350 Haws Lane, The Traditions of Springfield proposed construction

The Traditions of Springfield is a proposal to construct a 4-story 123 unit "retirement home" at 350 Haws Lane, directly adjacent to Harston Hall nursing facility (see picture at right). At issue is how this proposed construction is classified, which determines the requirements for off-street parking.

The developer plans to build a facility containing single-bedroom units (450 sq. feet) and two-bedroom units (850 sq. feet). Its use is intended to be age-restricted (55 years old minimum) rental units.

Description Supplied by The Traditions of Springfield's Attorney

1. The resident population will consist of individuals who can no longer remain in their private homes or in an active adult independent living community. They are, however, not yet prepared to move into a nursing home. The proposed retirement home use is essentially an alternative to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
2. Most residents in this retirement home will not have an automobile. A shuttle service will be provided to transport the residents for local errands, including shopping, doctor appointments and special events. Taxi service will also be available for other transportation outside of the service area for the shuttle. In addition, my client will agree to a restrictive covenant, to be recorded against the property, limiting the maximum number of units that may have an automobile to 21. The actual parking usage information can also be provided to the Township on a periodic basis so that the Township can insure compliance with this requirement. In my client's experience, some individuals of this age initially want to keep their automobile as a sense of security; They soon find, after moving into this type of facility, that they do not need their automobile and their family soon persuades them to relinquish it.
3. The retirement home will have a community dining room, Lunch and dinner are proposed to be included in the rental fee. Breakfast is optional. Each room will have a small refrigerator and cooking surface for breakfast and snacks.
4. The retirement home will have a number of common facilities including the following:
1. Game room.
2. TV lounge.
3. Library.
4. Computer room.
5. Laundry room.
6. Dining room.
5. The retirement home will also provide a number of community services to its residents including the following:
1. Laundry service for bed linens.
2. Housekeeping.
3. Doctor examination rooms.
4. Assistance to residents to administer their medications.
5. Room service.
6. Dietary services.
7. Shuttle, taxi and other transportation services.
6. The retirement home will have a call system from every unit to the front desk and other stations in the facility. Nurses aids will be on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide assistance and, if need be, to contact a local hospital and/or arrange for emergency service.