Three Senior Buildings to Undergo Renovations Using RAD

HUD New Jersey Field Office Director Maria Maio-Messano cuts a cake that reads: "RAD 2016 - Thank you all who made this possible" surrounded by senior residents that look forward to renovations, including new kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, balconies, lighting, elevators, windows, siding and thorough painting.

HUD New Jersey Field Office Director Maria Maio-Messano, Public and Indian Housing Division Director Balu Thumar; Attorney James Lubin; and General Engineer Raj Patel.

The Passaic New Jersey Housing Authority celebrated the start of major renovations to 130 units of senior housing. HUD New Jersey Field Office Director Maria Maio-Messano spoke at the celebration, highlighting the use of HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.

"HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration has proven to be an effective tool across the nation to preserve the affordable housing that is so critical for our senior tenants," said Maria Maio-Messano, HUD New Jersey Field Office Director. "This is the third RAD conversion in New Jersey and I am pleased that the Housing Authority is ensuring affordability for Passaic's senior residents for many years to come."

Passaic will invest $9,600,000 to rehabilitate three buildings in as many neighborhoods. Additional financing was provided through the New Jersey Home and Mortgage Finance Agency's (NJHMFA) 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits and a private mortgage loan.

Officials in attendance included New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell; Anthony Marchetta, Executive Director, NJHMFA; Passaic Mayor Dr. Alex Blanco; and Passaic Housing Authority Executive Director Victor Cirilo. HUD New Jersey Office of Public Housing, Division Director Balu Thumar; Attorney James Lubin; and General Engineer Raj Patel who worked closely with the City of Passaic also attended the celebration.

The Housing Authority's second application for its remaining housing stock has now been approved by HUD through Congress' recent extension of this pilot program.

###