Wilson Farms on Casho Mill Road is being considered for a housing development marketed toward senior citizens.
Jeff Lang, developer of the community and president of Lang Development Group, said the project has been approved by Newark's planning commission. He said he hopes the development will be approved by the City Council on June 18, which would then allow construction to begin.
"We feel there is a great need for an older community, which Newark can provide," Lang said.
He said he chose Wilson Farms for the development because the location is not an ideal location for other uses, such as retail, industry, offices or student housing. The proposed residences would be part of a full-service community, featuring walking trails, swimming pools and recreational activities.
Mayor Vance A. Funk III said living in a university town has several advantages. Some people come to the Newark area to attend the different art, theater and sporting events. Many people who move back to the area, have attended the university.
"They're moving back knowing where they're moving back to," Funk said.
He said he is happy to see an older crowd moving into Newark. Homes that are geared towards seniors are popular in the area because real estate is slow and homes for senior citizens are in high demand.
There are many reasons why senior citizens may want to live in Newark, including the many cultural activities and athletic events, Lang said. Another attraction may be the Newark Senior Center, on White Chapel Drive, which has more than 6,000 members.
"A university town has a tremendous amount of opportunities for every age range," Lang said.
He said he thinks the development will be attractive to Newark natives as well as to people from other areas, such as Hockessin and Pennsylvania.
"The older residents are attracted to the hustle and bustle here," Lang said. "They'd like to stay around, I think."
Sophomore Ryan Sullivan said he does not think senior citizens would want to live near the noise of a college campus.
"I can't really say why they would want to live here," Sullivan said.
Paul Anderson, assistant director for library administrative services, said he has lived in Newark for 22 years and in his current house for 11 years. There are a few rental properties behind his house which sometimes houses student tenants. He has not had serious problems with students.
"I would say the students are well-behaved," Anderson said. "Sometimes a wiffle ball will land in the backyard, but I don't mind."
Newark is a very convenient place to live because businesses are so close, he said. When the weather is nice, he and his wife walk to Iron Hill Brewery for dinner.
Anderson, 58, said the noise from campus does not bother him, and normally dies down midway through the Fall Semester.
"I think the Town and Gown has a really nice relationship," Anderson said.
Marikka Beach, secretary for the department of civil and environmental engineering, said she has lived in Newark since 1975.
Beach, 63, said she loves living here. She often goes to Main Street to eat at the restaurants and shop.
"In general, it's very nice," she said. "You can walk everywhere and the campus is beautiful."
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