JERSEY CITY, NJ - The crowd gathered early on Pacific Avenue in Jersey City yesterday morning, hoping to land one of 67 new rental units at the Barbara Place Terrace public housing development. More than two hours after the rental office opened, the line stretched for several blocks. By lunch time, 300 applications had been handed out, said Maria Maio, executive director of the Jersey City Housing Authority, the developer of the federally-subsidized complex.
Of the 67 apartments, 56 are considered affordable and 11 are market-rate rentals, officials said. April Aiken, 29, of Danforth Avenue, a bartender and mother of two, said she did not mind the two-hour wait. "It's all right," Aiken said. "We need more homes like this."
An unemployed accountant and father of three, who did not wish to be identified, walked away with his application at 12:30 p.m. after waiting in line since 9:15 a.m.
"I have no job and I am paying a lot for rent," said the Wayne Street resident. "I have to manage the budget carefully for my family of five."
Priority will be given to former residents of the Lafayette Gardens public housing development, Maio said.
Barbara Place Terrace is part of the Lafayette Gardens Hope VI project, which when complete, will replace 492 demolished public housing units with 274 new townhouse apartments and 83 senior apartments.
Residents in public housing pay a third of their income in rent.
This development includes 12 one-bedroom units, 33 two-bedroom units, 20 three-bedroom units and two four-bedroom units. Applications will be handed out today through Thursday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., officials said.
Source: NJ.com