West Orange Senior Apartments Will Also Have Room For Homeless

WEST ORANGE, NJ — There’s a dire need for affordable senior housing in New Jersey, including West Orange. But according to its developer, a new apartment building will help put a dent in the numbers – while also giving a boost to people experiencing homelessness.

The Alpert Group LLC recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the West Orange Senior Housing Community at 46 Mount Pleasant Avenue. Read More: West Orange Senior Housing Building Is Moving Forward, Firm Says

According to the Fort Lee-based firm, the “100 percent affordable” building will have 65 one and two-bedroom apartments, on-site parking, modern amenities and “age-friendly features.” It will be open to people aged 62 and up.

Rents at the building will range from $315 to $1,124 per month, a representative from The Alpert Group said at a town council meeting in June.

The five-story building will be located in the Central Business District adjacent to Town Hall, a police facility and the John P. Renna House senior apartments.

It is expected to open in late summer 2024.

HOMELESSNESS/RATABLES

The building will also five permanent units for people who are experiencing homelessness. Services will be available to help them get support such as health care, education and job training.

According to The Alpert Group:

“The five units of age-restricted, permanent supportive housing units for homeless persons will allow those residents to access a comprehensive array of social services focused on helping them live independently in a safe and secure environment. Services provided to those residents will include service coordination/case management, linkages to health care and treatment programs, educational/vocational training programs, employment and job readiness programs, financial empowerment programs, life skills training, transportation and wellness resources.”

"We've been looking forward to this groundbreaking, as it's critically important for West Orange's seniors who have a strong need for local, affordable housing,” West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney said.

“We'll also be providing a helping hand to homeless seniors through dedicated permanent housing and access to essential social services,” McCartney said.

The project has also seen support from Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr.

“I am pleased that Essex County is able to partner with the Township of West Orange and The Alpert Group to support this mixed-use development that will bring space for the community and affordable rental units to the township’s Main Street corridor,” DiVincenzo said.

“This unique combination of uses enhances ratables for West Orange while providing first-class public space,” DiVincenzo added.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING/LIBRARY

The new senior housing building was a key bargaining chip in a major redevelopment project at 100 and 200 Executive Drive and 10 Rooney Circle that took shape during the pandemic. As part of the deal, the space formerly used by the town’s public library – which has moved to 10 Rooney Circle – was approved to be turned into affordable housing for seniors.

• See Related: Supreme Court Ruling Won't Deter West Orange's Plans, Mayor Says
• See Related: West Orange Library Reopens At New Location (See Hours)

The income-restricted community will count towards West Orange’s affordable housing obligation. It is partially funded by the NJHMFA Affordable Housing Production Fund, an appropriation from the New Jersey Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Financial partners include New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Enterprise Community Partners, TD Bank, Essex County and The Township of West Orange.

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