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Six New Jersey businesses recognized for ‘challenging the status quo’ in the Garden State

Awards Reception Was Hosted by the African American Chamber of N.J. and the N.J. Chamber of Commerce

 

 

TRENTON, N.J. – Six New Jersey businesses that are leading the way in demonstrating tangible and measurable progress in DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) were recognized Nov. 20 at the second annual DE&I Trailblazer Awards reception, co-hosted by the African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

 

“These are the companies and organizations that don’t just support DE&I, they are setting measurable equity and inclusion goals and meeting them,” said John E. Harmon Sr., IOM, founder, president & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

 

“They are making a difference. We applaud these trailblazers and encourage their counterparts in the business community to work toward similar measurable goals.”

 

“We are honoring the companies that are walking the walk,” added Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “We are recognizing and celebrating the DE&I champions who are meeting the challenge and challenging the status quo.”

 

The DE&I Trailblazer Awards at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge revealed honorees that have excelled in these key areas: access to capital; board diversity; corporate citizenship; supplier diversity; and workforce diversity. Also presented was an Emerging DE&I Influencer award that recognizes a business that is in the beginning phases of implementing a promising DE&I program.

 

The Awardees

The DE&I Trailblazer Award in the ‘Corporate Citizenship’ category went to Johnson & Johnson. Between matching employee donations and cash grants, Johnson & Johnson gave more than $12 million in each of the last three years to organizations in New Jersey – with $4.1 million in 2022 going to nonprofit organizations that address DE&I.

 

The DE&I Trailblazer Award in the ‘Access to Capital’ category went to Santander US. Santander offers a free executive leadership training program designed to help small- and medium-sized business owners in under-resourced communities. With a focus on minority-, women-, veteran-, and immigrant-owned businesses, the program helps small business entrepreneurs gain access to executive education, networking opportunities, and debt and equity capital. From 2005 through 2019, the program’s 3,836 alumni companies have averaged 126% growth in revenue, created 22,707 jobs, and raised $2.3 billion in capital.

 

The DE&I Trailblazer Award in the ‘Supplier Diversity’ category went to Hackensack Meridian Health. HMH created an Executive Diversity Council co-chaired by the CEO and the chief diversity officer, who reports directly to the CEO. And it established a supplier diversity-driven goal tied to executive compensation. The result? It increased its annual supplier diversity spend by 32% in 2023 – to $69.3 million. HMH has also created a supplier diversity showcase to ensure small and diverse businesses have equal access to opportunities. As a result of these and many other efforts, HMH was recently ranked first by Diversity, Inc. magazine in its 2023 Top Hospitals and Health Care Systems list.

 

The DE&I Trailblazer Award in the ‘Board Diversity’ category went to Modivcare. The social services company’s board of directors boasts a diverse composition of 10 members, including an African-American member, an Asian-Indian member, two female members, and one director whose gender is non-identified. The awardee’s DE&I success is striking in another way. Their executive leadership team includes an African-American male, who serves as the president of mobility; a white female who serves as chief compliance officer; and a female who is president of its personal care services division.

 

The DE&I Trailblazer Award in the ‘Workforce Diversity’ category went to Phillips 66 – Bayway. In 2022, 36% of Phillips 66 – Bayway’s global hires were women, and 42% of its U.S. hires were from underrepresented groups. Additionally, the company supports academic training grants and education opportunities for young women and minorities working in the fields of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math. Its work has paid off. For two consecutive years, it has earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index based on nondiscrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ employees and their families, supporting an inclusive culture, and corporate social policy.

 

The DE&I Trailblazer Award in the ‘Emerging DE&I Influencer’ category went to New Jersey Institute of Technology. A year ago, NJIT hired its inaugural chief diversity officer, Dr. David E. Jones. And under Dr. Jones’ leadership, it launched the Office of Inclusive Excellence. In the fall of 2023, Dr. Jones was recognized as a 2023 Champion of Diversity by DiversityGlobal Magazine. This fall, in NJIT’s first-year class, underrepresented minorities made up a record 50% of the class, and the enrollment of women – at 30% – was at an all-time high. The number of first-year students identifying as Black has nearly tripled since 2013 – and Hispanic first-year enrollment has reached over 30% for the second year in a row.

Honoring Companies that are ‘Walking the Walk’

The Nominees

For the past two months, the two chambers have accrued an impressive list of nominees that represent a wide range of business sizes and industries. All of them have inspiring and uplifting stories to demonstrate how they moved diversity, equity and inclusion to the forefront of their business strategies.

