The zoning board application by Caddis Acquisition Partners to build a senior living community on historic Holly Ravine Farm has provoked a strong response from the community.
The issue was addressed by Council President David Fleisher at the body’s April 24 meeting.
“I wanted to make sure people knew that the township had numerous negotiations with the property owners and their representatives over differing time periods, particularly during Mayor (Chuck) Cahn’s administration,” Fleisher said.
Though county and state representatives were also consulted to attempt a purchase of the site at Evesham and Springdale roads, the property owners rejected the offer.
The township farm has been around since 1925, according to the Courier Post newspaper, when it was purchased by John and Eva Gilmour. The pair operated the Cow Tail Dairy Bar on the property until it closed in 1989, when the Holly Ravine shopping Center was developed.
Cherry Hill resident Eric Ascalon fondly recalled coming to Cherry Hill from New York and his memories of the dairy bar. He told council he was crushed when he heard about the proposed senior facility.
“I remember reading the articles about how bad (John Gilmour) felt about the development of the Holly Ravine Plaza on his parcel,” Ascalon said, “and he felt so bad. But he didn’t feel he had a choice. I respect that.
“I respect the family and I understand they need it, but we failed. This parcel should have been preserved. This is a jewel of our community, it’s a jewel of South Jersey, it’s a jewel of the state.
“This is a very very special place. It’s really a shame.”
Kathy Ripple Gilmour issued a statement online about her family’s attempts to sell the farm beginning in 2009.
“We did our due diligence,” she insisted. “And we truly believe that this nursing home is the best choice for this spot. Not only will this company (Caddis Acquisition Partners) be saving a tree that is hundreds of years old and making it a center point of their courtyard, but they will also be planting hundreds of more trees,” added Giilmour, who recalled family and friends climbing the aged beech tree as kids.
“Data shows that this nursing home will support the aging population of Cherry Hill and will fit with the aesthetics of Springdale Road.”
A statement from Caddis notes that it plans to “incorporate as many of the mature trees around the property as is practical.”
It estimates that 36 trees would be removed across the 23 acres of the farm, but would “add back an additional 418 trees, which far exceeds the current Cherry Hill tree ordinance.” The company plans to incorporate the beech tree in its courtyard design.
A full application for the development can be found on the Cherry Hill Zoning Board website, It is set to be heard at Thursday’s May 4 zoning board meeting.
