Affordable Housing in Lakewood? Construction Underway

The tractors are hard at work around the Lakewood Commons development in the Vine Street area, where 66 beautiful new affordable homes are being built.

The new homes comprise Phase Four of the “NJ HAND” affordable housing program, a non-profit project created by Beth Medrash Govoha and The Lakewood Vaad. NJ Hand is directed by Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz and it is administered by Rabbi Shalom Landman. One hundred and ninety two units were completed during the initial three phases, and form the basis of a beautiful thriving community.

No doubt, home prices in Lakewood have risen considerably in recent years, and these new units will enable scores of local families to acquire a home and live with dignity, in a way that would otherwise be unattainable for them.

The majority of the new units will have four bedrooms and approximately 2,300 square feet of space, with a highly attractive and practical layout.

Twenty-one units will be sold by public lottery to families who meet specific low income criteria, with the sale price only $169,146. The remaining homes will be sold by public lottery to families who meet moderate income criteria, at a slightly higher, but still incredibly affordable price.

These new homes in phase four are expected to be ready for occupancy just under one year from now. More information about home specs, income guidelines and how to apply for the lottery is scheduled to be publicized in June.

Funding for this project, including a $1.3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank, has been secured through the ongoing collaborative efforts of Rabbi Aaron Kotler, Congressman Chris Smith, Mayor Ray Coles and Rabbi Lefkowitz, among others. Special thanks is also due to Committeemen Menashe Miller and Meir Lichtenstein, who have supported NJ Hand from inception.

Mayor Coles has been particularly involved in NJ HAND since its earliest days, and its main street is names “Coles Way” in his honor. The Mayor relates his excitement that the latest phase is nearing fruition:

“It is very humbling when someone comes up to me, tells me they live on Coles Way and thanks me for helping them attain the dream of owning their own home,” he says. “Of all the projects I have been involved in during my tenure on the Township Committee, Affordable Housing is definitely the closest to my heart.”

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5 COMMENTS

  1. A heartfelt thank you to all those who had a hand in bringing the dream of many young families closer to reality. May Hashem pay you back as only He can.

  2. That’s great.

    But what are you doing about the traffic? Have any of you driven during rush hour to any of the schools on oak?

    Are you aware how congested that area is already?

  3. There is a need for affordable housing, Yet, remember the words of Chief Seattle as he spoke : We love this earth as a newborn loves its mother’s heartbeat. If we sell you our land, care for it as we have cared for it.
    Hold in your mind the memory of the land as it is when you receive it.
    Preserve the land and air and the rivers for your children’s children & love it as we have loved it.

  4. Will there be additional road access in and out of that area? Traffic on Washington Ave, Pine St, Oak St, Spruce St and route 9 are unbearable in the morning

Comments are closed.