Should the existing zoning ordinance lapse, the nursing facility will close its doors to the public and provide care only to Quadrangle residents.
Terrence P. Morrow, Marriott's vice president for finance, said that continued outside use of the skilled nursing facility, which provides 24-hour medical care to patients, would offset costs and keep the number of staff from fluctuating.
Morrow said that between 30 percent and 40 percent of those now occupying the 43 skilled-care beds were Quadrangle residents. "So far . . . we have been very careful about how we fill up the center," said Morrow, who acknowleged the center's responsibility to community residents.
If at any time the nursing facility has no beds for a Quadrangle resident, the company will provide skilled medical care at a resident's home, Morrow said.
Commissioner Joel Posner, chief of geriatrics at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, lauded the proposed continuation of the ordinance and praised Marriott. "They are nationally recognized as one of the best," Posner said.
Quadrangle residents also approved the plan. "The vast majority of residents are satisfied on this," said Louise F. Davis, president of the Quadrangle Residents Association.
George Szabad, another Quadrangle resident, said he felt confident that beds would be available in the nursing facility for residents when needed. ''There has been no single month when at least one bed has not been available," he said. "We're set for life and if we need skilled nursing, we have it."
A decision will be made on the zoning change at the regular commissioners meeting March 9.
