By Joshua Burd
A developer and state officials have opened the doors to 74 new age-restricted, affordably priced apartments in Vineland.
Representatives of Eastern Pacific Development gathered last week to unveil the property, Landis Square Senior Apartments phase two, in a ceremony with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and local officials. Located at Landis and East avenues, the complex stems from an $18.3 million project that redeveloped what was previously a dilapidated motel and closed convenience and feed stores.
Eastern Pacific completed the project with Gateway Community Action Partnership, thanks in large part to an allocation of 9 percent federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits from HMFA.
“This project encourages the revitalization of the city’s downtown and improves the quality of life of residents,” HMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman said. “As a mixed-use development, Landis Square will also help boost Cumberland County’s economy by increasing consumer activity and employment opportunities for area residents.”
Landis Square includes 74 one- and two-bedroom units for seniors with an average income ranging from $16,000 to $28,000 per year, HMFA said in a news release. Five units are set aside for homeless seniors.
Rents for the 70 one-bedroom units are $620, while rents for the four two-bedroom units are set at $730, the news release said. Amenities include laundry facilities on each floor, a fitness center, TV lounge and a small library.
The development also includes 10,000 square feet of office space, which is in the process of being leased, and retail space for a coffee shop or convenience store. Meantime, Bridgeton-based Gateway Community Action Partnership will provide health screenings and services to the tenants.
“Landis Square represents a significant investment in the community and will help the city of Vineland continue to grow,” said Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and chairwoman of the HMFA board.
Landis Square Senior Apartments is part of Landis Square East, a larger effort to redevelop the four corners of East and Landis avenues in Vineland. Eastern Pacific is the city’s designated redeveloper for the overall effort, which involves demolition of a full city block containing a dilapidated motel and other structures.
A planned third phase is expected to provide another 70 rental units for seniors.
