New York State has given the developers of Harbor Ridge, a Lifecare Community planned for Hempstead Harbor, approval to begin accepting priority reservations. This is a necessary step that precedes the construction of the development. The purpose of this step is to assure New York State that there is sufficient demand for such a facility to be built. According to David Pearson, the developer, a letter was sent last week to people who had indicated an interest in Harbor Ridge. More than four hundred responses were received on Friday, the day the letter arrived, clearly indicating that the demand is great. Harbor Ridge will give a presentation explaining the specifics of a Lifecare Community at the Swan Club on April 29. Since the Swan Club can only accommodate 200 people, other presentations will be scheduled.

The non-binding priority reservations that will be accepted require an agreement and a fully refundable $2000 deposit fee, which places a prospective resident on a reservation list and will entitle that person to early selection of a residence at Harbor Ridge. Harbor Ridge will consist of 324 independent apartments and 76 nursing beds. The community will be managed by Marriott Senior Living Services which manages similar communities throughout the country.

The one and two-bedroom cooperative apartments will range from 750 to more than 2000 square feet. The building plans include two dining rooms, lounges, a library, a convenience store, a bank and an on-site office for physical visits.

According to Mr. Pearson, the starting price of a co-op unit will be $268,000. This, he explained, is not just for the purchase of the unit but will gain the purchaser entrance to the Lifecare community, which includes health, social and supportive services. Residents will also be entitled to daily meals, housekeeping, property maintenance and transportation. Should the need arise, varying levels of assistance and care will be offered including a skilled nursing facility which will be located on-site. Residents will incur no additional monthly fees for use of the Health Care Center beyond those needed to meet cost of living increases or supplemental medical services and supplies.

Harbor Ridge will be a gated community. There will also be a condominium complex located within the gated community to be called Harbor View. This will be developed by Bernard Janowitz whose company is presently developing Stone Ridge on Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset.