Developers propose 64-unit senior housing complex adjacent to Johnstown Senior Center

Five Corners Development, represented by Sumeet Gupta and engineer Mike Valiant of Lansing Engineering, presented plans July 1 for a 64-unit, three-story senior housing building on Prindle Avenue, adjacent to the Senior Center and Community Center.

The proposed 58,000-square-foot building would contain 61 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units, a community room and a fitness room. Developers said the project would be part of a broader “Senior Hub District” linking the Senior Center, Community Center and Hale Creek Trail, with upgrades to trail connectivity, landscaping and lighting and a new vehicular bridge to replace a nonfunctional existing crossing that developers plan to donate to the city.

Developers described the local housing need motivating the project: roughly 60% of Johnstown’s housing stock is over 80 years old; nearly one-third of residents are over age 55; and a reported 1–2-year waitlist and approximately 1,600 units in demand for senior housing. The proposal aims to increase affordable senior housing supply and rehabilitate about 4.73 acres of underused, blighted parcels.

The application requests two variances: a reduction in parking (city ordinance requires 1.5 spaces per unit, or 96 spaces for 64 units; the project proposes 70 spaces) and a height variance (MF-1 zoning limits height to 35 feet; the project requests 45 feet, citing elevation requirements related to the floodplain). Developers cited occupancy and vehicle-ownership data from similar developments—an average of one occupant per unit and about 57% vehicle ownership—to support the reduced parking proposal.

Board and staff discussed environmental constraints. A portion of the site lies in the 100-year floodplain; developers said they are working with a floodplain expert and expect FEMA map updates next year to inform final elevations. City staff noted existing sewer mains in the surrounding area are over 100 years old and experience inflow and infiltration during rain events; relining and storm drainage improvements were described as planned steps to address capacity and I&I concerns.

The Planning Board voted to declare itself lead agency for environmental review (motion by Board Member Betsy Camarra, seconded by Roberta Thomas; vote 4–0 with one absence). The board scheduled a public hearing on variances and the preliminary site plan for August 5, 2025, encouraged site visits by board members and asked developers to submit updated materials and design refinements at least 10 days before that meeting. The application will be referred to the Fulton County Planning Board under General Municipal Law as part of the review process.

Next procedural steps: the public hearing on Aug. 5, county referral under General Municipal Law and submission of revised plans; no final approvals were recorded at the July 1 meeting.