 

The nominees considered were:

AmeriHealth

Bank of America

Bridge Builders Newark, LLC

CannPowerment

The Ceceilyn Miller Institute for Leadership & Diversity

Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi P.C.

Cole Schotz

Delta Dental of New Jersey

Gibbons P.C.

Hackensack Meridian Health

Johnson & Johnson

Lockerbie & Co.

Modivcare

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Phillips 66-Bayway Refinery

PSEG

Santander US

Somerset County Business Partnership

Tené Nícole Creative Agency

UnitedHealth Group

We Are Jersey

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J.

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce

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AACCNJ, McGraw Hill Publishers, and Trenton, NJ Public Schools join forces to launch innovative reading intervention pilot program

TRENTON, N.J. –  The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), in partnership with McGraw Hill Publishers (AACCNJ President’s Club member) and Trenton, N.J. Public Schools, is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at enhancing the academic success of local students.

This initiative, known as the “Reading Acceleration for Success” program, will focus on Daylight High School students and utilize McGraw Hill’s acclaimed Achieve 3000 platform to accelerate reading growth and increase the number of students performing at or above grade level.

The “Reading Acceleration for Success” program is a testament to the commitment of AACCNJ, McGraw Hill Publishers, and Trenton, N.J. Public Schools to support educational equity and foster positive learning outcomes among African American students and students of color.

By leveraging the power of Achieve 3000, an adaptive literacy program renowned for its effectiveness in improving reading skills, this collaboration aims to make a significant impact on the academic achievements of Daylight High School students.

Key highlights of the collaboration include:

Targeted Reading Intervention: The program will provide targeted reading interventions tailored to the specific needs of Daylight High School students. It will focus on improving reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

Access to Achieve 3000: Students will have access to McGraw Hill’s Achieve 3000, a research-based platform that personalizes instruction to each student’s reading level and interests, ensuring a customized learning experience.

Professional Development: Educators at Trenton, N.J. Public Schools will receive specialized training in implementing Achieve 3000 effectively, enabling them to better support their students’ literacy development.

Community Engagement: AACCNJ will actively engage with the local community to ensure that families are aware of and involved in this initiative, promoting a holistic approach to student success.

Data-Driven Progress Monitoring: The program will employ data analytics to track and assess student progress, allowing for adjustments and improvements to maximize the impact of the intervention.

John E. Harmon Sr. IOM, Founder, President, and CEO of AACCNJ, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We believe that education is the cornerstone of economic empowerment and social advancement. The ‘Reading Acceleration for Success’ program aligns perfectly with our mission to promote educational excellence and equal opportunities for African American students. We are excited to fund the pilot and to partner with McGraw Hill Publishers and Trenton, N.J. Public Schools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young learners.”

In addition to the organizations’ efforts, McGraw Hill Publishers will provide ongoing support, resources, and technical expertise to ensure the program’s success. The collaboration reflects the commitment of all parties involved to creating a brighter future for students in the Trenton, N.J. community.

James Earle, Superintendent of Trenton, N.J. Public Schools, stated, “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to providing our students with the best tools and resources to succeed academically. We believe that the ‘Reading Acceleration for Success’ program will help our students build the strong literacy skills necessary for lifelong success.”

Over the coming months, it will be closely monitored and evaluated to assess its impact on student achievement and reading proficiency.

“Literacy is the key that unlocks the gate blocking the path to an unbounded future. The earlier we can equip young minds with that key, the better. We are proud to partner with The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to help more students gain the confidence to overcome obstacles and pursue a future of their own design, regardless of circumstances.” – Mr. Sean Ryan, President, McGraw Hill School.

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ 

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

 

About McGraw Hill Publishers

McGraw Hill is a leading learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that help students, parents, educators, and professionals drive results. McGraw Hill has offices across North America, India, China, Europe, the Middle East, and South America and makes its learning solutions for PreK-12, higher education, professionals, and others available in more than 135 countries.

 

About Trenton, NJ Public Schools

Trenton Public Schools is a diverse, urban school district that serves a wide range of students from preschool through high school. The district is committed to providing high-quality education and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of background or circumstance.

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NJHMFA approves Foreclosure Intervention Program for residential properties

TRENTON, N.J. —  The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) approved the Residential Foreclosure Intervention Program (FIP) at its Oct. 19 board meeting.

The FIP will enable qualified non-profits to rehabilitate vacant or abandoned residential properties and sell them to low-, moderate-, or middle-income households.

