Affordable Housing Complex In Madison Gets Funding Boost From State

MADISON, NJ — Madison will receive a state funding boost thanks to Congresswoman Sherrill, helping the borough meet its affordable housing obligation for 44 units on Walnut Street, at the former Civic Center.

The borough's affordable housing department will receive $2,086,269 as part of Sherrill's Community Block Grant program.

The funds would be used to build 44 low- and middle-income rental apartments on two adjacent Madison sites, totaling five apartment buildings.

The approved plan includes 30 apartments near the Madison Civic Center on Walnut Street, next to Central Avenue School, as well as 14 additional units accessible from Community Place.

The planning board approved the housing project in early 2022 with several conditions, including an amendment to the site plan, a soil study, and a revised plan that included ADA accessible ramps on the sidewalk.

Concerns raised by the neighborhood during the approval process included the volume of traffic, excess parking, the safety of pedestrians and drivers, and the appropriateness of development near the Central Avenue school.

Before receiving board approval, the developers underwent a number of studies as part of the application process, including a traffic study and an environmental study.

The site will be developed into a multi-family residential community. The future buildings will be two or three stories tall, with exterior finishes in a variety of patterns and colors to create a very attractive and inviting appearance, officials said.

The project will include enhanced energy initiatives such as dedicated solar panels for each unit, triple-glazed windows, heat pumps, extra insulation, a specialized energy-efficient appliance package, and other features.

According to Michael Pellessier, Madison's Communication Director, all of those elements will contribute to the housing project being certified as New Jersey's first multi-family affordable housing development to meet Passive Housing/New Zero Energy Standards.