By Hans Lampart, President Eastern Pacific Development
Affordable housing has become more critical than ever, with nearly 200,000 New Jersey residents in need. Over the years, this topic has faced criticism, and developers have encountered significant pushback from towns, neighbors, and elected officials. Some towns have embraced the need for affordable housing with open arms, while others have been more hesitant. In a time when public discourse can be overly critical, I believe it’s important to highlight a positive shift in perspective that I’ve witnessed in the almost 20 years I have spent developing in the Southern New Jersey market.
Eastern Pacific Development (EPAC) has been fortunate to provide high-quality solutions to meet much of the housing demand in Southern New Jersey. With projects spanning across the southern counties, we have developed close to 1,000 units for families and seniors. I’m proud to say that our approach delivers a unique living experience for those who qualify. By offering high-end amenities and access to vital services, we ensure that our residents can enjoy a wonderful lifestyle at an affordable price.
Our firm’s portfolio is diverse in style, but it remains consistent in its commitment to superior quality. Notable projects in South Jersey include high-end senior housing, Winslow Cross Creek in Winslow, Phoenix Village and Rivergrove in Bridgeton, as well as our Newcomb Redevelopment campus in Vineland.
These accomplishments would not be possible without the support and collaboration of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) and the cooperation of legislators at both the state and federal levels. Most importantly, it’s through the embrace of local communities and leaders that we’ve been able to succeed. The shift in perspective has been remarkable; towns that once hesitated now welcome us with open arms, recognizing the critical need for affordable housing and working alongside us as true partners.
With the release of COAH Round 4, we continue to look forward to further opportunities to serve our communities and address the ongoing demand for affordable housing. We are confident that through partnership with municipalities, counties, healthcare partners, investment and banking partners and all of the amazing contractors that participate in these projects, we can work with the best intentions to solve the affordable housing crisis here in New Jersey.
