BOARDMAN — A few additional parcels off South Avenue for constructing a proposed 50-unit senior apartment complex have been approved, moving the possibility of the project closer to fruition.

Township zoning commissioners this week approved the two pieces of vacant property for constructing the complex off South Avenue just south of Beech Avenue, near Rulli Bros., as the zoning change process continues.

Township trustees would have to give final approval to the change, however, before the complex could be built. They are scheduled to vote on the move to change the zoning from general business to multi-family residential at their special meeting set for 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the township government center on Market Street.

Cincinnati-based Pivotal Development Co. would build the four-story complex on the two parcels for those 55 and older, Joseph Macomber, the Boardman Zoning Commission’s interim assistant director, noted.

Since the commission had approved a zoning change last month to build the apartments on 8 neighboring acres, a gas well was found on that property, Macomber said. Consequently, the two additional parcels were approved at Tuesday’s session.

While some nearby residents at Tuesday’s meeting expressed support for the project, others were concerned about possible water runoff. Pivotal representatives responded by saying that detention basins would be included to eliminate that problem.

Township Administrator Jason Loree noted that Pivotal officials decided not to build on the original 8 acres because of a covenant that may forbid building on the site of a gas well.

If trustees approve the zoning change for the project at the Feb. 13 meeting, Pivotal would need to have a review board look at storm water concerns and the building layout, as well as greenspace and landscaping before a permit could be issued, Loree explained.