Affordable Housing in Brick: Myths and Facts

Last week, Brick Patch reported on the of a 12 unit housing complex that will be built by Homes Now, Inc. off Route 70. Most of those units will be occupied by individuals with intellectual disabilities, however a few will be reserved for low income residents.

That revelation prompted a debate among readers of the article in Patch's comments section, with some expressing caution over the presence of subsidized housing in town.

But Carol Wolfe, President of Homes Now, praised the township's approach to fulfilling its court-ordered affordable housing quota under the state's Mount Laurel doctrine.

"Many towns build one large complex and occupy every unit with people of low income," Wolfe said. "Brick has mixed its populations and as a result, those who are offered the opportunity for this housing have benefitted by gaining hope that they can work harder and aspire to a better life for themselves and their families."

Homes Now, a nonprofit company, administers Brick's affordable housing program, Wolfe said. Those who participate must have "a steady job, good credit and income that falls within the guidelines established by the State of New Jersey," she added.

Homes Now owns a total of four housing complexes – including a shelter for battered women – and has also overseen the planning and construction of 32 deed-restricted single family homes scattered throughout the township.

Some Patch readers expressed concern over the Maple Leaf Park apartment complex in the Herbertsville section of town, and the increase in transient renters and police activity there. But those apartments are privately owned and not part of the township's affordable housing plan or under any deed restrictions. At previous meetings of the township council, Township Attorney Jean Cipriani has said that the municipal governing body is barred by law from restricting the number of units in an apartment complex that can be rented out or, conversely, requiring that a certain number of units be owner-occupied.

Wolfe said that residents who participate in organized affordable housing complexes must meet numerous state-mandated requirements that sometimes are so rigorous that prospective clients withdraw their applications.

"Many applicants withdraw when they learn of the rules and regulations governing these properties," Wolfe said.

One of the most important affordable housing complexes in town is the 184-unit Chambers Bridge Residence, Wolfe said, which is built adjacent to the federally-owned buildings that make up the Brick Township Housing Authority off Chambers Bridge Road. That complex is privately owned, but deed-restricted so all residents must qualify as low income seniors or those with physical or developmental disabilities. The complex receives no subsidies and operates on rent payments, which cannot exceed 30 percent of a resident's yearly income.

The complex serves a need which many people often forget about, Wolfe said, one that often haunts parents of children with mental or intellectual disabilities who do not know how their child will receive 24 hour care once they are gone.

"That is why most parents of these individuals fear that in the event of their death, their children will be institutionalized or left with no one to care for them," said Wolfe.

The complex Homes Now is planning to build off Route 70, which is to be called Tudor Village, will serve a similar need. Nine of the complex's 12 apartments will be reserved for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. The project received a $50,000 federally-funded Community Development Block Grant last week, and township officials entered into a "payment in lieu of taxes," or "PILOT" program with the complex.

PILOT agreements are common in situations when a tax exempt organization or complex owns property. Tudor Village, which is not yet built, will pay $5,563 under the PILOT this year, according to township Business Administrator Scott Pezarras.

Wolfe said that Homes Now is currently accpeting applications for some of its units. An application can be downloaded at the organization's website.