Affordable Housing

The 30-unit apartment building, with 5 affordable housing units, is more than 50% leased. Developer Benjamin Nigri says he went above and beyond on materials and amenities.

Collins-Colding is running for the seat on the Maplewood Township Committee being vacated by Deborah Engel. The primary is on June 10.

At this time, South Orange’s obligation is 163 affordable units and Maplewood’s is 216. Final numbers and adoption will come in June.

The mayor provided extensive updates on everything from the new stormwater utility tax to the potential redevelopment of the Maplewood movie theater at the Township Committee’s annual reorganization meeting.

JESPY House is one of the partners in the project, and 16 units will go to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Board voted in the affirmative but also raised alarms about usage in putting conditions on the approval. ‘This building Is geared for growth,” said Board member Michael Miller.

Unless the Village can get the number reduced, it will need to build 800 units over the next 10 years. “It’s a high number and it’s going to be difficult. So get ready for that,” said South Orange Mayor Collum.

The major unanswered question — Where will the 40 units go?

“New Jersey needs a pro-housing administration because we are in an affordability crisis. One third of our residents spend at least 30% of their income on housing and one in five spend at least half of their income on rent or home ownership costs.”

“This is a significant step towards ensuring that our community remains inclusive and supportive of residents from all different economic backgrounds.” — Kelly Freeman, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Sierra House