Jonah Mandelbaum, developer of senior and affordable housing throughout the region, has his sites set on a 3.77-acres parcel behind the ShopRite plaza for his next project.
Mandelbaum appeared before the Montgomery Town Board last week to outline his plan for an 80-unit development with access from Hawkins Drive and frontage on Old Neeleytown Road and Goodwill Roads.
The project would include 73 one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units and a three-bedroom unit that would house a full-caretaker and family. It would have close proximity to Route 208 and Interstate 84 and walking distance to retail and commercial service areas, including Shop Rite and McDonalds.
Mandelbaum said rents would range from $300 to $1,000 per month.
“We supply heat and hot water in the rent,” he added.
Mandelbaum, who immigrated to the United States from Israel in 1970 as an exchange student and obtained citizenship seven years later, has built more than. 3,000 housing units to date. Most, he said, are for seniors, veterans and people with special needs.
A similar project in the Village of Montgomery, built 15 years ago, currently has a two-year waiting list. More recently, he completed a 252-unit project off Goshen Turnpike in the Town of Wallkill. He said it filled up instantly.
“Affordable, that’s the key,” Mandelbaum said.
Supervisor Brian Maher said the town would need to create a floating zone to allow the developer to start and create the planning process. This appearance was strictly for informational purposes. The town board will need to review the plan, and make a determination on a floating zone before the developer can even appear before the planning board.
“It sounds like a great concept,” Councilwoman Kristen Brown said, “but… the devil’s in the details.”
Mandelbaum, who’s contract to purchase the property is contingent upon approvals, said deed restrictions would ensure that the property remain affordable housing for at least 50 years.
“I don’t see the danger in drafting something while we’re reviewing it,” Maher said.
No need, he was told. A sample draft was included in the handouts given to the board.
The town board will review the draft and the plans. If the floating zone is adopted, the project will be sent to the planning board.