Groundbreaking near on Carmel senior housing
Putnam County Courier
February 16, 2006

Ground will soon be broken on Putnam County's first market rate active adult senior housing community.

The 381 units consisting of mixed, age restricted housing will be constructed along Stoneleigh Avenue in Carmel less than a half mile from Route 6.

Developer Paul Camarda said a "tremendous need" existed for Carmel Centre. "With 5,000 households in the greater Carmel-Mahopac area that are senior qualified and 14,000 senior households across the county that qualify, I anticipate the housing will be gobbled up in no time," he said. Purchasers of the homes must be at least 55 years of age.

The Carmel Planning Board approved the project last week and Camarda said since that time, his office received in excess of 60 phone calls from prospective buyers.

Carmel Centre will consist of 2,000 to 2,500 square foot attached cottages containing two car garages as well as town homes and multistory buildings each containing 12 to 16 units with parking underneath. "These are nice units with different price points because one size does not fit all," he said.

Prices begin at $289,000 with the top price exceeding $500,000.

Carmel Centre will contain many amenities. Camarda said the site will consist of a clubhouse containing exercise rooms and a lap pool. Additional meeting and crafts rooms will also be included, designed to what Camarda said was to "create an active and social atmosphere and lifestyle."

Plans also call for an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, bocce courts, a three-hold golf course, a jogging track and walking paths.

Camarda called the project "great for the entire county. Local schools relish senior housing because the developments have no impact on the schools other than to provide a tremendous tax benefit."

Additional information about Carmel Centre is available by calling Camarda Development Corp. at 228-1400.