March 6, 2024
PERTH AMBOY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Morris Habitat for Humanity is preparing to break ground on constructing two single-family homes on Pearl Place, hoping to welcome new families early next year.
The latest Habitat project in the city could not have happened without the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Authority (PARA), which sold two 25-foot by 100-foot lots.
“Our mission is not just about redeveloping large swaths of underused property,” explained PARA Executive Director Tashilee Vazquez. “We are focused on rebuilding neighborhoods and looking for all opportunities. On this small parcel, we can fulfill homeownership for two families. This is a tremendous investment in Perth Amboy and an ideal fit for our mission.”
PARA’s agreement allows for a partnership between Morris Habitat and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Team for Neighborhood Enterprise and Revitalization (PARTNER), a non-profit that creates housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Morris Habitat and PARTNER are serving as the project redevelopers.
Liz DeCoursey, CEO of Morris Habitat, anticipates a groundbreaking this summer. The three-bedroom homes will ultimately be sold to families who meet low-income guidelines. Still, the new residents must show the ability to pay an affordable mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and all other expenses related to home ownership.
The homeowner selection process will be random, but preferences will be given to veterans and current Perth Amboy Housing Authority residents. Anyone interested in applying for a home should contact Morris Habitat.
The Pearl Place project is the latest venture for Morris Habitat in Perth Amboy, as the non-profit steadily increased its footprint in Middlesex County since it took over the territory in 2020. Homes have already been completed at 440 Lawrie St. and 662 Cortland St., while others are now under construction at 363 Inslee St. and 364 Garretson Ave.
Both Vazquez and DeCoursey expressed their appreciation to Doug Dzema, executive director of PARTNER and the Perth Amboy Housing Authority, for working closely with Morris Habitat, PARA and other program supporters to build quality, affordable homes in the city.
Morris Habitat has precise stipulations for the homes it builds. For example, all must be designed as “user friendly” as possible, with Energy Star appliances, maintenance-free materials, a single garage, handicap accessibility, the ability to use side and rear yards for recreation, and plenty of storage space. All homes are for sale; there are no rentals.
“We are excited to see Morris Habitat transform unused and neglected spaces into valuable assets for our residents, thereby enhancing the neighborhoods of Perth Amboy,” said Mayor Helmin Caba of Perth Amboy. “We look forward to working closely with all of our redevelopment partners to turn our collective vision for a rejuvenated city into reality.”
DeCoursey noted Morris Habitat also has plans to serve at least 400 families over the next three years through its home repair and aging-in-place programs. Key team members are PARTNER and the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, leveraging grants to assist residents in two Perth Amboy neighborhoods.
Separately, Morris Habitat is set to begin building 12 homes in Old Bridge, at 200 Laurence Parkway.
Staff from the Perth Amboy Office of Economic & Community Development volunteering at the Inslee Street build of a Morris Habitat home.