Elan Gardens Senior Living received approval to expand its South Abington Twp. facility but not to make the addition higher than what township zoning allows.
The zoning hearing board voted Thursday to grant the facility’s request to build an addition with 48 units to the existing building and 16 one-story buildings on its 22-acre property at 465 Venard Road. However, they denied Elan’s request for a variance allowing the addition to be 44 feet high — nine feet higher than the maximum building height of 35 feet under township zoning. Board members didn’t provide a reason for the denial during the meeting.
The variances allow Elan to build the addition and buildings with a 90-foot rear setback and a 20-foot side yard setback from the property line.
James Tressler, the attorney representing the facility, said they sought to make the addition taller than what is allowed under township zoning so the plans don’t abut so closely with neighboring properties, which was a concern raised by residents.
“The only reason we needed the height variance is because (the neighbors) didn’t want us so close to their rear yard,” he said. “When we asked for the height variance, we thought we were addressing the neighbor concerns by pulling it from the rear line.”
Tressler said Elan is excited that the board allowed their plans to move forward and are exploring options to ensure the plans don’t come so close to the neighbors while complying with township zoning. Elan hopes to continue to be a good neighbor and a valuable community asset, he said.
“We believe in the project; we believe it’s a benefit and will be an asset to the community … and provide the continuum of care that satisfies Elan’s mission, but we want to do that and be respectful of the neighbors at all times,” Tressler said.
Elan officials previously said the expansion allows older individuals to live on their own with support available, and the new units allow residents to transition from living independently to assisted living and, if needed, skilled nursing.
Tressler hopes to have the zoning issues resolved as soon as possible for construction to start some time next year.
The project, known as Elan Commons, received pushback from neighbors, who said they will change the character of the area and violate a special exception the township granted the facility in 1995, which stated Elan Gardens could only build on four acres of the property and not obstruct nearby residences.
Instead of voting on the plans, the zoning hearing board last month directed the attorney representing Elan Gardens and the neighbors to come up with a plan for the project that both parties are OK with.
Ruth Fried, who has lived behind Elan on Quail Hollow Drive since 1998, expressed disappointment in the board’s decision when contacted Friday. She said townhouses or condominiums, which Fried said is what the facility is planning to build on its property, are not permitted in the residential zone Elan is in.
“I don’t know how they can approve it,” she said. “They’re saying it’s an extension of the assisted living, but in my opinion, my very humble limited opinion, independent living and assisted living are different. So it’s a different use.”
Fried added the decision shows that no residential area is safe from the type of development Elan is doing. She said her neighborhood is looking at its options with their attorney.
Tressler said Elan will continue to address neighbors’ concerns with their plans. The facility also is interested in getting their input on their revised plans for the project.
The plans include stormwater management areas and 133 new parking spaces.
The current building, which has 58 assisted-living residences, opened in 1996.