DEERFIELD TWP. — Township trustees voted 2-1 Tuesday night to seek rezoning for a senior housing development that dozens of neighbors had fought.

        “I am not an enthusiastic supporter of the township supporting a federally subsidized project,” said Trustee Randy Kuvin, who voted in favor, along with Barbara Wilkens Reed.

        “However, a commitment was made and I believe the township had a responsibility to honor that commitment.”

        The decision to send the rezoning request to the Regional Planning Commission caps several months of negotiations among residents, trustees and Warren County Community Services.

        Community Services plans to a 48-unit building on 3 1/2 acres between township offices and the Woodfield of Landen subdivision, off of Townsley Drive.

        It's part of a 27-acre site owned by the township. Trustees say they will leave the rest as greenspace.

        That was a top concern of most residents who spoke Tuesday.

        “Whatever acreage is left, we want it to remain as it is,” Laura Crew said on behalf of most Pollard Avenue residents.

        If that happens, she said, they can live with the project.

        Responded Mr. Kuvin: “I don't think that's unreasonable at all.”

        Other demands of residents, which Mrs. Reed said shouldn't be a problem:

        • A 150-foot buffer between the senior housing and the Woodfield neighborhood.

        • The 3 1/2 acres be leased — not given — to Community Services.

        • No trails in the undeveloped area.

        • A guarantee of where the township eventually will put new maintenance buildings.

        Some remained opposed.

        “The only thing separating this from subsidized housing is the word "elderly,'” said Richard Tranor of Townsley Drive.

        The maximum annual income for a single resident of the senior housing is $22,500, according to Community Services Director Larry Sargeant.

        Trustee Bill Morand voted against the rezoning request, saying he'd rather put the project at a different location.

        The Regional Planning Commission will take up the issue at 1 p.m. June 27 at the Warren County Administration Building in Lebanon.

        In other action Tuesday, trustees announced that the township has received an $80,000 state grant to put hiking trails in Cottell Park.

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