HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant will bring new, energy-efficient homes and stability to residents

HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge traveled to Camden, New Jersey, to announce a $35 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant awarded to the Housing Authority of the City of Camden and the City of Camden Cramer Hill Neighborhood. This award will be used to redevelop severely distressed housing and spur comprehensive revitalization under HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Program. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen joined Secretary Fudge at the event. Secretary Fudge also visited Ablett Village's Jobs Plus office and spoke with residents.

The Housing Transformation Plan will redevelop Ablett Village and neighboring vacant land to continue neighborhood revitalization success, improve connectivity and access that Ablett Village residents have to the Cramer Hill neighborhood, and create a favorable market environment for current and future homeowners by increasing access to affordable, safe, well-built energy-efficient homes. Michaels Development will create 425 mixed-income units on the original Ablett Village site and in key locations throughout the neighborhood.

Speakers included Víctor D. Figueroa, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Camden; Deborah Person-Polk, Chairwoman of the Housing Authority of the City of Camden; Nicholas Cangelosi, VP of Development, The Michaels Organization; and Tracey Powell, President of the Ablett Village Residents Council who said, "Since the early 2000s, when developers wanted to build a marina and a golf course here, the residents of Ablett Village have lived in fear of being displaced. Thanks to this grant, we will finally have the housing security we so desperately crave."

HUD Newark Field Office Director Justin Scheid organized the visit working with local elected officials and stakeholders, the Housing Authority of the City of Camden, and Dana Redd, Chairwoman of Coopers Ferry Partnership and CEO, Rowan University Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors. HUD Region II Deputy Regional Administrator Stephen Murphy, and HUD FPM Senior Management Analyst Angela Aloia greatly contributed to the event's success.

Secretary Fudge also lead a roundtable with local leaders and stakeholders to discuss neighborhood transformation and the American Jobs Plan.

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