The proposed amendment may be found at:
http://eastvincent.org/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC=%7b0CCE7244-C6F4-484A-B2B5-40E11E9289F2%7d&DE=%7bE062F4E5-D4A0-44A3-84A7-07DC0210E9B1%7d
Upon review of the amendment, the following information may be obtained about the size and scope of the proposed CCRC for this location:
- 725 + Independent Units, up to a possible 997 for the Ruth Tract specifically
- Up to 3 people per unit, possibly over 2000 occupants
- Up to 4 1/2 stories tall (55 ft building)
- No underground parking mentioned
- 30% open space
- Amendment includes Light, Medium and High Residential areas
This proposal is twice as large as the one proposed for the West Bridge Street location when you consider the larger amount of acreage on the W Bridge Street location.
The Ruth Tract location is currently zoned light residential, while the West Bridge Street location or Latshaw property is zoned rural conservation.
Residents in East Vincent and East Coventry should become aware of this proposal and learn about the ramifications of such a large facility near their homes by reviewing the historical information on this website which can be found by locating the previous blog submissions and newspaper articles on the right hand side of the website.
We strongly encourage residents in East Vincent and East Coventry townships to attend the next Planning Commission meeting on July 21st at 7 pm located at the East Vincent Township building on route 23, in front of the east vincent park. The next Board of Superviors meeting should be scheduled for the 1st Wednesday in September. Due to the Labor Day Holiday, we will wait to post the specific date until it is confirmed.
Should you wish to join our email list for additional updates concerning this CCRC proposal or to assist with educating the residents, please send an email to EVRACCRC@gmail.com
We have many questions concerning this proposal. Please join us at the meetings in order to learn the facts and become involved in the process. If a CCRC of this size is allowed into the township, much will change for the residents surrounding it's location. Some points & questions to consider are the following:
- Increased road traffic for those roads surrounding the CCRC as deliveries, ambulances, staff, visitors and residents will become frequent drivers on our country roads. We believe that the entrance would be located on Stony Run. Where would the emergency entrance be located? How will the township deal with the increased traffic on the roads, etc?
- Lighting of the facility may be an issue at night for those residents close to the property.
- A CCRC is a 24/7 operation.
- Will your property value diminish if you reside near a CCRC of this size?
- Will there be an environmental impact on the Stony Run creek?
- Why did the amount of open space reduce from 60% in the previous proposal of last year to 30%?
- Is a CCRC really needed for our township when there are other retirement communities and facilities near by? Has an analysis of EV's needs been accomplished?
- Why does this amendment include three different zoning locations? Are we opening up the door for even more CCRC's in our township?
- Why would our township want this large level of density within a residential area?
From East Vincent Township Zoning Ordinance, the following may be found as it relates to this situation:
See Page 53...
Within the LR-Low Density Residential District the following uses may be permitted by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception in accordance with Part 20. Special exception uses shall be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and shall not be detrimental to public health, safety or welfare:
- Nursing home or convalescent home, or home for handicapped individuals.
Under the Conditional Use section concerning Hospitals, the following may be found in the same document:
- The intensity of use shall not exceed five beds per acre, including patient beds and on site living accomodations for staff persons.
As a comparison of the proposal submitted to the planning commission and the current Zoning allowance, you will find the following difference in density:
- Hospital - 5 beds per acre
- CCRC Proposal - 44 beds per acre
This results in an almost 9 fold increase! A CCRC facility is not specifically mentioned in the zoning ordinance.
These questions and many more need answering. Please know that you have a voice in what happens to your property and surrounding area. Join us at the meetings and get involved.
Thank you,
EVRACCRC
