TOWN BANK — Haven House, 72 affordable apartments for seniors under construction adjacent to St. John of God Church, appears to be almost ready for residents.
While much of the outside work has been completed, the inside of the building is mostly framing and bare floors.
“Were making progress here,” said Curtis Johnson, director of Diocesan Housing Services.
He projected a March 1 opening date.
Work will be concentrated on the inside of the three-story building with attention to detail on the dwelling units and community space, he said.
Johnson said the project was on schedule. Landscaping is being installed.
A number of persons are on a list as interested, prospective tenants but Johnson said additional names are being accepted. Those interested in a Haven House apartment may call: 856-342-4125.
“When we’re ready to begin taking applications, anyone on that list will be contacted as well as a notice we’ll put in newspapers,” said Johnson.
To qualify for an apartment, an applicant must be at least 62 years old and fall within income guidelines of $25,250 annually for a one-person household and $28,850 for a two-person household.
At a meeting last year, Johnson estimated the rental fee at $650 with residents paying 30 percent.
“I’d like to get as many poor senior citizens as possible in good respectable housing,” Rev. Richard Forbes, pastor of St. John of God Church told the Herald.
He said his mother lived entirely on Social Security without a pension and a number of people in the township are in the same circumstances.
“I’d wish we could double what we are putting up,” said Forbes.
He said he watches the progress of Haven House daily and wishes it were completed “yesterday.”
Forbes said he was grateful to Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, Sen. Nicholas Asselta and Lower Township Mayor Walter Craig for their assistance in bringing the project to fruition.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development contributed $11 million to the project.
Commerce Bank in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank is contributing $770,000.
