FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 22, 2016

 

Five Projects Recognized at the 2016 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development

TRENTON – Five projects, located in Burlington, Atlantic, Middlesex, Monmouth and Essex counties, were formally recognized with Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards at the 2016 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development. The annual event, which took place Sept. 19-20, 2016, at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City, is hosted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA). The awards represent some of the best examples of housing revitalization, public-private economic development partnerships, mixed-income development and supportive housing projects across the State.

“The Governor’s Conference is the perfect vehicle to announce these awards and to congratulate each of the outstanding project developers and partner companies that come together to make them a reality.  These projects add character, diversity and appeal to their host communities and generally strengthen the economic vitality of the State.” said DCA Commissioner Charles A. Richman, who is also Chairman of the HMFA Board.

HMFA serves as the state’s affordable housing entity by providing financing for affordable home mortgages and promoting the construction and rehabilitation of rental housing for low- and middle-income and New Jersey residents with special needs. The award-winning projects were placed in service between January 1, 2013 and June 3, 2016.

 2016 Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Award Winners 

2016 Housing Revitalization Award (Two Developments)

This award recognizes achievement in an affordable housing revitalization project. Projects must demonstrate the revitalization or redevelopment of distressed or blighted neighborhoods while including an affordable or workforce housing component.  

The Duffy School, located in Florence, Burlington County, involves the historic rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of a 100-year-old historic school in downtown Florence, plus new construction. The school, originally slated for demolition, was able to be rehabilitated and is now listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The community was built by Conifer Development, in partnership with Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development and comprises 53 units of affordable housing for seniors. 

Beachview Senior Residences, located in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, involves the adaptive re-use and transformation of a vacant and dilapidated former nursing home high-rise into affordable beachfront housing for seniors, which is located adjacent to the boardwalk with beach views. Built by Homes Now and RPM Development, Beachview comprises a total of 58 affordable units for seniors, 15 of which are set aside for individuals with special needs.

2016 Supportive Housing Award

This award recognizes achievement in the creation of a 100 percent supported housing project designed to serve special needs populations, such as homeless individuals; victims of domestic violence; persons with mental, physical, or developmental disabilities; persons with HIV/AIDS; and youth aging out of foster care.

Promise House, located in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, is new construction on a formerly vacant lot in a residential neighborhood. Developed by Triple C Housing, partnerships included Monarch Housing, Elijah’s Promise, Kitchen & Associates, Mid-Atlantic Engineering, MPP Engineers, Mulhern Consulting Engineers and JRD Construction. Promise House provides 10 units for very low-income formerly homeless individuals, includes 10 Section 8 vouchers for 10 years with automatic renewal for five years and offers a variety of resources on-site to support residents.

 2016 Economic Development Award

This award recognizes a corporation for its commitment to economic development in the State of New Jersey by advancing a project that retains or generates jobs and investment and increases the tax base.  Projects can include headquarters, manufacturing and other support facilities.

CommVault World Headquarters, located in Tinton Falls, Monmouth County, represents the transformation of a 55-acre site, re-purposed as part of the revitalized former Fort Monmouth base. CommVault is a leading provider of data and information management. Project partnerships included Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority; NJ Economic Development Authority; Borough of Tinton Falls (long-term tax abatement); and the NJ Business Action Center (site selection). Currently, there are 900 on-site jobs. Buildout will result in 2,500 jobs at this location.

2016 Economic Development Mixed-Use Award

This award recognizes an outstanding and innovative mixed-use development project that has significantly enhanced the economic revitalization of a community in New Jersey that has historically suffered from disinvestment.  The project must support the state’s plan for growth and complement the plans of the local municipality without straining the region’s infrastructure.

Linc at Orange Station, located in Orange, Essex County, is new construction of 137 total units, comprising 113 mixed-income rental units and 24 for-sale market condos. This is a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly transit village development, directly supported by rail and regional bus service, built by RPM Development in partnership with the City of Orange. 

"We are pleased to honor these projects with the Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards," said HMFA Executive Director Anthony L. Marchetta. "I look forward to continued partnerships with municipalities, neighborhoods, communities and engaged citizens as we work to enhance the quality of life in New Jersey."

“These five projects and many others taking shape throughout the State represent the best efforts of many dedicated stakeholders,” said EDA Chief Executive Officer Melissa Orsen.  “The availability of affordable, viable housing options is an important component of an economic development strategy that includes private sector job creation and investment.”

The 2016 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development themed, “Building on Today, Investing in Tomorrow,” marks the 20th anniversary of this annual landmark meeting of the state’s most distinguished housing, economic development, business professionals, government officials, lenders, developers, non-profits and consultants. This year’s conference presented innovative economic development strategies and tools and engaged participants in how best to achieve neighborhood revitalization, handle property management, implement green building, develop housing for special needs populations, leverage financial resources and public-private partnerships to build healthy local economies, strengthen communities and more.

HMFA, an affiliated agency of the DCA, provides financing for workforce homeownership and affordable rental opportunities for New Jersey residents and administers the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program for New Jersey.

For more information on the Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards and the 2016 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, please visit www.njhousingconference.com.

CONTACT:
Tammori Petty,
or Emike Omogbai
(609) 292-6055