Camden's Mount Ephraim Corridor South Transformed by HUD's $13.2 Million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant

HUD RA Lynne Patton delivers remarks.

Housing Authority of the City of Camden, Director of Modernization, Charles Valentine; HACC Executive Director, Victor Figueroa; HUD RA Lynne Patton, HUD NJ Public Housing Director, Theresa Arce; and HUD NJ Public Housing Revitalization Specialist, Melissa Bennett, alongside Michaels and HUD officials at the event.

HUD Region II Regional Administrator Lynne Patton delivered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for The Branches of Centerville, a new 58-unit housing building for seniors who earn 60% or less of area median income. This is the fourth and final phase of construction of the $120 million Clement T. Branch Village Redevelopment effort, aided by HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.

Camden Mayor Francisco "Frank" Moran; The Michael's Organization's CEO, John O'Donnell; Housing Authority of the City of Camden (HACC), Executive Director, Victor Figueroa; the NJ Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency; and federal, state, and local officials celebrated alongside long-time residents who are thrilled to see the transformation of their neighborhood and are able to remain in beautiful new apartments.

HUD awarded a $13.2 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to HACC as the lead awardee and the City of Camden as the co-awardee in 2016 for the revitalization of Clement T. Branch, the last traditional public housing development in the Mount Ephraim Corridor. Since then, the first two phases have been completed and have already welcomed back returning residents. Construction of the third phase started last October. Branch Village is also one of very few projects in the country that were developed using both Choice Neighborhoods funding and HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, that leverages public and private funding to maximize investments.

"HUD's Choice Neighborhoods and Rental Assistance Demonstration programs have contributed significantly to Camden's unprecedented rise -- replacing dilapidated public & multifamily housing with thriving & connected neighborhoods that will improve the quality of life for all area residents," said Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. "I look forward to the completion of this final phase of construction and to witnessing a new era for Centerville."

When fully completed, the Branches of Centerville will offer more than 250 new homes for Camden families and seniors, as well as a state-of-the-art clubhouse with a commercial kitchen, dining space, and a medical clinic. The senior building features 1- and 2-bedroom units with full kitchens, living, and dining areas, and energy star-rated appliances. Five units will be reserved for homeless individuals. The community will also feature a rain garden and abundant green space.

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