Request to allow 93 age-restricted units on Amwell Road
By:Erica Lockhart
A plan to build age-restricted townhouses in a residential area on Amwell Road, west of Eves Drive, failed to win a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, last week.
The board members unanimously denied New Amwell Associates’ (NAA) application for a land use variance for the construction of 93 age-restricted senior housing at the April 6 meeting.
NAA has been in arbitration with the board since the start of this year, hoping to win over members for approval of plans.
Despite attempts to justify the project by representatives of NAA, who characterized the finished-product as "economical" and "convenient" living for the residents aged 55 and over, Chairman Walter Dietz suggested that approval of a variance for this particular project would be in essence "spot-zoning" and motioned for denial.
Notwithstanding the potential of "spot-zoning," the application stirred concerns involving over-population relative to the flow of traffic, potential need for additional traffic lights and emergency exiting matter, according to board members.
Currently, the township has 983 age-restricted housing units that are either already built or approved.
Also that evening, the board carried the Mountain View Car Wash application hearing to May.