“Vacant and abandoned homes are often purchased by institutional investors to rent back to the community or left to depreciate, adversely impacting neighboring properties,” said Executive Director Melanie R. Walter.

“This program is a testament to the state’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to difficult problems. Instead of allowing those to be the only two potential outcomes, we are going to rehabilitate these properties and get them back into the hands of residents as ownership opportunities.”

In conjunction with the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA), which has already delivered more than $110 million in relief to prevent foreclosures, the FIP is part of NJHMFA’s efforts to offer communities a wide range of solutions to combat foreclosure contagion and increase the stock of available homes for purchase by low-to-moderate income families.

The FIP is financed by fees collected during sheriff sales and supplemented with $25 million from the state’s allocation of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. From these funds, nonprofit community development organizations are eligible for up to $400,000 per property in grants to use for the acquisition and rehabilitation of single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums.

After these properties are rehabilitated by nonprofit community development organizations, they will be sold to low-, moderate-, or middle-income households. To help these eligible families complete home purchases, NJHMFA offers up to $22,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through its successful Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program.

NJHMFA’s share of the proceeds will be deposited back into the Foreclosure Intervention Fund to ensure that the program grows with its successes. Grantee applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the program’s initial round of financing expected to benefit 60 properties.

Interested non-profits seeking to rehabilitate properties through the FIP are encouraged to visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/consumers/nonprofits/ or reach out to FIP@njhmfa.gov for more information.

 

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov/

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Deer management underway at 3 County park facilities

The Mercer County Park Commission is conducting deer management at Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain.

This program is a method for reducing the overabundant deer herd in the greater Mercer County region.

Bow hunting, which began at all parks Sept. 9, and will take place Monday through Saturday until Feb. 17. The parks will remain open when only bow hunting is being performed.

Firearm hunting will occur at Baldpate Mountain and the area north of Lake Mercer at Mercer County Park beginning Monday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 9, and every Wednesday through Saturday thereafter through Feb. 10. The parks/regions will be closed to the public when firearms are in use. There will be no hunting on Sunday.

Hunting is only permitted by those who have applied for and met all the requirements to participate in the program.

Read more.

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Lace up your skates! Mercer rink skating season in progress

Mercer County’s public ice skating center offers a fun, affordable activity for people of all ages.

Located at Mercer County Park, the Skating Center is open to the public seven days a week during the operating season, which kicked off Oct. 29, 2023.

“Our rink is a treasure where generations of Mercer County residents have learned to skate, gathered with friends and family, or enjoyed watching local hockey teams compete,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“Ice skating is a great way for everyone in the family to stay active during the cold winter months.”

Click for information on operating hours and fees. 

 For more information on group lessons, please visit: mercerskatingschool.com/

To obtain a complete public skating schedule, directions or more information, visit www.mercercountyparks.org or call the Skating Center at (609) 371-1766

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Historical reflection on Drumthwacket, official residence of the Governor of New Jersey

Sited in Princeton on the land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American independence, Drumthwacket is the stately home that is today the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey.

Photo credit: Andrew Wilkinson at drumthwacket.org

Drumthwacket is one of the most fabled and elegant of America’s executive residences, and in its history lies the stories for three unique families that made immense contributions to New Jersey’s and America’s history.

The property upon which Drumthwacket stands was once owned by William Penn, the Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania. In 1696, William Olden acquired the property; in 1799 Charles Smith Olden was born in the little white homestead by Stockton Street, called the Thomas Olden House that had been built forty years earlier.

Charles Smith Olden, who gained his wealth in business ventures in New Orleans and an inheritance from an uncle, began construction of Drumthwacket in 1835, possibly using a design by architect Charles Steadman.

For its name, Drumthwacket was the estate of a hero in one of Sir Walter Scott’s popular historical novels, A Legend (of the Wars) of Montrose, published in 1819. It is believed that Gov. Olden gave his new house this Scots-Gaelic name (which means “wooded hill”) upon reading the book.

Read more at https://drumthwacket.org/about/full-history/

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The AACCNJ announces the honorees for the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Black-Tie Awards Gala

TRENTON, N.J.  — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the honorees for its Feb. 22, 2024, Black History Month — Black-Tie event — 14thAnnual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian, in Garfield, N.J.

This event will be held from 6 p.m. to  11 p.m.

“Each year during Black History Month, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, community service, sports and entertainment,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM., Founder President & CEO, AACCNJ.

“This distinguished group of honorees represents the best in class in their respective fields and underscores the level of excellence within the Black demographic in the United States, we look forward to your attendance and support.”

