Diversified Properties recently unveiled a new 755-unit self-storage facility at 352 Main Road in Montville. — Courtesy: Diversified
By Joshua Burd
The developer of a new 755-unit self-storage facility in Montville has donated one of the spaces to a local nonprofit that provides clothing and other essential items to marginalized people.
Diversified Properties, which is based in the township, said The Hazel Project will use the facility at 352 Main Road to collect, store and distribute donated items to people who suffer from homelessness, substance use disorder, depression and other private afflictions. As a user within the new CubeSmart facility, the organization will benefit from its easy ground-level access, a high-end security system, climate control and other features.
“Having a safe and convenient place for The Hazel Project to collect, sort and distribute clothing and other life necessities to the people we serve has been a Godsend for us,” said Rachel Tanzola-Sullivan, founder and head of The Hazel Project, which is based in Montville and named for her grandmother. “No person is disposable. Sadly, our society often marginalizes addicts, the mentally ill and others, many of whom who are forced to live in the streets. We are so very thankful that Diversified Properties has made this large unit in CubeSmart available for us so that we can continue to help to make life a little easier for these people in need.”
The Hazel Project serves people in northern New Jersey and New York City, according to a news release. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for marginalized people who suffer while enduring judgement from society, by establishing a transitional foundation for them to build upon, combining traditional donation distribution with modern harm reduction techniques.
“We are thrilled to partner with The Hazel Project to make a difference in the lives of so many people who are in desperate need in our community,” said Nick Minoia, founder and managing partner of Diversified Properties. “When Rachel approached us with the idea of taking space in CubeSmart, we quickly realized that Diversified Properties could be a valuable partner in helping The Hazel Project fulfill its essential mission, and we were all too happy to donate this unit to help them to conduct their essential work.”
The developer built the CubeSmart building as part of its plan to reposition the site of a two-story, 33,900-square-foot office building at the intersection of Interstate 287 and Route 202. The property included an adjacent, undeveloped 2.5-acre pad site that is now home to the 98,000-square-foot self-storage facility.
