The Town of Bethlehem Planning Board unanimously accepted two drafts for new condominium complexes on Tuesday, June 3.
Glenwood Village, presented by United Group, would be located on Glenmont Road and would include 150 units for controlled-cost senior living with rent starting at $1,250 per month. The complex would include underground parking with elevator access to the four floors of apartments, emergency pull cords in every bathroom and bedroom, as well as access to public transportation and community programs to create a sense of community among the residents.
United Group’s Executive Vice President of Development Terri A. Herubin said that Glenwood Village would be a good product for Bethlehem.
Glenwood Village was created as a housing alternative for seniors who are still able to live on their own without the constant need of services.
Herubin said the developers are eager to manage the site with the help of the town `to be a good neighbor.`
The condominium complex would be one of the tallest buildings in the area.
Planning Board members questioned the effect the development would have on traffic conditions along Glenmont Road.
Board member John Smolinsky said the development would bring diversity to the area but would also create traffic problems. He suggested having a separate driveway for emergency access or a connection to Route 9W to reduce congestion on Glenmont Road. Board member Kate Powers said that, `bus services are crucial to the approval of apartments.`
Other points of interest included the need for pedestrian access along Glenmont Road in the form of a crosswalk, which Herubin said United Group was willing to work on with the town and the Department of Transportation.
Herubin also said that the senior housing would not generate `any fiscal damage on schools.`
The Planning Board voted to accept the drafts with amendments, such as the alleviation of traffic on Glenmont Road and easier access for emergency vehicles, and meet later with the developers to go over those revisions.
In other business, board members heard the initial presentation for Delmar Pointe Condos on Delaware Avenue.
Luigi A. Palleschi of ABD Engineers Surveyors said the condominiums would consist of two-story, six-unit condos with prices starting at $280,000.
Board members said they wanted to see the addition of public transportation access to the site, as well as easier access for emergency vehicles and a less dense construction site than in the original plan.
Spacing between the homes and the affected wetlands of the area was also brought up, as members asked if it was at all possible to set up delineation between the wetlands and the end of a person’s property.
The board will review plans and look at an amended proposal at a later date.“