Mullica Hill looks good for affordable, disabled housing project

HARRISON TWP. — An affordable housing project in Mullica Hill with a core component for developmentally disabled adults is going ahead here, with enthusiastic backing from local officials.

"Freedom Village at Circle Haven" would be built on a little more than six acres off Cedar and Breakneck roads, a short distance from Route 45. The township has owned the property for many years and donated it for the project.

“We love it, and we love the whole concept,” said Mayor Louis Manzo. “And that land is perfect just because of all of the requirements (met) as far as proximity to roads, schools, bus stops, and things like that.”

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The nonprofit Project Freedom, based in Lawrenceville, is acting as the developer. It originally was considering an affordable housing site in the Richwood section, which would have been its first entry into Gloucester County.

The nonprofit Circle Haven, based in Glassboro, works to provide housing for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. Circle Haven was the original proposed user at the Breakneck Road site but could not secure financing.

“Our mission is to build housing for people with disabilities,” Tracee Battis, executive director for Project Freedom, said. “And then, we integrate them with families that need affordable housing. And that’s what we’re going to be doing here.”

Battis said the two non-profits were brought together by an architect they have in common who suggested they talk about Harrison.

“And we did,” Battis laughed. “Circle Haven works with Rowan University, and there’s a lot of ties to the community. There’s going to be a lot of programs that Circle Haven’s going to bring for the disabled tenants. So, it’s going to be wonderful. We’re very proud to be a part of it.”

Adult disabled living core part of housing complex

The development would have 48 apartments, with a variety of sizes. Five buildings would contain 12 units designated for disabled adults.

Battis said the buildings will be designed as “barrier-free” and will meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act standards. People needing wheelchairs will get priority placement, she said.

“That means anyone in a wheelchair or otherwise in need of a mobility device will be able to traverse through the project,” Battis said. “They have elevators, so then anybody in a wheelchair can live on either the first, second, or third floor. We have wider doorways. We have roll-in, walk-in showers for people in wheelchairs.”

The remainder of the complex would be two buildings, each with 18 traditional units. All units would be rented at “affordable” levels, though.

Manzo said the proposal was viewed favorably in Harrison partly because Project Freedom has a good track record as a developer and partly because Circle Haven was offering something new with its focus on providing “supportive services” so disabled people can live independently.

“So, to be able to be part of that, was just exciting to us,” Manzo said. “And also, we’re checking the boxes of meeting our (state-mandated) affordable housing requirements, but with something more than standard affordable housing.”

Freedom Village at Circle Haven received township planning approval at a hearing on July 18. The 48-unit project still is dependent on securing tax credits from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to complete the financing package.

Construction would start in 2025, if remaining tasks come off in good time.

Battis said there is not a preference for local residents. Harrison may prioritize occupancy for people who live or work in Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington counties, however.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Mullica Hill looks good for affordable, disabled housing project