By JACQUELINE DURETT
Correspondent
EDISON—A nonprofit group received a green light at the Oct. 25 Zoning Board meeting to convert a former convent to a senior residence.
Edison-based nonprofit Build with Purpose shared its plans to convert the convent to a 26-unit residence on St. Matthew the Apostle church property on Seymour Avenue for people age 62 and older. The building is across the street from the church.
According to attorney Nancy Lottinville, the Diocese of Metuchen will remain the owner of the property, and Build with Purpose will lease it from the diocese. The facility provides meals and social and cultural activities. Since it is an independent living facility, no medical services are provided on site.
“This is a very creative and adaptive use of an existing building. It will breathe life into the site,” Lottinville said during the hearing on the application. “Really, I can’t think of a single downside.”
Applicant planner John Taikina said he felt the building, which formerly housed 25 nuns, was perfect for the new use. “People seek this type of living arrangement…when living on their own isn’t viable anymore,” he said, adding that since residents don’t need to worry about being alone or feeling lonely, it’s “a better arrangement for a lot of our seniors.” He said he thought these types of homes would continue to grow in popularity.
Improvements to the two-story convent will include an addition, the construction of an elevator, the installation of a sprinkler system and the conversion of the chapel area into a communal living space. Eight of the 26 units will be two-bedroom; the remainder will be one bedroom, and units will range in size from 122 square feet to 276 square feet. At most, 32 people would live in the building.
Normally, Edison would require 22 parking spaces for a project with these specifications; however, because the residents will be seniors, and in part because there is shared parking available, the proposal has 10 spaces allocated for the project.
Board Planner Henry Bignell cautioned representatives for Build with Purpose that he thought more residents would have cars than the nonprofit is anticipating. However, he said he felt would-be tenants would take the parking issue into account before deciding to move in. “I don’t think it’s a real major issue with this facility,” he said.
Build with Purpose also has a similar facility in River Edge. The Senior Residence at St. Peter the Apostle houses 24 seniors, according to the nonprofit.
When asked by Bignell how the project impacts the township’s affordable housing plan, Taikina said as of now, the project is not in the plan and under the current structure would not qualify. Taikina said that issue could be revisited in the future if need be.
Board member Sam Joshi said he liked the overall proposal, but took exception to the planned use of metal in the façade. “I don’t think it looks conforming to the overall neighborhood,” he said. However, other board members disagreed, and the board did not discuss the issue further.
There were no public comments on the application, and upon a vote it received unanimous approval.
“We are pleased that the township has found our project acceptable, and we are delighted by the reception that the surrounding community has shown, said Build with Purpose President Brian Keenan in a statement on the approval. “It is our privilege to provide affordable care options to seniors and cannot wait to get started.
“Without the approval of the township, this project could have fallen flat on its face. It was inspiring to see that the board understands the problems of affordable senior care.”