Independence Way at The Green, an eight-building, 62-unit affordable and supportive housing community at 1-8 Independence Way in Florham Park — Courtesy: Rockefeller Group
By Joshua Burd
Rockefeller Group has teamed with two area nonprofits to open an eight-building, 62-unit supportive housing community at its vast mixed-use campus in Florham Park.
The developer recently joined Bergen County’s United Way and Madeline Corp. to unveil the project, Independence Way at The Green, at 1-8 Independence Way. The complex is the latest addition to The Green at Florham Park, a 268-acre campus by Rockefeller that is home to the New York Jets training facility, BASF’s North American headquarters and other users as part of a master-planned redevelopment that goes back two decades.
“It is our privilege and honor to serve 102 individuals with developmental disabilities who will call Independence Way their home and to build a sense of community not only in these homes but also in the broader community of The Green at Florham Park and the Borough of Florham Park,” said Tom Toronto, president of Bergen County’s United Way. “Our residents will work, shop, play — really find their place in the world — starting right here on Independence Way.”
Located west of Route 24, Independence Way sits on an eight-acre parcel that was donated by Rockefeller Group, according to a news release. The company also developed the complex for the United Way and Madeline Corp., which will own and manage the facility.
Sharp Management served as general contractor for the project, which was designed by Z+ Architects LLC, the news release said. Pulte Homes also contributed to the planning and development of Independence Way.
“These homes and residents are a wonderful addition to The Green at Florham Park and we are happy to welcome them to the neighborhood,” said Mark Shearer, executive vice president and regional development officer for Rockefeller Group. “Here, adults with developmental disabilities will be able to live independently in high-quality, fully ADA-compliant, sustainable housing in a beautiful setting and we are just proud to be a part of it.”
The three partners on the project were joined at the grand opening by elected officials including Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, who spoke at the event.
“I would like to recognize Bergen County’s United Way, Madeline Corporation and Rockefeller Group for offering us this wonderful project for our community,” Taylor said. “It is our job as elected officials to foster new ideas for a changing economy and to think out of the box on a regular basis. This, my friends, is the future and we are witnessing it today here in Florham Park.”
