Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Contacts:        John Abramo

                                                                                    Greater Newark Housing Partnership

                                                                                    (973) 735-2154

Idan Sims
Sims & Associates, Inc.

(212) 725-3838

First Phase of Ambitious Newark NJ

Affordable Home Program Nears Completion

Affordable Homes Built in Newark’s West Ward by Joint Venture Between Greater Newark Housing Partnership and The George Group LLC

NEWARK, NJ, October 6, 2010—The first five affordable homes are nearing completion and available for viewing by prospective buyers in the initial phase of an ambitious project to rehabilitate 90 sites within a 15-block neighborhood in Newark’s West Ward. The affordable housing project, sponsored by the City of Newark, is being constructed by Fairmount Heights Development Company, LLC, a joint venture between the Greater Newark Housing Partnership (GNHP) and The George Group LLC.

“This is a significant step in creating affordable and work force housing in the City of Newark’s West Ward,” said John Abramo, Executive Director of the Greater Newark Housing Partnership.

"I am extremely proud of all involved in this process" said C. Tate George, CEO/President of The George Group.

 “The Fairmount Heights initiative, also known as the West Ward Abandoned Properties Initiative, involves the redevelopment of 52 City-owned properties, rehabilitating 40 privately-owned abandoned properties, and creation of two new community parks. Other community improvements include lighting and intersection upgrades to complement the residential build out,” said Abramo.

The Fairmount Heights initiative also includes a 40-unit, mixed use rental building, a mixed use building, four community spaces and the adaptive use of a former hospital, said Abramo.

“The neighborhood is also benefitting from several infrastructure and esthetic initiatives that improve the quality of life for its residents, including the West Side High School campus expansion and the planting of 200 trees,” he added.

The first five Fairmount Heights single family homes are located between Central Avenue and South Orange Avenue. Each has three bedrooms, and are priced starting at $150,000 for qualified buyers.

The homes are completely rehabilitated, with new plumbing and electrical systems, roof, boiler, central air conditioning, joist replacement and hardwood floors. The homes are Energy Star compliant with all new appliances.

The first home renovated under this program has recently gone to contract with a prospective buyer. Qualified home buyers can benefit from grants from the City of Newark and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.)

Abramo said the GNHP and TGG are working with the City of Newark and several faith based organizations and community groups to provide prospective buyers of affordable homes with advice and assistance in the process, including applying for mortgages.

For information about the affordable homes at Fairmount Heights, please visit

http://homesoffairmountheights.blogspot.com/ or http://twitter.com/homesofFH

or call  (973) 710-4300 or email FairmountHomes@gnhp.org.

The mission of the Greater Newark Housing Partnership, an affiliate of the Housing Partnership Development Corporation, is to change neighborhoods for the better by providing low- to moderate-income workforce residents affordable housing opportunities.

The Housing Partnership has participated in the development of more than 30,000 affordable homeownership and rental properties, and leveraged more than $2.8 billion in private sector financing to assist families in fulfilling the dream of home ownership.

Founded by C.Tate George, The George Group, LLC offers a broad array of client-driven residential and commercial real estate services. Its regional presence, full-service capabilities and financial strength place it among the nation’s premier developers. Project types have included mixed-use town centers, apartment and condominium buildings, luxury hotels, large scale single family home and townhome developments inside the United States, as well as resort hotel and golf communities outside the United States.

###