Kaufman, Semeraro & Leibman, LLP is pleased to announce another significant land use approval.

On March 16, 2015, partner Mark J. Semeraro secured a use variance and additional variances necessary for the approval of a $25,000,000.00 assisted living facility before the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Wayne.

While this project was ideally suited for the particular property in question, it did face some opposition from a neighboring townhome community due to screenage concerns and some ill informed opposition from individuals identifying themselves as CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR WAYNE who mistakenly believed that this project was residential in nature and not a commercial rateable.

Through three days of hearing, testimony was solicited by qualified professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering and planning as well as representatives of the applicant Engel Burman, which is the premier developer in assisted living facilities in the region.

Through the process, an agreement was reached regarding screenage issues raised by the adjoining townhome community and Mr. Semeraro was successful in dispelling the rumor propagated by the politically motivated citizen\’s group.

This project will bring with it a $25,000,000.00 commercial tax rateable and generate upwards of one tax point in tax revenue for the municipality. It is the most significant new tax rateable brought into the Township in recent years. At the same time, it will convert an eyesore to a five acre park-like landscaped property with the lowest possible impact on traffic and municipal services.

Mr. Semeraro has stated and firmly believes that the granting of this approval is a win —win for the Township of Wayne.