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IRVINGTON, N.Y. A group of Irvington residents have come out against a proposed assisted-living facility on the site of the Foundation for Economic Education, saying the project is too large for the area.
Irvington resident Barry Graubart and a few of his neighbors formed Protect Irvington from Overdevelopment after learning that the proposed Continuum facility was before the Irvington Planning Board for consideration.
Our goal is to make sure everyone is aware of this project, Graubart said.
The proposed 105,000 square foot Continuum facility would be situated on approximately 4 acres located at 30 South Broadway, south of Main Street and across from the intersection of Broadway and Harriman Road.
The facility would include 81 assisted-living units, 40 memory-care units, a fitness center, beauty salon, parking, walking paths and dining facilities.
The proposal also includes actions to revise Irvington's zoning code to allow the facility within the village's Multi-Family Zoning District.
Residents cite several issues with the project, including an increase in traffic. Graubart said many kids walk along Route 9 to get to school and the increased traffic would prevent that, especially with a proposed expansion of Mercy College and a new Walgreens in Dobbs Ferry.
The traffic is going to be a nightmare, he said.
Graubart also said the size of the project is too big and that its self-contained nature would mean that no businesses on Main Street would benefit from its construction.
The Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps has also come out against the project, speaking at the recent planning board meeting. Corps members noted the project would mean an increase in emergency calls when the number of trained EMTs is decreasing and that they could not handle the extra calls.
One of the group's goals is to improve transparency in the project.
Graubart lives on Sycamore Lane, which sits across the street from the project on Route 9. He said his neighborhood was not notified of the proposal until three days before the planning board meeting and they had no idea the project was even being considered.
Graubart estimates that 75 to 80 families in several Irvington neighborhoods have already joined the group to oppose the project. He said the group plans to knock on doors this weekend and do some voter outreach on the proposed project. The group has also been questioning candidates for village trustee on the issue to try to get their opinions.
The Irvington Planning Board is expected to take up the issue again at its meeting on April 4, Village Clerk-Treasurer Brenda Jeselnik said.
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