Elizabeth HOPE VI Revitalization Project

Jonathan Rose Companies served as the program manager for the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey (planner/HACE) to create and implement a multi-phased, multi-year HOPE VI Revitalization Plan in its historic urban neighborhood. Using a HUD mixed-finance strategy, the redevelopment plan included a mix of housing types affordable to a broad range of household incomes. The redevelopment of the neighborhood created 550 for-sale and rental units based on a thoughtful, organic in-fill planning strategy intended to mend the fabric of the neighborhood. Revitalization of the obsolete port neighborhood was realized through the full participation of public housing residents and the surrounding community in important decisions that defined the future of their community as a safe, well designed, mixed-income neighborhood. 

Jonathan Rose Companies assisted HACE with the negotiation of complex development agreements in compliance with HUD regulations, and developed the financial strategy that was implemented for brownfield redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, acquisition, development and asset management of the various components within the HOPE VI Revitalization Plan. 

Using a traditional neighborhood design strategy, the project created a series of pedestrian-friendly streets and civic spaces to encourage people to walk. Redevelopment of scattered brownfield and blighted sites, as well as an environmentally challenged waterfront, reconnected the community to their history and a new marina. Revitalization of the neighborhood-commercial corridors also helped to re-establish neighborhood services and a sense of community with the goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled for daily goods and services. All the homes are New Jersey ENERGY STAR certified and comply with the New Jersey HMFA Green Homes Program.