By Christina Georgiou
The second portion of the Pomeroy building redevelopment was given a unanimous nod of approval from the Easton Planning Commission Wednesday evening, and construction work on the back portion of the site is expected to begin in 30 to 45 days.
Developer Mark Mulligan said the 90 percent of the apartments in the front portion of the property have been already leased.
"So the demand in 60 days was great. It even surprised us," Mulligan said.
The second building will include 22 more apartments similar to those on Northampton Street, along with medical and professional offices with some already under agreementwith Easton Hospital, and a small personal training gym in the basement, along with resident storage. That building, which was formerly part of the Northampton Street structure, was detached as part of the redevelopment plan and faces Pine Street.
Mulligan said prices in the second phase of the project are likely to be more expensive.
"We're going to be raising prices," he said. "We have a waiting list of people that want to live in the tower."
The courtyard between what is now two buildings will likely have tables and chairs, but whether they are for residents or will be outdoor seating for a second restaurant on the site is yet to be determined.
Maxim's 22, a new restaurant being opened by the owners of Sette Luna on Ferry Street, has decided they will place their outdoor seating on Bank Street, Mulligan said.
"The configuration of the courtyard will be determined," he added.
Representatives of Easton Home also appeared before the board to discuss a planned expansion of their facilities to include independent living senior apartments. However, as some critical parts of the plan are not yet complete, including stormwater management details, the board didn't vote on the matter, though they said they have no problems with what has been presented so far.
"The project overall meets the criterion...but we're not there yet when it comes to details," said Planning Director Becky Bradley.
The senior living facility's expansion will include two new buildings near the corner of South 10th and Northampton streets, which will adjoin the current assisted living home. A total of 104 one- and two-bedroom apartments, intended for low- to moderate-income seniors age 55 and older, are planned for the site.
Representatives for Presbyterian Senior Living, who owns the facility, said they are seeking the preliminary approval vote to help them get a tax credit application approved, a critical part of the financing they're seeking. The deadline is in October.
The matter is expected to be revisited in September. If the plans cannot be approved by then, they hope to at least get a letter of support for the project's intent from the planning commission, representatives said, adding that municipal support for the project is crucial to their tax credit application being approved.
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