Bluffs 55+ project breaking ground

HAMBURG-A development that "brings taxpayers to the town and doesn't add to the school population" is what Arthur Strouse of Diversified Communities says of The Bluffs, a 67-unit single-family home project now beginning construction. And Councilman Richard Krasnomowitz, who has been working closely with project, agreed saying, "Anytime we can use a piece of property without taxing the services, it's a good deal." The 55+ age-restricted community will have a clubhouse, fully equipped gymnasium, meeting rooms, and outdoor swimming pool. It will be a gated community with a security guard at the entrance. And it will not add children to the school system. Another benefit to the borough, said Strouse, is, "We are not adding to the town's traffic, as most people in age-restricted developments have only one car. "It will be a unique community," he continued. "We've hired an architect from California to develop plans." He called the design "European" and said it will blend in well with the community. Four model units will be built, with three of them being fully decorated for inspection; one will have an optional elevator. "We are anxious to start, and we want to develop this community," said Strouse. Work has begun on foundations and installing the infrastructure of utilities for the project, which is characterized by the builders as "upscale." Models are scheduled to be ready for viewing on June 1. "Everyone has been very helpful," said Strouse of his dealing with the town. At a recent meeting, the borough accepted a $3,357,529.44 performance guarantee from the developer. At the end of the first year of development, the town will ask for an additional one-year letter of credit to insure that all infrastructure and landscaping is completed according to the plans approved by the towns' planners.