The New Ipswich Zoning Board took a preliminary look at a proposal to turn the former Friendship Manor on Main Street into a recovery center Thursday night.
Formerly a senior living facility, Friendship Manor closed down in May after the owners continually struggled to maintain staffing levels. The building had a 22-unit capacity when it functioned as a senior living facility.
According to ZBA member David Lage, the application, submitted by Ebby’s Retreat LLC, initially sought a special exception, as uses like nursing homes are allowed in Village District II, where Friendship Manor is located. However, the applicant will have to seek a variance, which is for a use that is not allowed, whereas a special exception is for a use that is allowed as long as it meets certain criteria.
The Village District II allows by right single- and two-family dwellings, places of worship, telecommunications facilities and home occupations with minimal impacts. It allows by special exception inns, beds and breakfasts, nursing and convalescent homes, day cares and kindergartens, professional uses and multifamily dwellings.
According to the board, a recovery center is distinct from a nursing or convalescent home, necessitating a variance, not a special exception.
The applicant agreed to resubmit the application, with a variance request, and return before the board during its next scheduled meeting on Aug. 4.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.