A project by National Development is slated to bring 63 assisted living units and 23 memory care units to a 4.6-acre site near the intersection of Raritan and Black Birch roads in Scotch Plains. — Rendering courtesy: National Development
By Joshua Burd
National Development has broken ground on a new 86-unit senior living community in Scotch Plains, marking its entrance to New Jersey as part of a multipronged expansion in the region.
The firm, which is based in Newton, Massachusetts, said it was working alongside Benchmark Senior Living to build the project at 1814, 1820 and 1830 Raritan Road, where plans call for 63 assisted living units with an in-house fitness facility, a salon, a theater, a sports lounge and a multipurpose room. The development is also slated to include 23 memory care units, part of a designated memory care floor outfitted with a dedicated dining area, a lobby, a courtyard, a living room and other features.
The joint venture is developing on 4.6 acres in the township, where it began construction last month. National Development expects to deliver the facility in summer 2026.
The firm on Tuesday also announced the acquisition of an existing assisted living and memory care facility in Smithtown, New York, in a deal with a separate affiliate of Benchmark Senior Living. Known as Whisper Woods of Smithtown, the roughly six-year-old property includes 71 assisted living units and 30 memory care units on site, enjoying strong occupancy and having earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report.
“These properties represent National Development’s ongoing commitment to the senior living sector,” said Andrew Gallinaro, the firm’s chief investment officer. “We expect to continue to add to our pipeline throughout the Northeast in 2025. We are very fortunate to be able to partner with Benchmark Senior Living, a recognized industry leader with whom we have had a decades-long relationship.”
Live Oak Bank of Wilmington, North Carolina, provided financing for both assets.
“Benchmark is pleased to be collaborating with a firm of National Development’s caliber,” Benchmark Founder, Chairman and CEO Tom Grape said. “We are also thrilled to soon bring Scotch Plains residents the high-quality, compassionate care Benchmark has built its reputation on for nearly 30 years.”
