PHOTO CAPTION: As part of a ribbon-cutting celebration for The Ponds at Jackson Twenty-One, Walters Group dedicated a bench and tree to the memory of Candyce C. Fleming, who was a purchasing estimating manager. From left: Joseph Del Duca, partner and director of affordable housing for Walters; Josh Micciolo, Fleming’s son; Will Fleming, husband; and Ed Walters Jr., founder and partner of Walters. — Courtesy: Walters Group
By Joshua Burd
Walters Group has opened the doors to a new 88-unit, income-restricted rental community in Jackson.
The complex, known as The Ponds at Jackson Twenty-One, includes 11 buildings with sustainable design and construction that have achieved certification on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design scale, Walters said. The complex is also part of the state’s effort to provide new housing for residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy, offering priority during the initial lease-up phase to those impacted by the 2012 storm.
Walters Group joined state and local officials to celebrate the project’s completion during a recent ceremony at 100 Mallard Court in Jackson.
“We are very proud of what we do, and we plan to build many more communities like this throughout the state,” said Joseph Del Duca, partner and director of affordable housing with Walters Group. “Our goal is to provide people with a safe and secure place to live, near where they work, and where their kids can go to a good school and have a successful life.”
Also on hand were New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency staff, Walters employees and residents of The Ponds at Jackson Twenty-One. Residents have begun moving into the townhouse-style apartments, which feature private entrances and one- to three-bedroom layouts.
Amenities include a clubhouse, tot lot, basketball court and multipurpose field, according to a news release. The complex is also near schools, including Jackson Memorial High School, and close to Interstate 195, the Jersey Shore, parks, shopping and outdoor entertainment facilities.
“The Ponds is a substantial investment in the Jackson community and continues to help meet a demand for affordable housing that was exacerbated by Superstorm Sandy,” said Charles A. Richman, the HMFA’s executive director. “We are very proud of our efforts to help rebuild and restore in the six years since Sandy hit our state and to provide the capital financing required to leverage recovery funding with our existing programs and financing.”
The agency provided nearly $13 million in construction and permanent financing as well as $14.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery assistance through the Fund for Restoration of Multifamily Housing.
During the first 90 days after the first certificate of occupancy, the Ponds gives priority for residency to individuals who have been displaced by or experienced major or severe storm damage from Sandy, the news release said. Rents are subject to income restrictions.
The community also incorporates green building features such as non-invasive landscaping, the use of recycled materials during construction and its close proximity to local services. In addition, Energy Star appliances will help residents with long-term reductions in utility costs.
As part of the ribbon-cutting celebration, Walters dedicated a bench and tree to the memory of Candyce C. Fleming, who was a purchasing estimating manager for Walters. Fleming’s family attended the event and participated in the ceremony.
