VINELAND, NJ: Eastern Pacific Development and Brookfield Construction held a unique Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking event recently to celebrate the opening of Phase 1 of the Newcomb Senior Housing Development and the official beginning of Phase 2. Local officials, including, United States Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-2), Vineland Councilman Paul Spinelli, and Cumberland County Commissioner Joe Sileo, took part in the ceremony which also included the unveiling of a beautiful painting by renowned local artist George Perez of the former Newcomb Hospital.
Newcomb Phase 1 features a four-story 65-unit mid-rise building, while Phase 2 will include 70 units in a matching design serving residents 55 and older. Each building totals approximately 60,000 square feet and will incorporate both New Jersey “Green Home” and “Energy Star” requirements, and all New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) requirements for amenities and community policing. All individual units will have various features including a range, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and emergency call button. Tenants can also access two elevators, laundry facilities on each floor, and on-site property management with planned social activities and events.
“My goal is to provide opportunities for impactful emotional, physical, and social experiences that help senior residents live independent lifestyles,” said Hans Lampart, President and CEO of Eastern Pacific Development. Seniors deserve to live comfortably and affordably, and by transforming blighted properties into housing with services that enhance the quality of life, we are moving the Vineland community forward.”
“I will admit I was a little apprehensive about the design for this project when it was first presented, but I couldn’t be happier with how Phase I turned out. Our architect, John Pederson, and our designer Lori DiMatteo Fiocchi, have again done a fantastic job and were right in their vision. I can’t wait to hear the response from our future residents.”
“It is always a pleasure to work with Hans and the Eastern Pacific Development team, it is truly a collaborative partnership,” said NJHMFA Executive Director Melanie Walter. “Affordable housing for seniors is critical to maintaining a good, strong, and vibrant community. We want to do all that we can to help older New Jersey residents on low or fixed incomes age comfortably in place with autonomy and dignity.”
“We are pleased that Hans undertook this project and that he paid homage to the history of Newcomb Hospital by commissioning the painting which will hang in the lobby of Phase 1,” said Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci. “It holds many special memories for Vineland residents. And I cannot think of anyone better to have created the painting than George Perez. His work is admired throughout the region, and he has certainly brought the old building to life once again.”
The $30 million dollar project is being financed in part using nine percent Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJ HMFA). Additional support is being provided by TD Bank, Fulton Bank, and Century Savings Bank. Architectural design services were provided by J.W. Pedersen of Vineland, and engineering services were provided by MidAtlantic Engineering Partners of Hamilton.
