Haddonfield Today 148_2024May31

38 | haddonfield.today
The Last Word
#148 • MAY 31 TO JUN 21, 2024
Woodmont Townsquare, Sewell
NOTE: This building, at Woodmont’s Sewell location, is 4.5 stories high.
The buildings at Bancroft will be 3.5 stories.
So ... what’s my view? Having reviewed summaries of the proposals published
by njpen.com on August 11, 2023 – scan QR n – I believe the Woodmont proposal
is as good as we’re likely to get. Although Haddonfield Encouraging Responsible
Development (HERD) – the group of which I was a member – advocated for an agerestricted
development, and Woodmont’s project has no such provision, I believe that
their designs for one- and two-bedroom apartments will be attractive for downsizing
seniors and not so attractive for families with school-age children.
At Woodmont Townsquare in Sewell, the largest two-bedroom unit (which also has
a den or loft) is 1,325 sqft; a regular two-bedroom unit – shown here – is 1,180 sqft.
Townsquare’s one-bedroom (plus den)
unit is 1,120 sqft while the regular
one-bedroom unit is a mere 890 sqft.
Apartments such as these appeal
to singles and couples (of all ages)
without kids – not to families.
The three-bedroom affordable
units will be relatively few in number
and therefore should result in a
relatively small increase in the public
school population.
But what about units for rent
versus units for purchase? Well, I’m
with former Commissioner Roche on
that question, because it’s the only
solution that will enable Haddonfield
seniors to downsize and remain in
town.
NJPEN
Nine
companies
propose
variety of
approaches
to develop
Bancroft
site.
.
A Tortured History – Elected officials and community members have addressed
the need for senior housing in Haddonfield at various times during the past 50 years.
Committees were formed, surveys were conducted, federal funds were sought,
and proposals were floated. Only one came to fruition, after a slog of more than 20
years: Birchwood at Tarditi Commons, on Lincoln Avenue, has 48 one-bedroom rental
apartments available to those age 62+ who meet specific income requirements.
Sites that were considered for new construction included Mountwell Park and the
lot behind the Presbyterian Church. Two existing buildings on Kings Highway were
considered for renovation: Haddonfield Manor Apartments (at Linden Avenue) and
Kingsway Apartments (at Potter Street). And, of course, Bancroft ...