A development that would bring to Barrington nearly 300 residential units and upwards of 100 new jobs is headed for planning board review early next month.

The project — it is called "Continuing Care Retirement Community" in the plan application — is planned for the former Zion Bible College property and would offer a variety of housing options for people 55 and older. The plan, which was submitted late last month, includes the development of a 214-unit assisted living facility, 35 cottages, and the repurposing of Belton Court, an historic building on the 39.5-acre parcel. Belton Court would include 18 independent living units, 3 guest rooms and a number of common rooms.

Many of the buildings currently located on the former college campus would be demolished, and developers also plan to construct an "International Training Center related to senior housing" on the property.

"The center will help to research, define and teach best practices in the development and operations of senior living facilities through a program being now refined in cooperation with leading operators and academics in this field," stated a narrative included with the master plan application.

The former Zion Bible College property was sold at auction to Shineharmony Holdings in Oct. 2011 for $3.5 million. Since the sale, the property has been left mostly vacant — a caretaker resides in a home on the campus.

The owners partnered with officials from the Peregrine Group to develop the plan for the continuing care retirement community, and much of the focus was on preserving and repurposing Belton Court, which is included on the National List of Historic Places. Once work is complete, Belton Court's exterior will be restored with new windows.

"The formal first floor spaces will be preserved and restored to provide occupants with beautiful communal spaces for dining and entertainment purposes," stated the plan.

The upper floors will be reconfigured to include 21 housing units. Modern elevators will also be added to the building.

The new construction on the campus will follow in appearance the existing Belton Court. There will be a large building constructed that will include assisted living units; an independent care and memory care facility building; two independent living buildings; 35 cottage units for the "over 55" generation. The cottages will be located along the northern edge of the property.

"Walking paths interwoven throughout the site provide a social unity between the project components and also with the community," stated the plan.

The Barrington Planning Board is expected to begin its review of the plan at its Nov. 3 meeting.

Zoning change?

Currently, the property carries a designation of RE for recreation and education. That designation would not permit the proposed development, thus officials will be seeking a zoning ordinance change.

Tax impact

According to Barrington Tax Assessor Michael Minardi, the proposed development could generate a significant amount of tax revenue for the town. Early estimates show potential revenue at about $900,000, although officials are currently negotiating with the developers to create a tax stabilization plan.

Plan details

• Demolition: According to the plan, many of the structures on the campus will be razed as part of the project. "The existing dormitories, faculty apartments, classroom, and offices will be removed and disposed offsite," stated the plan.

• Parking: Officials are proposing smaller parking areas located across the development, as opposed to a larger single lot.

• Landscaping: The plan calls for large shade trees throughout the development. "Along the perimeter of the property the landscape will maintain existing buffers as well as create new ones," stated the report.

• Pollution: According to the plan, officials are not anticipating any noise pollution generators with the development. "Therefore, no significant impacts of noise on the surrounding neighborhood are anticipated as a result of this development."

Project phases

According to the plan, the project will be segmented into phases:

• Phase I: Site development including major earthwork, project utilities and more; historic renovation of Belton Court; new construction of the independent living and assisted living facility.

• Phase II: New construction of the two buildings for independent living.

• Phase III: New construction of the 35 "age-restricted, single family" cottages.