Councilman Invites Residents to Assisted Living Project Meeting

This letter was submitted by Scotch Plains Councilman Lou Beckerman.

To the Editor:

Shelter Development Company, a real estate developer and the operator of Brightview, Senior Living has entered into an agreement to purchase the 14 acre site of Parker Greenhouses on Terrill Road. Brightview proposes constructing 180 Independent Living and Assisted Care units on the site in their first phase. A future phase may include an additional 60 units. The proposed construction requires a change in zoning to allow for such a facility. There will be a public presentation by their management and planners at the next township Council Meeting on Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.. 

In addition to a much needed resource in our community, such a development has no impact on the school system. In addition to creating a much needed ratable estimated between $500,000 and $625,000 a year with little township services needed, having this type of facility in our community will create full and part-time job opportunities for our residents and resulting business for our local merchants and restaurants. Our town’s Master Plan recognizes the need for these services in our community and allows us to increase tax revenue without the risk of pollution that industrial growth poses. 

They have agreed to arrange for professional ambulance services to meet the needs of their residents to take any potential strain off our Rescue Squad. We encouraged them to meet with representatives of the Rescue Squad prior to our meeting to work out emergency service details.

This could be a significant win for Scotch Plains but there are always details that need to be considered. That is why, I invite you and your neighbors to attend the Council meeting and let us know what you think. The Council represents you and we want you to be able voice your opinions and participate in the process.

Parker Greenhouses have always been valued and important members of our community and are expected to remain at their present location until this project is ready for construction most likely in 2015. 

Once again, the meeting is Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall on Park Avenue.

If you can’t make the meeting and want to share your thoughts with me, please email me at lbeckermansptc@gmail.com or call my cell phone (908) 930-0991. This will be a major decision being made for our community and I want to know what your thoughts are. 

Sincerely,

Louis Beckerman, Councilman
Township of Scotch Plains