Bergen 'Age-Friendly' Towns Earn AARP Grants

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – Westwood and Teaneck are among the recipients of AARP Community Challenge grants for 2019.

The program awards more than $1.6 million for “quick action” projects across the country, helping non-profit organizations and local governments perform immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress on initiatives to support residents of all ages, according to the AARP.

This year, more than 150 projects nationwide were awarded grants. The projects must focus on creating vibrant public places or improving transportation ,mobility or affordable housing options within communities, according to the AARP.

Within New Jersey, Garfield, Bloomfield, Dunellen, Jersey City and Somerset also received grants.

Teaneck’s project involves improvements to the township’s pedestrian walkway, while Westwood plans to use its $12,000 grant to build a parklet in the downtown area to provide a safe, enjoyable area for residents to sit and relax.

Nearly 1,700 applications were received from non-profits and government agencies for the program, now in its third year. Each project must be completed by Nov. 4, according to the AARP.

AARP's Community Challenge grant program is part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which helps municipalities become great places to live for all ages. As part of the effort, AARP engages with residents, delivers assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations and supports the work of communities that are part of AARP’s network of age-friendly states and communities.

Teaneck joined the network in 2018 and Westwood was named to the list earlier this year.