Huge Affordable Housing Project Hits Finish Line In East Orange

EAST ORANGE, NJ — Nearly 200 units of “100 percent affordable” housing for seniors and adults with disabilities have undergone a huge renovation in Essex County.

On Wednesday, Genesis Companies announced that it has completed its “rehabilitation” of Vista Village at 70 South Burnet Street in East Orange.

According to Genesis, the 180-unit, nine-story building is dedicated to seniors and adults with disabilities. All units are restricted to households earning 60 percent of area median income (AMI), and half are restricted to households earning 50 percent AMI on a long-term basis.

The renovations – including system updates, full unit kitchen and bathroom renovations, and new windows/flooring – were done in partnership with the East Orange Housing Authority (EOHA).

Supportive services are available to residents through the housing authority’s existing programs, including activities, services to address food insecurity, resource referrals and COVID-19 testing and vaccination services made possible through a partnership between EOHA and the City of East Orange.

Several units were also converted to meet the needs of residents with disabilities, the real estate firm said.

Every residential unit in the building will be subsidized through the project-based Section 8 program as per approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.

According to the East Orange Housing Authority website, Vista Village has already started accepting pre-applications. Eligible applicants include “seniors age 65 or older, nearly senior, at least 55 years of age, or disabled individuals at least 18 years of age.” Apply for the waiting list here.

Genesis Companies released the following statement about funding for the project:

“ETC Companies partnered with Genesis as the project’s general contractor. DMR Architects served as the architect of record for the project. Financing for the project’s rehabilitation was originated by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity from the sale of 4% tax credits, Replacement House Factor, Public/Housing Capital Funds, seller note from building owner, the East Orange Housing Authority, and construction and permanent financing in the form of a Citibank, N.A. term loan originated through a conduit tax-exempt bond structure with the agency.”

Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, an East Orange resident, called the project “a tremendous public and private undertaking,” and said it will be a win for the entire East Orange community.

“Housing affordability is absolutely critical, and Gov. Phil Murphy and I are committed to ensuring that seniors and those living with disabilities have a safe and decent place to live in New Jersey,” said Oliver, who also serves as the commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency board chair.

Mayor Ted Green applauded Genesis and the East Orange Housing Authority for taking on the commitment to build “quality, affordable housing,” adding that he hopes the project “sets an example for future investments.”

“Across the Tri-State region, affordability remains a critical issue, particularly with residents who require additional services and support,” said Karim Hutson, founder and managing partner at Genesis.

“We are proud that this maintains the long-term affordability of the Vista Village Apartments and furthers our mission of keeping urban communities accessible for everyone, including New Jersey’s senior and adults with disabilities populations,” Hutson said.

The project at 70 South Burnet Street isn’t the only affordable housing that Genesis Companies has launched in East Orange lately.

Earlier this month, the firm held a groundbreaking ceremony for 160 Halsted Street in East Orange. When it's completed, the 60-unit building will also have “100 percent affordable supportive senior housing.”

• See related article: More Affordable Housing Coming For Seniors In East Orange

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