Bancroft completes purchase of site in Mt. Laurel
Bancroft, a historic presence in Haddonfield, has finalized its acquisition of 80 acres in Mount Laurel, school officials announced this week.
Bancroft, a historic presence in Haddonfield, has finalized its acquisition of 80 acres in Mount Laurel, school officials announced this week.
"It's the closing of the sale, so the property is ours," Bancroft spokeswoman Lori Shaffer said Wednesday.
The Burlington County site will be home to the relocated Bancroft School, as well as the Lindens Center for Autism, residences, an enrichment and training institute, and new programs for recreation, socialization, and technical opportunities for children and adults.
"This is a significant step towards our goal of reaching more children and families who need our resources in the special needs community," Toni Pergolin, Bancroft president, said in a statement. "We have envisioned a campus that takes our school and pediatric programs to a new level and provides new opportunities for engagement."
The actual closing was Friday, Shaffer said. Bancroft officials have not disclosed the purchase price of the Mount Laurel property.
Haddonfield officials are looking at acquiring the site Bancroft is vacating.
"Bancroft has been part of our community for several decades as we host their group homes and, more recently, Bancroft NeuroRehab Resnick Center," said Mount Laurel Mayor Linda Bobo. "We are thrilled they will be expanding their presence in our region and will provide families new opportunities to grow and learn."
Shaffer said Bancroft's plan is to have the new site open and running by the 2017-18 school year.
Construction preparation work on the site is expected to begin within the next few weeks, she said.
The current school in Haddonfield accommodates about 225 students. The new facility will likely serve more, but that number has not been released.
Haddonfield's redevelopment plan for the 19-acre site is still under review and subject to public comment. The plan includes open spaces for active and passive use and possible construction of market rate and affordable housing.
Developer Brian J. O'Neill could be the builder of the housing. He had proposed acquiring the site for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility as part of his Recovery Centers of America. That proposal was dropped after it was met with strong community opposition.
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