From left: Randolph Township Manager Gregory Poff; Councilmember Joe Hathaway; Deputy Mayor Lou Nisivoccia; Lara Schwager, principal of LJS Development, who presented the township with a plaque of appreciation; Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler; Deborah G. Gennello, LJS partner; Councilmember Joanne Veech and Councilmember Denise Thornton. Not pictured are councilmembers Christine Carey and Helene Elbaum. — Courtesy: LJS
By Joshua Burd
Construction is underway in Randolph for what will be a fully affordable, 25-unit rental community designed for families and individuals with special needs.
LJS Development, led by Founding Principal Lara Schwager, joined local officials recently to break ground at the future site of Sussex Woods at 1162 Sussex Turnpike. That project will soon rise roughly three miles south of Route 10, with plans calling for a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for residents with 20 to 60 percent of the area median income and on-site amenities and services for those with special needs.
Of the 25 units, six are designated for the New Jersey Healthy Housing program, featuring full handicap accessibility. Another three will be dedicated to populations served by the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
“Sussex Woods is more than just a construction project — it is the realization of a vision to provide stable, beautiful and inclusive homes for those who need them most,” Schwager said. “By partnering with local leadership and our dedicated development team, we are creating a community that meets critical housing needs and contributes to a stronger, more inclusive Randolph.”
According to the developer, the groundbreaking represents the culmination of years of predevelopment planning and close collaboration with state, county and local officials. It’s also the first ground-up development under the LJS umbrella, which includes LJS Consulting, for the widely respected veteran of the multifamily and affordable housing industry.
Spearheaded by Schwager, in partnership with John Morrongiello, Jonathan S. Gershen and Deborah G. Gennello, the project is designed to address the shortage of accessible housing options in Morris County, the firm said. Its dual focus — providing both general affordable units for families and specialized supportive housing — ensures what LJS said will be a diverse and vibrant residential environment that fosters independence and community integration.
“The Department of Community Affairs is pleased to collaborate with LJS Development in advancing Sussex Woods to the building phase,” said Janel Winter, the agency’s assistant commissioner and Division of Housing and Community Resources director. “By utilizing critical resources from both the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the New Jersey Healthy Homes Initiative, this project underscores our commitment to funding both high-quality affordable homes and essential special needs housing. Sussex Woods strongly aligns with our mission to expand access to safe and inclusive housing across the state and serves as a model for how specialized support and stable housing can transform lives.”
The development team also includes Inglese Architecture, LeChase Construction, Bowman Engineering and EcolSciences. Day Pitney LLP and TUS Advisory Group are among the project’s professional services providers.
Aside from DCA funding sources, the project is supported by financing from Fulton Bank and Morris County HOME Funds, the developer said. In addition, the Township of Randolph is contributing $900,000 via its Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“Randolph Township is proud to be a community that values inclusion and opportunity for all of our neighbors,” Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler said. “Sussex Woods represents an important addition to our local housing landscape, helping to ensure that families and individuals with special needs have a safe, supportive place to call home in the community they love.
“Speaking on behalf of the entire Township Council, we have been impressed by the persistence and vision of LJS Development to bring this project to fruition, and we are proud to contribute to help make this essential community addition a reality.”
Upon completion, Sussex Woods will offer modern amenities, energy-efficient apartments and professional on-site management. Dedicated service providers will support the special needs housing component, ensuring that residents have access to the resources necessary to thrive.
