Zoning change sought in Wappinger
Over-55 housing is proposed
By Michelle J. Lee Poughkeepsie Journal April 1 , 2005

WAPPINGERS FALLS -- A Long Island developer has requested a zoning change to build a 165- or 168-unit senior housing complex in the Town of Wappinger.
Enrico Scarda of The Crest Group LLC, based in Hauppauge, Suffolk County, wants to build a ''high-end'' senior townhouse community on a 34-acre parcel at the intersection of Route 376 and Myers Corners Road.
The two-story homes are aimed at people over 55 years old and would include amenities such as a swimming pool, club house and tennis court.
''It's very roomy, yet suitable for people who are down-sizing,'' Scarda said, referring to people who move into smaller homes after their children have moved out.
Scarda said there is a large demand for senior housing in Wappinger. If built, the complex would generate additional tax dollars without bringing more children to the Wappingers school district, Scarda said.
While prices have not been set, Scarda estimated the townhouses would cost about $300,000 each. He also proposes to build similar homes in Fishkill.
Water link wanted
On Monday, Scarda asked the town board to rezone the property from one home per acre to senior housing with five homes per acre. He also requested the board to allow the complex to hook up to town municipal water.
Supervisor Joseph Ruggiero said the town board would consider the proposal. He said the town is revising its master plan and he would meet with the master plan committee to discuss the project.
Councilman Vincent Bettina, R-2nd Ward, was concerned about how the project would get water. He said the town water system is intended to help current residents who need water and they would have priority over new developments.
''We have some information [but] some diligence must be done,'' Bettina said. He asked if studies could be done to see if the site would be able to operate on well water.
Jo Anne Fatherly, 63, the assistant director at Grinnell Library, said most new homes are for families and a senior housing complex would bring diversity.
''I think it's probably a good idea with the amount of building going on in southern Dutchess. You definitely need to balance it out,'' she said.
Fatherly, who did not attend the meeting, said water is an important issue and it would be bad to build homes without enough resources.
Scarda said he plans to do a water study. The next step would be to submit a building application and have a public hearing on the proposed change in zoning.

Copyright © 2005, Poughkeepsie Journal .

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