Developer proposes affordable housing for seniors, veterans in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY — A developer is looking to build an affordable housing project in the town for seniors, veterans and people with special needs.
Warwick Properties owns about 3,000 affordable housing units across the Hudson Valley and proposed this project on a 3.77-acre parcel on Hawkins Drive that would consist of 80 units.
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Jonah Mandelbaum, owner of Warwick Properties, said Montgomery is the area in Orange County that most needs such housing.
“It’s desperately needed in the town. The aging population is growing and there is not enough housing in the county,” Mandelbaum told the Times Herald-Record.
The project would be one building with 73 one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom apartment that would be utilized by full-time outside caretakers. The developer says the proposed location of the site is within walking distance to retail and service commercial areas.
Mandelbaum said the company developed senior housing in the village of Montgomery a decade ago and there is a two-year waiting list there now. He has been working on affordable housing projects over the past 35 years and most projects are for seniors, veterans and people with special needs. He noted the rent is based on income and the local community would be prioritized in the application process.
Town Supervisor Brian Maher said the development seems consistent with the recommendations of the town’s newly adopted comprehensive plan. Currently the site is zoned industrial. Before it gets into the planning process, however, the project needs to get approval from the town that would amend the area into a floating zone.
According to the town’s comprehensive plan, a floating zone would allow senior, workforce, special needs and veterans housing in the area to provide flexibility and encourage additional housing options for the population.
Maher noted the project could potentially bring in a handful of school-aged children but likely not.
“We look forward to doing our due diligence to ensure it is a good fit before we move forward,” said Maher.
hwang@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Montgomery affordable housing proposal revealed by developer
