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AMSTERDAM — Liberty ARC will begin constructing its newest alternative care residential facility at the corner of Second Avenue and Belmont Place in the coming months after receiving approval from the Amsterdam Planning Commission on Wednesday.
“People can live there their entire life and have the supports that are needed,” said James Burroughs, assistant director of facility management at Liberty. “It’s a goal of ours to increase housing.”
A handful of curious neighbors reviewed the plans before signaling to the Planning Commission their support for the proposal during a public hearing on Wednesday. The board subsequently approved the site plan and special use permit for the project.
“I’m very pleased,” one woman said. “We welcome them.”
“I have a Liberty house right across the street from me, they are very good neighbors,” board member Kathy Paluso said.
Liberty plans to build a 5,260-square-foot, ranch-style home for seven tenants on undeveloped land at the corner of Second Avenue and Belmont Place. The project site is behind La Segunda Sinagoga, the Latin American Pentecostal Church.
Liberty bought the 2.35-acre property from Robert Lupe for $60,000 in March, according to Montgomery County property records. The building project is expected to cost around $1.5 million and will be funded by the non-profit agency.
The single-story facility will be built on the lower section of the parcel on Second Avenue. The barrier-free home will be fully accessible to individuals of all abilities through all stages of life. Support staff will be on-site 24/7 with up to three employees per shift.
“They’re intent is to have a home for people who can pretty much take care of themselves with some assistance,” said Willard Myles, of Steven Smith Engineering.
The building was designed to accommodate the preferences and needs of intended residents already identified by Liberty. Burroughs said prospective tenants are normally selected to advance plans for new facilities, but can change during the monthslong design and construction process.
“It’s based on individuals’ wants and then we look at people’s needs and try to facilitate that,” Burroughs said.
The facility and related parking spaces for tenants and staff will cover just under an acre. Tree clearing will be limited to the project area to provide screening around the property.
Construction of the facility will likely begin in July for expected completion within about six-to-eight months.
Reach Ashley Onyon at [email protected] or @AshleyOnyon on Twitter.
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