The Town of Secaucus added to its affordable housing stock by dedicating eight additional units in a ceremony at the new development, Colonial Court, 160 County Ave., on Oct. 22. Secaucus Leased Housing Corporation (LHC) Administrator William F. Snyder opened the occasion with welcoming remarks.

“Affordable housing in the Northeast region is something that’s very scarce,” said Snyder in an interview after the dedication. “The gap between what the market is and what people can afford is a big gap. This provides some answers. This is an opportunity for people who live in town to live someplace affordable.”

Snyder said that the addition of Colonial Court brings the town’s affordable housing total to about 550 units, including those located at Xchange at Secaucus Junction, Osprey Cove, and three senior citizens buildings.
_____________
“This provides some answers. This is an opportunity for people who live in town to live someplace affordable.” – William F. Snyder
____________
“In three previous rounds (of affordable housing measures), we submitted plans and these units are a result of those plans,” he said.

Other speakers or attendees included U.S. Rep. William “Bill” Pascrell, Leased Housing President William Carr, Newark Housing and Urban Development Office Director Diane J. Johnson, Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise, State Sen. Nicholas J. Sacco, Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, and Mayor Michael Gonnelli.

Requirements

Applicants must prove their financial status by submitting a series of documents, including statements for savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, bonds, stocks, real estate holdings, and any income from real estate or businesses. They must also submit information on Social Security awards, pensions, and pay stubs for all employed members of the household. Verification of temporary assistance for needy families, child support, military pay, worker’s compensation, and unemployment benefits is also requested. The proof of personal identification includes driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, and Social Security card.

There are currently 54 applicants on the Affordable Housing waiting list, according to spokeswoman Terry Weinbrecht.

‘Colonial Court’ intentional

The name of Colonial Court was chosen for what officials feel the development stands for in terms of those who will reside in them.

The plaque dedicating the complex reads: “This project is dedicated to the original 13 colonies, which were the start of a new nation: the Unites States of America. This was the start of a new beginning. These eight affordable housing units will be a new beginning for all those that live here.”

The LHC was created in the early 1970s to develop a 100-unit senior citizens project. It was thought that the corporation would disband once the project was paid off and converted to public housing. But local affordable housing advocates reincorporated the body to develop and manage affordable housing for the town.

Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.