Credit: Ingerman Senior Housing Communities
An affordable senior living community has been proposed for Bristol Township.
Ingerman Senior Housing Communities has proposed constructing a 56-unit, four-story building on Norton Avenue between Elwood and Watson avenues at the Norton Avenue First Baptist Church property.
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Bruce Morgan, of BCM Affordable Housing, came before Bristol Township Council last week to provide an overview of the proposal, which is called Lighthouse on Norton Avenue.
The plan calls for 56 units that will be restricted to residents age 62 and older. The plan calls for constructing the building behind and on the side of the existing church, which is supportive of the plan.
The building would feature 53 one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units. Nine units would be market-rate units and 47 would be affordable housing units. The building would have a community room, arts and crafts area, fitness room, medical suite, a rooftop deck, resident services office, and maintenance office. The developer is speaking with Lower Bucks Hospital about serving medical needs of the residents.
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Partnering with the church, Lighthouse on Norton Avenue would provide regular transportation services for the residents.
The proposed building would include only 36 parking spots and would need a variance from the Bristol Township Zoning Hearing Board. Morgan said it is planned many residents won’t have cars.
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Norton Avenue First Baptist Church, which has been in operation for 62 years, offers programs for youth, parents, residents of all ages, and includes nonprofit No Longer Bound Prevention and Training Services on site. It also has a food bank that serves 25,000 meals per year.
The church congregation worked with the developer to bring the proposal to the neighborhood.
Morgan said the plan is to “provide housing to an underserved population in Bristol Township.”
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Recently, nearby residents, the builder, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick all met at the church to hear about the proposal. Morgan said there was “overwhelming support” from neighbors.
The proposal is expected to be brought before the zoners in January.
Credit: Google Maps
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If the plans get final approval from council in the coming months, the goal is break ground in August 2022, Morgan said.
The project will be partly funded through government grant programs for affordable housing.
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Several council members raised concern over the proposed 36 parking spaces for the facility and church.
Morgan noted that most residents likely won’t have cars.
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“There’s no way there’s enough parking there,” Council Vice President Cindy Murphy said.
James Evans, pastor of Norton Avenue First Baptist Church, said the church only uses a small number of parking spots on a normal day.
Morgan told council his team will work with township professionals to examine the parking issue.
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