institute currently operates a school for infants and toddlers with autism on Route 1 and an employment center for people with autism on Washington Road. It also has another employment center in Montgomery.
      On Old Trenton Road, north of Dorchester Drive, Eden Institute would like to build a 9,875-square-foot employment center for adults with autism. The building would also house administrative offices for Eden A.C.R.E.S., the institute’s group home program.
      Eden would also like to build a 5,715-square-foot training center for professional staff as well as parents of autistic children on the site. The second building would also house an evaluation and diagnostic clinic for newly diagnosed infants and toddlers.
      "We need to expand desperately," said David L. Holmes, institute director. "Our Route 1 facility is busting at the seams. We’ve been in limbo about expanding there for six or seven years due to the Millstone Bypass discussion.
      "This expansion will be of significant benefit to us and the autism community," he continued. "It’s hard enough to get children treatment, but once young people turn 21, they literally fall off the map. An additional employment center will definitely help."
      The Eden Institute acquired the 10-acre site on Old Trenton Road with money from a family in Franklin Township.
      "The Clayton family left the proceeds of their estate to Eden," Dr. Holmes said. "We plan on calling the site the Clayton Center in their honor.
      "Currently the land is farmed," he continued. "And there is already one building on the property, which we are leasing out."
      Eden plans to continue leasing the existing 20,000-square-foot building for data storage. The two new buildings would take up about an acre of the site, he added.
      The township Site Plan Review Advisory Board reviewed and reacted favorably to Eden’s plans on Monday.
      "The site looks interesting, the architecture is interesting and the purpose is great," said Elliott Eisenberg, the advisory board chairman.
      The only drawback, he said, is that there are no sewer or water lines serving that portion of the township. The advisory board asked Eden to investigate well and septic possibilities, along with trying to hook up to sewer or water service in neighboring East Windsor.
      Eden Institute is expected to report back to the advisory board June 9.