WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A retirement community’s plans to construct 24 luxury apartments over three buildings on its 67-acre campus has hit a roadblock.
That roadblock: Funding.
The township board of commissioners at a workshop session Monday agreed to consider a request by Fellowship Community to complete the expansion along Mauch Chunk Road and Schadt Avenue in three phases instead of one, as originally proposed.
“If they break it into phasing, they don’t have to put up as much money all at once." said township engineer Frank Clark.Frank Clark, Whitehall Township engineer
Fellowship Community is making the request because of a lack of funding for the security deposit for the infrastructure.
“If they break it into phasing, they don’t have to put up as much money all at once,” township engineer Frank Clark said.
“That will make it a lot cheaper for them to put the first building up, generate some revenue and then have enough money to secure the rest of the project.”
A resolution on the request will be placed on the agenda at the board of commissioners' meeting in June.
The cost for the project on the site is $100,000 for the three buildings, the detention system and the stormwater system, Clark said.
“They would have to secure that and then pay the contractor another $100,000,” Clark said. “That’s where the [funding] problem is.
“Hopefully, they can get the first building built where they don’t need all the infrastructure. Then beyond that they’ll be able to get revenue generated from the building when people occupy it.”
'Much-needed expansion'
Each building at The Suites at Fellowship Community would include apartments with 1,050-1,450 square feet and featuring smart home technology.
A Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, or SALDO, waiver also would be required because all stormwater facilities would have to be constructed in the first phase.
“Their [expansion] plan was approved. You’re now considering whether to approve phasing and waive the requirement for the total stormwater management.”Whitehall Township solicitor John F. Gross
“Their [expansion] plan was approved,” township solicitor John F. Gross told the board. “You’re now considering whether to approve phasing and waive the requirement for the total stormwater management.”
Fellowship Community Chief Executive Officer Mary Kay McMahon announced the expansion in a news release on Friday.
“Creating a much-needed expansion is our solution to provide an opportunity for others to enjoy living at Fellowship Community," she said.
Groundbreaking for the first building at the independent retirement community is expected this summer, with completion projected in 2026.
Pre-sale of the apartments has begun. Plans include a Maker’s Space for artists and craftsmen, as well as a theater for movies and performances.
