Representatives from both Roselle Park’s governing body and Catholic Charities along with Monsignors Kevin Hanbury and Christopher Hynes held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 75-unit senior citizens housing complex yesterday morning.
After words from Catholic Charities CEO Dr. Philip Frese, a blessing was performed by Monsignor Hanbury. This was followed by a reading of 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, read by mayor Joseph DeIorio, and a prayer & blessing by the Monsignor.
The governing body and Dr. Frese then picked up golden shovels and concluded the ceremony along with Monsignor Hanbury.
“It’s been a promise that I’ve made,” mayor Joseph DeIorio commented after the ceremony. Referring to the 16 years it took to realize senior housing he continued, “I’m glad that I can finally be here to put the shovel in the ground before my term ends.”
The proposed site will be at the current location of the Department of Public Works (DPW), which will be moving to accommodate the complex. The Domus Corporation, a non-profit housing development corporation and Catholic Charities affiliate, will be spearheading the development on West Webster Avenue. The 75 units, which are less than the 100 that were testified to by Janice Tally at a COAH (Committee On Affordable Housing) hearing in April 2010, will house seniors who qualify based on income.
This development will satisfy a component of COAH but there are still outstanding issues that need to be fulfilled by Roselle Park in order to comply with affordable housing as it relates to an agreement the municipality signed with AvalonBay in 2009.
