Open house draws crowd to group home in Morristown Historic District

Guests mingle on new patio of Co-home Inc., Sept. 14, 2019. Photo by Marion Filler.
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By Marion Filler

Cars were parked along Miller Road as far as the eye could see, as Co-home Inc. welcomed neighbors and supporters to its first open house last weekend.

The visitors filled the restored Victorian home to capacity, spilling onto the newly constructed patio in the back yard.

Nate Diskint, a founder of Co-home Inc., chats with a guest during open house, Sept. 14, 2019. Photo by Marion Filler.

“I know what they expected to see, and this isn’t it,” said Nate Diskint, a partner in the new group home for special needs adults.

He referred to misgivings by some neighbors who had opposed creating a group home in the heart of Morristown’s Historic District.

Though not fully furnished, the house had the look of a well-loved home coming back to life. It has a new patio and rear deck, a recreation room in the basement, shiny refinished floors, a fresh coat of paint, a modern kitchen, colorful artwork, and a warm glow from original lighting fixtures.

Diskint said this is what he always had in mind for his brother Jeremy, who has Down syndrome: A place where he could live and feel at home.

The family was well aware of the nationwide shortage of facilities for high- functioning disabled adults.

“Jeremy’s doing great,” said Joni Rose, the Diskints’ mother. “He’s very happy here and he’s starting at CCM this week in a culinary course.” Glancing at a table overflowing with food, she added: “He even asked the caterer for a job!”

Architect Peter Dorne has donated his services to Co-home, bringing stairways and other elements up to code while preserving the integrity of the space.

Changes to the interior are largely cosmetic, but Dorne has proposed converting a detached garage to a 2.5-story building that eventually can connect to the main house.

Rose said three residents now live at Co-home, with room for one more.

The home was purchased for $1.1 million last November. Saturday’s open house was a fundraiser; tickets cost $50. Diskint said he was awaiting a final tally of the proceeds.

Appetizers are served at Co-home Inc. open house, Sept. 14, 2019. Photo by Marion Filler

Morristown’s council recently rescinded a $100,000 grant to Co-home; the two sides could not agree on terms. Diskint did not appear troubled about losing the grant.

“We knew in advance that it was happening, so we were prepared for it and we have another option we thought was better,” he said, declining to elaborate beyond saying “it’s happening soon.”

Co-home hopes to receive payment from Claremont Properties, the developer of 28 apartments on Schuyler Place, to accept the transfer of two affordable housing units that the project is obligated to create.

The transfer requires approval by Morristown’s zoning board. Town officials say the matter is pending. Two “resident role models” would live in the affordable units, said Diskint.

“Claremont Properties is very connected to the cause and we have worked closely with them” he said. “We’re happy they are coming.”

Guests grab a bite during open house at Co-home Inc., Sept. 14, 2019. Photo by Marion Filler

Councilwoman Alison Deeb, the only council member who initially voted against awarding the grant from the town affordable trust fund, said the house looked beautiful.

“I have nothing against group homes,” Deeb said, asserting her vote last October simply reflecting views of her constituents.

Deeb had expressed concerns about taking a $25,000 ratable off the tax rolls.

She also questions the transfer of Claremont’s affordable units, suggesting it may bring deed changes that one day could allow the house to become a bed and breakfast. Local zoning laws do not allow B & B’s, although the council is revisiting the issue.

Visitors on Saturday also included Mayor Tim Dougherty and Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty.

MORE ABOUT CO-HOME INC.

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