Senior Condos Planned for Jumpers Hole Road in Severna Park

Developers want to build a new community designed for seniors in Severna Park, but they say they’ll need increased zoning in order to make it sustainable.

Owners of property at 478 Jumper's Hole Road, currently, , are planning the Gransfield community, a series of single-floor condos that will provide up to 68 units when completed. But before they can move forward, they’ll need to upgrade the zoning on the land from R2 to at least R15, a density that would allow this type of development.

Right now, the office of planning and zoning only recommends upgrading the zoning to R5. But developers have filed their request for increased density through the county’s once-in-a-decade comprehensive rezoning process.  On Monday, the County Council heard the first testimony in favor of the rezoning.

John Pantelides, a lobbyist hired by Bob Blanchfield, owner of the property, said that the Severna Park area could benefit from another senior community because of the burgeoning population.

“Many seniors are trapped in their big homes, and they will stay there because they want to stay in Severna Park,” Pantelides said. “If we do not meet the need, we will see more Severna Park seniors being forced out of the county to other areas.”

Blanchfield and two of his sons also spoke regarding the property, saying there are not enough senior communities. He cited some population data from the recent US Census. Of the roughly 37,000 Severna Park residents, more than 10,000 are seniors.

"The little bit of housing that there is, is all taken for seniors, so we all end up staying in our houses. It's just too much for us,” he said. “If we don’t get our R15 zoning, the places would be so expensive that no one would want to buy them.”

Pantelides noted that an assisted living home was being built across from where Gransfield is planned. He said the proximity of these two developments and nearby retail, would create “synergy” for seniors in the area.

The owners have made their case to the County Council. Next, the request must earn the support of District 5 Councilman Dick Ladd who could then include Blanchfield’s request in the comprehensive rezoning bill. A final vote on the matter is expected in November.