Chester's Affordable Housing Plan For Special Needs Adults Moves Forward

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Town officials are moving forward with the development of an affordable housing complex for adults with developmental disabilities.

The project, being spearheaded by a Morris Plains-based non-profit, will build affordable housing at 345 State Route 24, formerly the site of the Glenlora Nursing Home.

According to the non-profit Rose House, the project is a 12-unit housing complex built on the 14.7-acre property.

“Chester Township is excited for the development’s completion as it will prove to be a win-win situation,” Mayor Tim Drag said in a statement. “It will fulfill a need for both our town and Rose House by creating affordable housing units and providing crucial residential placement for adults with special needs.”

At their recent council meeting, Chester officials “finalized the ordinance that outlines key guidelines for the redevelopment,” according to Drag.

Ordinance No. 2025-11 essentially restricts any future development on the Glenlora site, other than Rose House’s affordable housing complex.

The project is being funded by Rose House through its “Forever Home” fundraising initiative, which has already raised more than $300,000.

The plan stems from way back in 2005, when Chester Township purchased the Glenlora property to meet its affordable housing requirements.

See Related: Affordable Housing Complex Moves Forward For Glenlora Site In Chester

Last year, the township offered a Request for Proposal (RFP) for bidders to decide what to do with the site. The township heard presentations from ArcMorris, Bluestone Development, and Rose House. The project was eventually awarded to Rose House.

“With more than 10,000 adults with developmental disabilities on a waiting list for housing in New Jersey alone, this housing complex will offer families much-needed hope for their loved ones,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell in a statement. “On behalf of our organization, Board of Trustees, and residents, we greatly appreciate Chester Township’s compassion toward these families.”

While specifics are still being hammered out, Chester officials are keeping in contact with Rose House representatives weekly, according to the mayor.

To learn more about Rose House and its Forever Home initiative, visit its website here.