Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that a federal grant of $2,601,755 has been distributed to benefit communities at risk of home foreclosures and abandonment. Union County received the funding under the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which helps protect communities from the impact of blighted properties.
“This is a significant grant and I am proud of the teamwork by Union County and our partner agencies, which worked together to ensure that our application was accurately documented,” said Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan. “I am looking forward to seeing the positive effects that these projects will have in communities across Union County.”
The Freeholder Board also expects Union County to receive additional NSP funding of more than $1.5 million next year.
The $2.6 million in funding is designated for acquiring and rehabilitating existing housing, constructing new housing, and demolishing derelict properties. Approximately 70 affordable rental housing units will be developed, in one-to-four family homes and apartment buildings.
“Aside from restoring blighted properties, NSP funding also puts more people to work in construction jobs, and that helps to draw more customers into local businesses,” said Sullivan. “It’s an important kick-start for the Union County economy.”
As stipulated by the terms of the grant, the funds were targeted to Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, and Roselle. In its capacity as grant administrator, Union County distributed the funds to 84-86 First Street Housing LLC, Brand New Day, City of Elizabeth, Magill Real Estate LLC, City of Plainfield, Domus Corporation, Community Access Unlimited, and Township of Hillside.
Work on the projects is expected to begin this fall.