Marty Small, mayor of Atlantic City, N.J. (File photo)

The 2024 Gala themed “Leading the Way” is in recognition of the ancestral DNA of African Americans and those who courageously paved the way for past, present, and future generations of Black people in America. This annual Gala provides the platform, on behalf of AACCNJ members and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of N.J., to continue to increase the visibility of their businesses.

The AACCNJ will recognize the following individuals for their service and accomplishments in their respective fields:

Keith D. Wright, PhD.

Director, Business Diversity Operations

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Port Authority of NY & NJ

 

“In Keith’s role as Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Port Authority of NY&NJ, he is one of the prominent voices of the PANYNJ,” said John E. Harmon, Sr.

“We appreciate his willingness to consistently speak to our members about how the port authority does business with small businesses and outline the programs.”

“My appreciation for the work done by the AACCNJ has grown exponentially each year,” said Keith Wright.

“During the past five years I have watched them advocate, educate, and celebrate African American and Minority Businesses in our State. I am grateful and humbled to be recognized with the “Public Service Award” by the Chamber.”

Keith Wright shared his favorite quote from scripture: “Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatever a man (person) sows, that will he (they) also reap.” Galatians 6:7

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Free educational forum supports Mercer County Small Business Bond program

Mercer County is encouraging small-business owners to attend an educational forum about the new Mercer County Small Business Investment Program on Monday, Nov. 13.

The program is helping small businesses raise funding directly through retail investors locally and nationwide on the SMBX marketplace.

The free event, supported by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will take place on Monday, at 9 a.m. at the College of New Jersey, Business Building Student Lounge, 200 Pennington Road in Ewing. A light breakfast will be served.

Mercer County awarded a $500,000 grant to SMBX to manage the program and drive retail investment to at least 30 Mercer County small businesses on the SMBX marketplace. The grant offset some of the lending fees for small businesses as they raise funds to grow their businesses.

Small-business owners can apply to raise funds through the Mercer County Office of Economic Development, SMBX, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

Here’s how the program works:

  • Businesses can raise money by issuing Small Business Bonds on the SMBX marketplace.
  • Instead of borrowing from a bank, businesses borrow from investors in their community and across the country, paying them back monthly at fixed interest rates through SMBX.
  • Small businesses are not required to provide a personal loan guarantee.
  • SMBX completes the underwriting at no cost, the business reviews it, and SMBX files it with federal regulators.
  • The SMBX marketing team works with the business owners to offer and promote their raise.
  • Once the raise is completed, the business makes monthly fixed payments to its investors so it knows exactly what to expect for its cash flow.
  • By purchasing Small Business Bonds in $10 increments through the Mercer County Small Business Investment Program, investors can earn a meaningful monthly return by lending money to their favorite local small businesses while gaining more control over their money.

Small business qualifications:

  • Physical business located in Mercer County;
  • For-profit business registered with the State of New Jersey, and formed on or before April 10, 2023;
  • 30 or fewer employees, with part-time equating to ½ full-time employee;
  • Less than $10 million in gross revenue;
  • Preference is given to those businesses that have not received specific business grant assistance from the federal, state, or local government entity; and,
  • National franchises, real estate businesses, and independent consultants are ineligible.

The Mercer County Small Business Investment Program will run through September 2024.

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NJHMFA Board meeting delivers key housing policy advancements in tax credits and multifamily programs

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) approved two new programs, the Urban Preservation Program (UPP) and Workforce Housing Program (WHP), while committing funding to 15 new Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments at its Oct. 19 Board meeting.

“The HMFA Board advanced resolutions committing funds to a broad variety of new developments, each of which will bring safe, high-quality, long-lasting, and affordable housing to communities across our State,” said Executive Director Melanie R. Walter.

“Governor Murphy and the Legislature have made record investments in affordable housing production during the past two State budget cycles. This unprecedented support has enabled NJHMFA to leverage federal funds to expand our successful Affordable Housing Production Fund and create two new specialized programs that will help preserve affordable housing in dozens of communities and create many new high-quality housing opportunities for New Jersey residents.”

Urban Preservation Program (A-5596/S-3991)

The Urban Preservation Program (UPP) is an $80 million program established within the Affordable Housing Production Fund by Governor Murphy’s FY2024 budget. Dedicated to preserving, renovating, and rebuilding LIHTC projects in 81 designated cities across the state at risk of losing affordability controls, the UPP is a critical tool in maximizing the benefit of affordable housing. With 1,510 LIHTC apartments in these municipalities at risk of losing their affordability within the next five years alone, the UPP will guarantee enduring and high-quality affordable housing, providing significant relief to residents.

