By TIFFANY DODSON
STAFF WRITER
The New Brunswick Housing Authority recently approved a five-year-plan that includes the construction of senior citizens’ housing in the area.
The plan also consists of imposing tighter security around highway areas, as well as continuing the beautification of the community.
John Clarke, the executive director, presented a report to the Housing Board of Commissioners during a recent meeting concerning the plan's progress.
The Housing Authority’s main goal involves creating affordable housing for residents of New Brunswick, especially senior citizens, the authority said.
The Housing Authority has begun to renovate older buildings in order to try to meet the constant demand for senior citizen housing in the area.
“The baby boomers now that are aging into the senior market are creating a larger demand now for all types of senior housing, assisted and unassisted. But in New Brunswick, we’ve always had a demand for senior housing,” said Clarke.
Many of these buildings will serve as additional housing for seniors within the area, many of whom have already signed up for the next available space.
The organization has built 300 units in 10 years, including Rockoff Hall, and the housing communities located near Lord Stirling School.
Since January, the organization has raised $184,350.56 through redevelopment activity, according to Clarke, as well as fees through an inter-agency agreement with the Franklin Housing Authority.
The Housing Authority also is beginning construction on a 53-unit senior citizen building, located on Harvey Street, which mirrors another similar building currently being built by the Housing Authority on Somerset Avenue.
Eleven of the units will be reserved for seniors who intend to spend the remainder of their lives there. According to Clarke, there will be a mix of incomes among seniors; however, all units will be the same for everyone.
The seniors will be able to share the parking area, some of the amenities, and some of the programs. “The construction of this building is slated to be finished within the month of September,” said Clarke. |
