Camden’s Cramer Hill Welcomes New Affordable Senior Housing Development By The Michaels Organization

The Housing Authority of the City of Camden (HACC), in collaboration with The Michaels Organization and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), has recently marked the completion of a significant phase in the revitalization of Camden's oldest public housing community, Ablett Village. This milestone, part of a $165 million redevelopment project, introduces The Harrison, a facility offering 55 mixed-income senior apartments equipped with a range of amenities aimed at enhancing the living standards of its residents.

The Harrison is designed to cater to the needs of seniors, including five units specifically allocated for those facing homelessness. It also features two units at an unrestricted market rate and the majority for seniors earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. This development underscores a broader commitment to providing accessible, high-quality housing solutions for older adults in Camden.

Notable figures such as Congressman Donald Norcross and Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, alongside other officials, joined residents of Ablett Village and community stakeholders in celebrating the opening of The Harrison. This event not only highlighted the completion of this phase but also underscored the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the area.

The redevelopment initiative benefits from a federal Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant awarded to Camden in 2021, amounting to $35 million. This grant is instrumental in transforming both Ablett Village and the broader Cramer Hill neighborhood into vibrant, sustainable communities. Additionally, The Harrison's construction was supported by $13.9 million in tax credit equity from the NJHMFA through federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

Looking ahead, the project's third and fourth phases are scheduled to commence in the summer of 2024. These stages will introduce an additional 297 new homes, further contributing to the area's transformation. The Michaels Organization has played a pivotal role in redeveloping affordable housing communities across Camden for over a decade. Their involvement in constructing The Harrison reflects their ongoing commitment to building inclusive, high-quality living spaces.

Melody Johnson-Williams, Executive Director of HACC, expressed her pride in advancing the Choice grant application process and uniting the community towards a common objective. The successful completion of The Harrison stands as a testament to the collective efforts aimed at improving residents' quality of life and fostering equity and opportunity within Camden.

The redevelopment of Ablett Village through projects like The Harrison represents a significant step forward in addressing housing needs while promoting well-being among senior citizens. It exemplifies a holistic approach to community revitalization, ensuring that progress benefits all members by providing them with access to essential services and amenities.