Upper Southampton zoning hearing concludes for proposed traumatic brain injury center

By Greg Vellner 21st Century Media News Service

The Upper Southampton Township Zoning Hearing Board, host of three hours-long vocal hearings, is expected to render a decision within 45 days.

The board must decide if Delaware Valley Residential Care of Chalfont can construct and operate a two-story, 16,000-square-foot facility on a vacant 6.5-acre tract zoned Residential at 1216 Street Road. The planned facility also is to include five 4,200-square-foot, single-story buildings to house a maximum of 40 traumatic brain injury patients, ages 18 and older.

In hearings begun in January, irate homeowners from an adjacent singe-family development shouted down the plan. Some said it would lessen property value, while others said TBI patients were not normal and pose a danger to the community. Some called the plan an unadulterated nightmare and said they feared TBI patients might wander from the center into the neighborhood. The center is planned along the south side of Street Road, east of the Southampton Post Office and next to a restaurant/bar.

Ian Yannuzzi, executive director of DVRC, said he is confident the center will gain zoning board approval.

Were very satisfied with our presentation, he said. We feel were within all the requirements.

The proposal calls for no medical treatment to be given at the center; nursing and physical therapy professionals will staff the site, according to DVRC, which said it would move about 75 staff members from its Chalfont location to Southampton, if approved.

Founded in 2012, DVRC provides post-acute, community-based rehabilitation services for survivors of traumatic and acquired brain injury.

The Upper Southampton Township Zoning Hearing Board, host of three hours-long vocal hearings, is expected to render a decision within 45 days.

The board must decide if Delaware Valley Residential Care of Chalfont can construct and operate a two-story, 16,000-square-foot facility on a vacant 6.5-acre tract zoned Residential at 1216 Street Road. The planned facility also is to include five 4,200-square-foot, single-story buildings to house a maximum of 40 traumatic brain injury patients, ages 18 and older.

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Upper Southampton zoning hearing concludes for proposed traumatic brain injury center