Workforce Housing Program

Also created by Governor Murphy’s FY2024 budget, the Workforce Housing Program (WHP) is a $50 million program established within the Affordable Housing Production Fund. For the first time, there will be a dedicated state program to incentivize the creation of deed-restricted apartments for middle-income residents earning between 80% and 120% of Area Median Income. Further, this program will ensure that these units are being developed within municipalities with more jobs than housing units or are near public transit options, which will protect middle-income New Jerseyans from surging rents while connecting them with reliable transportation and increased job opportunities.

New LIHTC Projects

The Board also committed funding for 15 new multifamily LIHTC developments, of which 11 received 4% LIHTC and 4 received 9% LIHTC. These funding commitments will create or rehabilitate 1,378 housing units, generating $448 million in total development costs. Many of these projects were made financially viable thanks to the Affordable Housing Production Fund (AHPF) and associated programs, demonstrating the critical importance of the types of programs that NJHMFA approved today in making affordable housing opportunities available for all New Jerseyans.

Some highlights include:

Tavistock Townhomes at Woolwich

A new family development in Woolwich Township will turn a currently vacant lot into 72 affordable apartments spread across six three-story buildings. The project will reserve ten units for homeless individuals and families, while providing social services to tenants through the Center for Family Services. Rents range from $340 to $2,000 depending on unit size and tenant income. Tenants will have many nearby amenities, including mass transit, houses of worship, clinics, shops, and schools. Tavistock Townhomes at Woolwich is possible thanks in part to $1.2 million in financing from the Affordable Housing Production Fund Set-Aside and $10 million generated through the sale of 9% LIHTC.

Waterford Family Housing Phase II

A new townhouse-style development will provide 57 affordable apartments in Waterford, including eight apartments set aside for veterans experiencing homelessness. With rents ranging from $330 to $1,532, the project will provide affordable and spacious apartments for low- and moderate-income tenants. The People for People Foundation of Gloucester County will provide social services to tenants to promote independent living. Additionally, all first-floor units will be either handicap accessible or adaptable for residents with disabilities. Waterford Family Housing Phase II will receive $8.1 million from the AHPF and generate $7.7 million through the sale of 4% LIHTC.

Heritage Village at Moorestown

A new senior housing complex in Moorestown will provide 82 affordable apartments for seniors, including five set aside for disabled and homeless veterans, alongside common space amenities such as a club room, fitness room, lounge, and laundry facilities. A key component of the municipality’s court-approved settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center, this development will receive $8 million in funding from the AHPF and generate $7 million in equity through the sale of 4% LIHTC.

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov/

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NJHMFA named 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction, and Design by NJBIZ

TRENTON, N.J. —  New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has been named a 2023 Leader in Real Estate, Construction and Design by NJBIZ for its contributions to multifamily development in New Jersey.

This award particularly recognizes NJHMFA for its recent leadership in developing key affordable housing projects in Paterson and Hamilton.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NJBIZ,” said Executive Director Melanie R. Walter.

“This award recognizes our commitment to ensuring affordable housing in Paterson and Hamilton. Our work here reflects our dedication to providing safe, affordable housing for all New Jersey residents.”

Three projects opening this year proved pivotal in earning this recognition from NJBIZ.

This July, Barclay Place, which provided 56 affordable apartments in downtown Paterson a block from Saint Joseph University Medical Center, opened its doors to the public. This project received financing through the NJHMFA’s innovative Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program (HPSP), a national model for leveraging hospitals’ status as anchor institutions to improve community health outcomes through the creation of nearby affordable and supportive housing.

Two miles away, Hinchliffe Residences served as the financing key to Paterson’s long-awaited redevelopment and revitalization of Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the country’s last remaining pre-integration baseball stadiums. By leveraging the stadium’s historic nature with modern planning elements, including affordable senior housing and a new parking deck, the state’s largest-ever historic preservation project has become a stepping stone to Paterson’s future.

Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods exemplified how NJHMFA spearheads the development of supportive housing in Hamilton for residents with special needs. This barrier-free apartment provides residents with ample access to community resources and ensures that all residents can live independent, fulfilled lives, regardless of income or disability status.

The award winners will be formally recognized at a virtual ceremony on November 29. To learn more about the awards, visit https://njbiz.com/event/njbiz-leaders-in-real-estate-construction-and-design-2023/.

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov/