TRENTON , N.J. – The Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin today announced the award of a $470,088 Balanced Housing Program Grant to the City of Elizabeth.  The funds will go towards rehabilitation and conversion of a vacant eight-unit apartment building with two stores into a ten-unit apartment building with two stores.

“Consistent with Governor Corzine’s commitment to addressing the issue of affordable housing, the Department of Community Affairs intends to create or preserve 100,000 affordable housing units over the next ten years,” said DCA Commissioner Susan Bass Levin.  “This rehabilitation project is a perfect example of how the Balanced Housing Program works to provide quality affordable housing opportunities to families state-wide.”

The two-story apartment building located on Dickinson Avenue in Elizabeth will be converted into ten modern bedroom apartments.  Each of these apartments will be made available at prices that are affordable to local low-income families.  There will also be two 859 square foot commercial units located on the first floor.  The rehabilitation project will be overseen by the Magill Organization.

The Balanced Housing Program creates housing opportunities in viable neighborhoods for low and moderate income families.  Through this program, developers and non-profit organizations partner with communities to provide rental and homeownership opportunities for New Jersey’s families.  Funding is provided by the Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Housing.

More information on the Balanced Housing Program can be obtained by calling 609-633-6258, or by going online at:
www.nj.gov/dca/dh/bh/index.shtml.