Planner: ‘Empty nester’
homes would serve need
By anna kreyman
Staff Writer
MARLBORO — The professional planner for a developer who wants to build a so-called empty-nester development told the Zoning Board there is a need for such housing in the region.
On May 28, the Zoning Board continued its review of an application filed by J. Sherman Holdings, Holmdel, to build a 30-home empty nester development at the intersection of Greenwood and Ticetown roads in the Morganville section of the community.
The applicant is seeking a use variance for density. The 9.71-acre tract is currently zoned R-60 (homes on 1.5-acre lots), which would allow the construction of five single-family homes.
At a previous hearing, developer Terry Sherman, a principal of J. Sherman Holdings, said the empty nester homes he is proposing to build would range in size from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet and sell for between $450,000 and $500,000. He said the residences are designed for people whose children have left home and who no longer want to maintain a large residence. Sherman said the homes would "provide a lifestyle for people who don’t yet qualify for an adult community."
At the most recent hearing, project planner Creigh Rahenkamp testified that there is a necessary use for an empty nester community.
"The empty nester community will satisfy a demographic need," Rahenkamp said. "There’s a reduction of the younger population."
He said the single-family homes to be built in the development would have more bedrooms, rather than additional yard space. He said when people reach a certain age they do not need yards because maintaining those yards becomes a hassle. Instead, Rahenkamp said, additional bedrooms become more useful.
Zoning Board Chairwoman Sherry Hoffer said Freehold, Holmdel and Howell already have the so-called empty nester communities.
Resident Tom Howley asked if empty nester means there will be no children in the development.
Rahenkamp said people without children would benefit from this type of home more so than people who have children.
It was noted, however, that this type of development cannot legally restrict people with children from buying a home, unless the proposal is changed to an age-restricted adult community.
However, the applicant’s representatives said people with children would find this type of community unsatisfactory because of the lack of playing areas for children.
Hoffer said that for the next meeting there needs to be verification of the number of houses proposed.
"The number of houses put up is important because it will affect the wetlands," she said.
Testimony on the application is expected to continue at the Zoning Board’s Sept. 10 meeting.