New Providence Approves Zoning Board Application for Paolo's Kitchen

The Board of Adjustments in New Providence approved a variance application for an extension of , an Italian eatery in the borough. 

The passed resolution allows for sign and user variances because the expansion of the building falls into an area that is not designated for that permitted use. The application also allows for side and back setbacks for the property. 

The next step is to apply for building permits to start construction on the project. 

The board also heard testimony for a new continuing care retirement facility that is proposed for 535 Mountain Ave. in New Providence. The proposed 275-unit, five-building complex would be an all-inclusive care facility for residents 62 years or older, said Dawn Yeager, the director of development for Erickson Living, the company that proposed the project. 

Erickson Living creates large scale retirement communities throughout the country, and a smaller community was planned for New Providence to "match the small town feel of the area," Yeager said. 

"We think New Providence is ideal," she said. "The community allows seniors to age in one place. They can still be part of their civic organizations or places of worship in complete living."

The application requires use variances and size variances to allow for the design of the buildings in that zone. 

The development was in front of the board Monday night with a team of architects and engineers to ask for a last variance that would adjust the slope of the ground. The project will not disturb the natural slope of the land, and will decrease the slope of part of the land to make transportation easier.

The biggest concern the board brought up was the strain on emergency services that might increase if a community of seniors is brought into New Providence. 

But Yeager reassured the board that the community will have its own dispatch department to take care of emergency calls independently from the town. She said the independent dispatch is set up in other Erickson communities, including two in New Jersey, and has not had a impact on local response times. 

Board Member Michael Karr wanted to ensure that despite Yeager's promises, there will be someone at the development to monitor the emergency system so it doesn't fall to New Providence's squad. 

Board Member William Hoefling said the development also needs to develop a safety plan in case of evacuation or disaster. The area, he said, is prone to weather problems and the center should have a plan in conjunction with the borough. 

The board will discuss the issue further at the next zoning board meeting May 7.