Haddonfield site eyed for drug facility
A Pennsylvania firm has agreed to buy the Bancroft property in Haddonfield and plans to develop a for-profit drug and alcohol recovery complex there, officials said Monday.
The proposal by Recovery Centers of America (RCA), which drew immediate criticism from a grassroots group, is likely to require approval from the borough's zoning board, according to a statement from Haddonfield's commissioners.
The commissioners noted the 19.2-acre site at Kings Highway and Hopkins Lane is zoned residential with a non-conforming use as an educational institution. The property currently holds the Bancroft School and other programs for children with developmental disabilities.
"We believe that RCA will need, at a minimum, to seek approval for a use variance (from the zoning board)," the commissioners said. Borough approvals also may be needed for any plans "that might involve subdivision of the property or demolition, reconstruction or expansion of any existing buildings."
The statement noted any decision by the zoning board could be appealed to the Board of Commissioners.
"For that reason, we have been advised to remain impartial and to refrain from making any public pronouncement or judgment on RCA's plan for this property or on the merits of an application for a use variance," the commissioners said.
They described the potential sale and reuse of the Bancroft site as "an extremely important, historic occasion for our town (that) deserves honest and thorough deliberation in order to reach an appropriate outcome."
The commissioners said they understand RCA plans to use "most of the land and existing buildings on the east side of Hopkins Lane." Plans for the west side, adjacent to the high school, "are not firm at this time."
RCA, described as a newly formed company in King of Prussia, Pa., wants to use the Haddonfield site "to provide services such as residential and outpatient treatment, counseling and education services, and support group meetings," the commissioners said.
An RCA representative could not be reached. The commissioners said RCA executives want to hold public meetings with Haddonfield residents before formally pursuing "any applications, permits or approvals."
Bancroft President Toni Pergolin said the property's sale would help fund her organization's development of an 80-acre special education campus in Mount Laurel.
"These are exciting times for Bancroft," she said. The new campus, to open in late 2017, will allow Bancroft "to enhance our programs and the lives of those we serve," said Pergolin.
Bancroft was founded in 1883.
A proposed purchase price has not been disclosed.
Brian Kelly, founder of the grassroots group Haddonfield United, called the project "highly inappropriate and incongruous with its setting." He noted the property is next to the high school, about 150 yards from Tatem Elementary School "and in the middle of a compact residential neighborhood."
He expressed confidence the zoning board "will not grant (approval), given the unsuitability of the project for the neighborhood, as well as its detriments."
Haddonfield United previously fought a failed proposal by the school board to buy the Bancroft site as part of a $15 million bond in 2013. An earlier proposal contemplated development of a continuing-care retirement community there.
Reach Jim Walsh at jwalsh@courierpostonline.com or (856) 486-2646. Follow him on Twitter @jimwalsh_cp