On Sunday, March 3, a seminar about the affordable housing program for the AvalonBay complex in Teaneck will be held at the Richard Rodda Community Center. Frank Piazza from Piazza & Associates will be providing detailed information that will include eligibility requirements and instructions on completing a preliminary application for low-income units. Teaneck residents are encouraged to attend if they want to apply for one of the 25 new units that are set aside with reduced rents at the new complex located at 1775 Windsor Road.
Availability is limited and Teaneck council members would like to see Teaneck residents who would benefit from an affordable housing plan take advantage of this worthwhile opportunity. The process is handled by a third-party administrator and is open to residents statewide. Deputy Mayor Mark Schwartz, who is also JLNJ’s co-publisher, said he knows there are many people in our community who would qualify for these rentals and he doesn’t want them to miss out.
The affordable housing plan offers an ideal option for young couples who want to settle in Teaneck but are currently in a very low income category, he said. There are seniors in the community looking to downsize who would be potential rental candidates as well.
“As part of our commitment to affordable housing, the council and planning mandated 10 percent of Avalon’s units to be affordable and on site. I am excited to see how quickly they are moving with their development and how we can now make these much-needed affordable housing units available to those who need it the most,” said Deputy Mayor Schwartz. “As the state does NOT allow us to reserve these units for Teaneck residents but rather hold the lottery to any state resident who qualifies, we URGE you to get your applications in. The more local applications that are submitted will of course increase the chances that these units go to our neighbors who need it.”
According to Councilman Keith Kaplan, the affordable housing made available in the AvalonBay complex is one of the many examples of hard work the council has put in to create new sources of revenue and development for the township. “This seminar will provide information directly to stakeholders here in town,” said Kaplan. “Teaneck is an amazing place to live and work, and new housing that is both modern and affordable is an added incentive.”
Deputy Mayor Elie Katz describes this opportunity as invaluable for Teaneck residents. “We have been working tirelessly to make Teaneck an affordable and desirable place to live. The Avalon Bay housing development is something we are proud of, and encourage residents to attend the seminar and educate themselves about this excellent opportunity,” said Katz.
Applications must be submitted by the beginning of April. Submissions will be reviewed and a random selection will determine the priority order of the applications received. Applications received after the deadline will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. One, two and three bedroom units are being set aside and will be distributed based on income eligibility factors. If you pre-qualify, you will be required to document your income and household membership.
For more information, please stop by the Richard Rodda Community Center, 250 Colonial Court in Teaneck, at 3 p.m. this Sunday, March 3. The seminar will be held in MP 2A and 2B.
By Andrea Nissel
