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Cherry Hill board approves 32‑bed memory care facility at 158 E. Evesham Road
Summary
The Zoning Board unanimously approved a bifurcated Use d(1) variance allowing Rady Enterprise to develop two 7,000‑SF single‑story memory care 'houses' (32 beds total) at 158 E. Evesham Road; the applicant must still obtain Major Site Plan approval and meet Department of Community Development conditions.
The Cherry Hill Township Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a Use d(1) variance on May 21 to allow Rady Enterprise, LLC to build a licensed residential memory care facility at 158 E. Evesham Road.
Engineer and planner Sam Agresta told the board the proposal calls for two single‑story 7,000‑square‑foot structures (16 beds each, 32 beds total) to be built in two phases. Agresta said the applicant is requesting a bifurcated use variance under NJSA 40:55D‑70(d)(1) because a licensed residential memory care use is not specifically permitted in the B‑1 zone and that the conceptual plan anticipates no bulk variances while meeting setback and buffer requirements.
The applicant’s operator, Natalie Hill, described the facility model as residential "houses" for memory care. She said staffing would include nine employees during the day and four overnight staff, that residents "do not drive and do not have cars," and that safety measures required by state licensing would include locked doors, a fenced yard perimeter, and perimeter and interior cameras. Hill said deliveries would be minimal and primarily grocery and cleaning supplies, and that there would be no large events other than increased visits during holidays.
Agresta argued the project meets the positive criteria in the Municipal Land Use Law — citing public health and welfare, open space and buffering, minimal traffic impact, and compatibility with the Master Plan — and described it as low impact. Board Engineer C. Jeremy Noll advised the applicant to coordinate utility stub‑outs with Camden County ahead of a planned Evesham Road improvement project.
A nearby resident, Jen Brown of 114 Sleepy Hollow Court, opposed the proposal during public comment, saying the facility "would be a detriment to the local community, due to the potential for noise pollution from emergency services, light pollution from the 24‑hour operation and potential property damage from water drainage caused by development of the property." Secretary Jacob Richman replied that stormwater must be managed on‑site and that lighting must comply with the zoning ordinance; those issues will be addressed during Major Site Plan review.
The board discussed licensure and operations, confirming the use would be memory care (not assisted living), reviewed proposed parking (18 spaces proposed; the ordinance permits between 15 and 20 spaces for the use), and noted sidewalk improvements in the Evesham Road corridor that could improve walkability to nearby transit. Chair Jonathan Rardin, Greg Bruno, Neeli Straiges, and Ken Williams voiced support for the project, citing its transitional fit adjacent to residential areas and the applicant’s commitment to preserving trees and meeting conditions.
A motion to approve the use variance and related conditions was made by Ken Williams, seconded by Dr. Nacovin Norman, and passed with six affirmative votes (Rardin, Norman, Bruno, Straiges, Azam, Williams). The board recorded that the applicant agreed to comply with conditions in the Department of Community Development review letter dated April 17, 2026, and the ERI review letter dated April 15, 2026.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed to Major Site Plan review, where detailed engineering of stormwater controls, lighting, parking, utility stub‑outs, and a phasing plan will be reviewed by staff and consultants. The board adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
