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NJHMFA Financing to Continue Sandy Repairs at Hoboken Public Housing Buildings

Published on November 1, 2019 by New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
NJHMFA Financing to Continue Sandy Repairs at Hoboken Public Housing Buildings

TRENTON, NJ – Five Hoboken public housing complexes heavily damaged in Superstorm Sandy will receive $12.8 million in financing from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) to continue needed repairs, improve housing for residents and make the buildings more resilient against future storms.

The buildings, which are vulnerable to flooding, are owned by the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) and provide over 1,150 affordable apartments for families and seniors.

“It is imperative as we move forward with housing rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy that we focus our efforts on not only improving the quality, but making homes less prone to flood damage in the future,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and board chair to NJHFMA. “These much-needed repairs will help improve the quality of life for thousands of Hoboken residents, and builds on our Administration’s goal of creating a stronger and fairer New Jersey for everyone.”

All work is expected to begin in December and be completed by June 2021.

All the projects will receive funding through NJHMFA’s Fund for Restoration of Multifamily Housing – Public Housing Authority Set-Aside Program, which provides resources for repairs to damaged public housing units, damaged federally-owned housing units and damaged U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development multifamily housing.

“These funds will contribute to efforts to upgrade these buildings and make them resilient in the years ahead against other potential storms,” said NJHMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman. “We are investing in families and seniors and continuing to provide safe, quality and affordable homes for Hoboken residents.”

Hoboken suffered extensive damage during Superstorm Sandy. Flooding at all five properties reached several feet high, and buildings suffered extensive damage to elevators, roofs and exterior brick from water and wind. The apartment sites sustained other individual damage as well. The Hoboken Housing Authority has been able to address many of these repairs to restore and improve quality of life for residents but as of now, the authority has fully used its resources to complete the initial repair work. The $12.8 million in financing approved at NJHMFA’s September 26 board meeting for the five sites will supplement remaining repairs needed to help restore the buildings.

“The Hoboken Housing Authority is grateful for the strong collaboration with NJHMFA in bringing critically needed repairs to our communities,” said Marc Recko, HHA’s Executive Director. “This funding will leave us better prepared for any future unforeseen disaster as well as improving the quality of life for HHA residents on a daily basis.”

The remaining work at some sites will modernize elevators improving usage for residents while other repairs will focus on roof and masonry issues. Projects receiving funding include:

Adams Gardens, which provides 125 apartments for seniors, will receive $1.7 million from NJHMFA to modernize two elevators.

Andrew Jackson Gardens, which includes 19 buildings housing 598 apartments for families, will receive $9.7 million which will modernize seven elevators and provide new roofs for four buildings.  New sump pumps and sanitary sewer backwater valves will be installed at eight high-rise buildings. Some residents may be relocated during the rehabilitation work.

Christopher Columbus Gardens provides 97 apartments for families and will receive $774,000 targeted to outstanding issues such as roof repairs.

Harrison Gardens, which includes 208 apartments for families in two buildings, will receive $484,000 that will focus on the main outstanding issues with emphasis on flood control.

Monroe Gardens, which features 125 apartments for senior residents, will receive $223,000 that will focus on masonry repairs.

For more information on NJHMFA and its programs, visit njhousing.gov.