Press Releases
Date: January 9, 2002
Release Date: Immediately
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Reba V. Hicks
Public Information Officer
(856) 968-2748
"CAMDEN HOUSING AUTHORITY' AWARDANCE OF $35 MILLION DOLLARS
FOR WESTFIELD ACRES CELEBRATES NEW NAME
AND GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY"
The Camden Housing Authority will host a celebratory groundbreaking
ceremony for Baldwin's Run, formerly Westfield Acres on Wednesday,
January 16, 2002 at 3165 Westfield Avenue, Camden, New Jersey at
1:30 p.m.
Since the awarding of $35 million dollars as announced on July
26, 2000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
the Authority has been moving forward in its plans of constructing
newness, growth, hope and more housing opportunities to the residents
of Camden City. Demolition began in June 2000 of the 512 very dense,
poorly sited and physically deteriorated housing units. To date,
the property is leveled and fenced in with the Authority, residents
and community eager to see the building of a new development.
Guest include U.S. Senator Robert G. Torricelli, U.S. Congressman
Robert E. Andrews, Mayor Faison, Norton Bonaparte, etc., who have
all been very supportive from applying for the HOPE VI grant to
receiving the awarding and thereafter.
Plans for "Baldwin's Run" consist of 523 townhouse style
units constructed. Off site construction has begun and will consist
of 100 homeownership townhouse style units with a total of 272 units
constructed off site. We are fully funded for the onsite of homeownership
of the 1st phase, consisting of 31 units and have received tax credit
approval for 78 rental units in the 1st phase. With a closing for
the onsite rental phase (78) units, 70% of onsite units are fully
funded. Plans and specifications are complete for this phase and
drawings have been submitted to the city for building permits.
Throughout the developmental process, we continue to provide supportive
services to almost 300 families that used to reside on the site
with an emphasis on employment initiatives and youth programs. We
are also forming and renewing partnerships on a regular basis.
Besides the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and
the Camden Housing Authority our partners include the Department
of Community Affairs, NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, St.
Joseph's Carpenter Society, the City of Camden, as well, as a large
number of community groups and service providers.
The Camden Housing Authority conducts monthly HOPE VI meetings
and through the monthly meetings sub-committees have been established
to further promote and carry out this 5 year process. Subcommittees
consist of Community Task Force with service providers, Communications
Committee meeting twice a month, Homeownership Committee, Youth
Committee, Section 3 Committee and Resident Advisory Committee.
Dr. Maria Marquez stated, "We are very pleased in joining
forces with our partners, community and residents as we "break
ground" in this once unpopular area of the city. It is now
becoming popular for joyous reasons by word of mouth with all the
plans stated throughout this process. It's now time to take action
and show the community how dedicated and serious we are in not just
revitalizing the East Camden Community, but the city of Camden,
as well."