BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Murphy Administration on Wednesday announced the award of $2,077,280 to nonprofit agency Habitat for Humanity of Burlington and Mercer Counties to build 10 new affordable homeownership units in Bordentown Township through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). The Fund, which was restored as part of Governor Murphy’s FY2020 budget, is administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and allows for the development of different types of affordable housing projects to support stronger, fairer, and more affordable communities.

“Housing affordability is one of our most pressing needs, especially with housing costs in New Jersey among the highest in the nation,” said Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), Chairman of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. “These grants from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will greatly expand affordable housing opportunities in Burlington County, and beyond. Every dollar invested in affordable housing is an investment in generating economic growth, building better communities, and creating opportunities for families across our state.”

The Bordentown Residential Development project will receive $2,077,280 for the new construction of five duplex buildings containing a total of ten affordable homeownership units located on 179, 181 and 183 Crosswicks Road, Bordentown Township. 

“The Township is thrilled to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this project, and we thank the DCA for the support.  The Township is committed to providing quality affordable housing, and this project is a great example of how municipalities can work successfully with developers to further that goal,” said Bordentown Township Mayor Stephen Benowitz. “When completed, the Township and Habitat for Humanity will have transformed three underdeveloped properties into 10 new, affordable homes for qualified families.  There is nothing that makes the Township Committee and I more proud than to be a part of projects like this that mutually benefit everyone in the community. On behalf of the Township Committee, I want to thank Habitat for Humanity and the DCA for partnering with us.”

“We were elated to hear that DCA was granting us over $2 million through the Affordable Housing Trust Funds for our Bordentown project. Our team worked diligently on the application for weeks and we are happy to see our hard work pay off. We are so thankful to have Bordentown Township as our partner and are looking forward to adding 10 more hardworking families to their great community," said Annie Fox, Habitat for Humanity's Resource Development Director. 

“I am excited to see these affordable housing units become a reality. They will help strengthen the Bordentown community, creating more diverse neighborhoods, while keeping Burlington County vibrant and prosperous,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “The rental units will provide 10 families with the opportunity to have an affordable place to call home.”

Project funding was based on several core principles, including advancing equity in addressing housing needs, encouraging leverage of other public and private resources, and allowing a flexible structure for funds to be used to complete projects. DCA also held multiple listening sessions to hear from stakeholders about the best way the funding could be most equitably spent.

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