Archive
GSECDC's blog is bringing you our latest information and updates on community and housing development, affordable first time home buyer opportunities, social services and supportive housing. Find out how we are Building Strong Communities.
Just five days after the Certificates of Occupancy were issued by Jersey City, We are proud to announce that all four of the homes at 291-297 Halladay Street are under contract.
We are still accepting applications for other upcoming properties created through the NRP program.
...is Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation’s first home ownership project in the Morris Canal Section of Jersey City. It involved the new construction of 4 two family homes for moderate income buyers and renters. This project is made possible through the investment of the Jersey City Division of Community Development with a grant from the HOME Investment Partnership Program in the amount of $1,089,000 and through the acquisition of the vacant lots at nominal cost from the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency. Construction financing is being provided by TD Bank. Each of the homes includes a 3BR/2.5BTH duplex unit for the home owner with a bonus family room and a 3 BR rental. Each of the homes will be sold for $250,000 to first time home buyers. To date, GSECDC has built 240 units of affordable housing by redeveloping 93 scattered sites throughout Jersey City.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on at 297 Halladay on Monday March 10, 2014. In attendance was Ward F Councilwoman Diane Coleman, Senator Sandra Cunningham, Executive Director of Morris Canal CDC June Jones, Assistant Executive Director of Jersey City Redevelopment Authority Chris Fiore, Jersey City Mayor's Aide Doug Carlucci, and TD Bank representatives including Pat DiSanto.
Currently, three of the four homes are under contract with a the fourth soon to be under contract this week. All buyers are from Ward F and two are from the Morris Canal neighborhood.
This site is dedicated to:
Benjamin (April 14th 1916- 1983) & Queen Esther Thomas (October 5th 1917- March 10th 2007)
Queen Esther Hogan was married to Benjamin Thomas and together they opened a restaurant on 572/574 Grand Avenue called “Queen & Ben’s” in the 1950’s. It was very rare to see an African American owned business. In addition they were owners of the neighborhood store located on the corner of 125 Maple Street and Halladay Street. Raising 4 sons Benjamin, Bernard, Ballard (deceased) and Bryan Thomas. Three served the United States of America as decorated Air Force officers in Vietnam. The Thomas family regularly fed the hungry and provided assistance when residents required legal information teaching them how to establish credit. In the 1950’s social services weren’t available and the Thomas family offered assistance utilizing 125 Maple Street on the weekends to provide dental care for neighborhood children free of charge. Queen Esther Thomas became politically active in 1954 and was the district committee person. In 1955 she ran in a very close race for a seat in the state assembly becoming the first African American woman to run for this office. Millionaire mogul Malcolm Forbes creator and founder of Forbes Magazine was compelled to send Queen Esther a personal telegram congratulating her on a well fought race.
Queen Esther Thomas was an active member and usherette at Monumental Baptist Church for many years. The marriage union between this loving couple lasted 46 years before Benjamin passed away in 1983. Queen Esther departed Jersey City to spent her golden years in North Carolina and then eventually being laid to rest in Arizona with each one of her surviving sons by her side. Always community first, without fanfare, Benjamin and Queen Esther Thomas are being recognized for the unselfish commitment to the community and the people they sincerely loved in the Lafayette-Greenville community.
To date, GSCDC has completed the development of over 240 residential units, turning over 90 abandoned properties into quality housing for over 630 people through a $40-million investment in emerging markets.
GSCDC is a premier, affordable housing non-profit developer in Jersey City with over two decades of experience in building quality housing. The Division of Housing and Community Development is responsible for carrying out GSCDC's mission providing quality affordable housing opportunities to families that cannot comfortably afford to rent or buy in the private market.
Construction Progress at 291-297 Halladay Street. Exterior facade and vapor barrier is going up. Check out the nice brick work. Next up, walk through of the interior. We are accepting applications for presales. To apply click here.
Construction Progress at 291-297 Halladay Street. Framing up and some of the windows are in place. Next up, interior and facades. We are accepting applications for presales. To apply click here. Check out the pictures and video.
Construction Progress at 291-297 Halladay Street. Plumbing being completed so that we can pour concrete for foundations. We are accepting applications for presales. To apply click here.
In the coming months work will begin to pick up as the weather gets kinder.
Installation of wood piles for the foundation system at 291-297 Halladay Street
GSECDC is building 4 two-family homes from the ground up. Now under construction, we expect the first buyers to be moving into their new homes by the end of 2013. GSECDC staff is accepting applications now. Eligibility restrictions apply. To get an application click here to download a .pdf otherwise contact us.
Garden State Episcopal CDC (formerly Jersey City Episcopal CDC) has been serving New Jersey communities since 1986. We are proven leader in community and housing development, social services and supportive housing. Our focus is Building Strong Communities.
Garden State Episcopal CDC | 514 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
