Briarcliffe Manor Expansion Gets Preliminary OK

The Johnston Planning Board, at its meeting on August 2 at the , voted 6 to 1 to give preliminary approval for a new two-story assisted living facility to be built at Briarcliffe Manor on Old Pocasset Road.

Board members also voted 5 to 2 give its recommendation to the town council for a zoning change from the current R-40 to Planned District/CCRC to allow for the new facility.

Several neighbors appeared at the meeting to voice opposition to the proposal.

Long-time resident Carmel Izzo questioned the decision to expand the Briarcliffe Manor complex on Old Pocasset Road, citing traffic concerns in the area.

"This was not meant for the business this man [Briarcliffe ownner Ashkay Talwar] is trying to bring here," said Izzo.

"If you're conscientious, stand on our road and see what's going on," Izzo told the Planning Board. She also warned the board that they were opening a "Pandora's box" by approving the project, considering all the vacant land that still remained in the area.

Another neighbor, Cornelius Maloney, came to the meeting with a diagram showing how Briarcliffe gradually acquired neighboring parcels that surround his property on three sides.

"I had every reason to believe there would be, at most, one house on each side," said Maloney. "If this kind of eventuality could happen on my property, what couldn't? I did not buy into this neighborhood with this institutional use."

David D'Amico also added that the future installation of sewer lines, allowing Briarcliffe to tie into the town wastewater system, could cause further problems.

"When you add sewers and you add water, you open up that land for development," said D'Amico.

Board Chair Anthony Verardo explained that the August 2 meeting was not supposed to be open for public comment, but he wanted to give the public an opportunity to speak. He also reiterated that the project was in the early stages, and would be before the board again.

"If this goes forward tonight, it comes back to us for a public hearing," said Verardo.

Some basic characteristics of the proposal were shared at the meeting:

• The 60,000-sq.-ft. facility would be sited on two parcels of land, which total 16 acres.
• The new facility would occupy a far smaller percentage of the lot than is allowed, and have nearly twice as many parking spots as required.
• The new project would have landscaped buffers of at least 30 feet in width.

According to Talwar, the need for an assisted living facility became apparent after observing those living in and visiting the existing facility.

Many patients have spouses who would like to live in the same facility, but with current state regulations, that isn't possible. An assisted living facility would allow couples to live in the same complex, and if their health needs weren't too great, share the same apartment, he explained.

According to Talwar, it would also provide residents with peace of mind.

"As their needs increase, they have the comfort of knowing there is a nursing home next door," said Talwar.