New Living Facility Approved for East Windsor

The East Windsor Planning Board made its final decision Monday night to pass the construction of The Seasons at East Windsor—an assisted living facility that would cover four acres on Princeton-Hightstown Road—after months of deliberation.

The board favored the proposal, which has been in the works since 2009.

The three-story, 80-unit living facility would be approximately 89,000 square feet and hold 120 beds; 20 of those beds catering to people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

East Windsor Acquisitions LLC, the developer for The Seasons at East Windsor, anticipated launching the initial construction of the building by fall or spring 2012, weather permitting.

Last month, the Planning Board heard the building’s proposal on Jan. 24, when Mayor Janice Mironov said some aspects of the plan raised concern and needed to be adjusted. Some of these issues included the lighting plan and proposed storm water basin near the building.

East Windsor Acquisitions stated Monday that they had resolved the pending issues from the prior meeting.

Specific modifications to the plan included the interior and exterior lighting fixtures, movement-sensor lighting, details within the types of landscaping and layout, and heating and cooling.

Each room will have its own heating and cooling system—as opposed to a central system—thereby allowing residents to adjust the room temperatures according to their needs.

The developers also stressed the fact that each room will be customized but not all the same, therefore allowing a broader range of choices that will be more accommodating to the residents’ needs.

The lobby will also have a more comfortable atmosphere to it, where travelers and people on the go can spend their extra time.

Shared transportation will also be available at the complex for local rides to nearby shopping and attractions.

“The main thing the owners are looking for is a lifestyle assisted living facility,” said David Mammina, the licensed architect for the complex. “So that’s truly what our goal is.”

Mammina has designed various projects like this throughout the tri-state area, including additions to Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez's getaway home in Long Island. Mammina said he has high hopes for this particular project and its location. He focused on its unique, classical European style, and how its symmetry and landscaping blend well with the surroundings.

One local resident voiced her opinion about the proposed plan, saying that the town needs the addition of this specialized living facility and that its location is ideal.

The proposed location is located within close vicinity to the local farm center, , as well as a variety of local restaurants, shops and medical offices.

Project developer Ronak Shah previously told the Windsor-Hights Herald newspaper that 25 to 30 jobs would be created after the living facility’s completion.

The deliberation on the project finally came to an end on Monday, after the Planning Board approved the plan to build The Seasons at East Windsor at the proposed lot on Princeton-Hightstown Road. Constructed is expected to begin this fall or by spring of next year.