David Jaindl, president of Jaindl Land Company, presented a new proposal to South Whitehall commissioners for development of The Hills at Winchester.

At the Jan. 15 meeting, Jaindl displayed a conceptual sketch plan consisting of 192 senior condos and 49 single-family homes for the 94-acre Rutz farm north of Walbert Avenue. Nearby residents objected to Jaindl's previous plan, which included a retail area on the Shoemaker Auto Company property.

"We had to come up with alternative options to commercial development on the Shoemaker site," Jaindl explained.

Under the new proposal, amenities such as a pool, tennis courts and a recreation facility for residents of the senior condos would be located on the 4-acre Shoemaker property, Jaindl said.

He also proposes a free-standing restaurant open to the public in that section.

Jaindl said the entire development will be upscale.

The senior condos, situated at the western portion of the property, would probably be one and one-half floors, with access from Hampton Road and an extension of 40th Street.

Two rows of twin-style homes for seniors are planned along Walbert Avenue. Jaindl foresees having the senior portion, with private roads, gated with entry via a mechanical card swipe.

The single-family homes, on 20,000-square foot to 2-1/2 acre lots, would be built on the eastern portion of the tract and would be conveyed individually to purchasers.

Jaindl said the single lots would have deed restrictions and regulations regarding building materials to insure an upscale appearance.

Four of the single lots would be reached from Huckleberry Road.

Jaindl discussed the senior aspect of the plan.

"There's no age-qualified project in South Whitehall," Jaindl said. "We've had a lot of individuals asking about it."

The senior section would be for people ages 55 and older.

Rance Block of 4093 Wedgewood Road commented on the plan.

"The neighbors like this with one exceptionthe restaurant," Block said. "It changes the character of the neighborhood. This might be problematic. We have some ideas we'd like to see there.

"It's important whatever we build, it has to be compatible with the neighborhood," Jaindl said.

He noted the last plan for The Hills called for 91 single homes and a retail center on the Shoemaker site.

"Neighbors' concerns drew us to consider alternatives," Jaindl explained.

Jaindl said he has not yet reached an agreement with the Shoemaker family.

"We're going in the right direction," he said.

He asked whether the board was favorably disposed to the plan he was proposing.

President Christina "Tori" Morgan asked for comments, and the consensus was to move forward.

The next step is presentation of the proposal to the planning commission for review.