NORTH BERGEN, NJ – This past Tuesday, February 12, the North Bergen Housing Authority (NBHA) and Mayor Nick Sacco conducted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Meadow Hill Apartments, a new affordable apartment building for residents aged 55 and older located at 6725 Columbia Avenue.
“This new building is a testament to our commitment to providing quality housing for our senior residents, and is a reflection of our dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for all,'' said Mayor Nick Sacco. “This is the result of three years of hard work and collaboration, and we are proud to offer another safe and comfortable living space for our older residents who deserve the best.”
Overlooking the Meadowlands, MetLife Stadium, and the American Dream mall, the new complex was designed by Lothrop Associates Architects and built by the Alpert Group. It features 61 one-bedroom apartments, an ample parking lot, a variety of amenities, and a doctor’s office (still under construction).
“We are honored to have had the opportunity to design a space that not only meets the housing needs of our senior residents but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Township of North Bergen for entrusting us with this project,” said Joseph Alpert, President of The Alpert Group.
With a total cost of $22 million, the project was made possible through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, which provides investors with the opportunity to contribute to affordable housing in exchange for Federal and State tax credits, and a $2 million contribution from Hudson County in HOME funds, facilitated by then Hudson County Commissioner and current Township Commissioner Anthony Vainieri.
“The completion of this project would not have been possible without the support of Mayor Sacco, Commissioner Vainieri, and the Township,” said Gerald Sanzari, Executive Director of the NBHA. “The building is already at full occupancy which illustrates the urgent need for accessible and affordable housing. The North Bergen Housing Authority remains committed to addressing this urgent need and will continue to explore all opportunities to add more smart, sensible developments in the area.”
Residents of the building will benefit from Section 8 vouchers provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the NBHA, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
“We are always happy to be a part of an initiative that ensures low-income and senior residents have access to safe, affordable housing,” said Carlton Lewis, Senior Management Analyst of HUD’s New Jersey Field Office.
“This type of development is exactly what we strive for and when it comes to fruition, it truly makes you grateful for stellar partnerships like we share with the North Bergen Housing Authority,” said Joseph Christensen, of the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA), which also played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life.