Belleville's First Senior Center 'Overdue,' Gov. Says

Gov. Chris Christie joined Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, Belleville Mayor Raymond Kimble and other local officials in breaking ground on Belleville’s first Senior Center on Wednesday.

The $18 million project headed by Mill Street Development Urban Renewal took a mix of county, state and federal funding to become a reality. The building will be constructed on land owned by Belleville and property formerly used by the Norfolk Southern railroad. Amenities include a garden area and, appropriately for Belleville’s Italian roots, bocce courts. 

The 137-unit senior housing facility has been long in the making, with local officials expressing surprise at how long it took for Belleville residents to see construction start on the project.

“Belleville has been trying to bring senior housing to the township for as long as I can remember,” DiVincenzo said in his remarks. 

Officials across the board lauded the project as a partnership between different levels of government and noted Christie’s strong support for the project.

“The governor has been extremely helpful,” Kimble told Patch.

Christie said he immediately saw the merit in the senior center. 

“This project was so worthy and, to be honest, so overdue, I felt there was no time to wait,” Christie said. “And when Joe [DiVincenzo] is calling my office everyday, that helps to motivate you.”

Officials including New Jersey State Sen. Teresa Ruiz and Essex County Freeholder Brendan Gill praised the project at the event. 

Kimble and other officials said the senior center, aimed at low to moderate-income tenants, will provide continuity and stability for local seniors.

“It gives seniors an opportunity to live in the town where they were born,” Kimble said.