April 1, 2003

SENIOR HOUSING RECEIVES $3.4M BOOST

RAHWAY – Mayor James Kennedy announced today that a much-anticipated age-restricted housing development planned for Rahway’s fourth ward has received $3,419,880 in Balanced Housing Neighborhood Preservation Program funds from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

The 150-unit Rosegate Senior Housing complex will be available to income-eligible individuals aged 55 and over and will be built along East Hazelwood Avenue on a 3.7 acre parcel adjacent to the new Agape Church.  Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion scheduled for the fall of 2004.  The project is expected to generate a minimum of $25,000 per year in new tax ratables for the city.

“With America’s population getting older, the need for safe, affordable housing is at a premium,” said Kennedy.  “It’s our priority to keep our seniors in Rahway so they can continue to contribute to our community.  Following the opening of the Agape Church and with the Gateway project nearing completion this year, Rosegate will improve the neighborhood along East Hazelwood Avenue.”

“The fourth ward has seen marked improvements in recent years as we have worked with the city, neighborhood activists and private developers to bring new economic opportunities to our ward,” said Fourth Ward Councilman Dave Brown.  “Rosegate is an important part of the fourth ward’s rebirth.”

Kennedy added that a 140-unit market-rate age-restricted housing complex will replace the old Huffman-Koos site on St. Georges Avenue when construction begins on that project later this year.