Woodrow Wilson, Gregory School Housing Projects Progressing

Now that the Long Branch Housing Authority (LBHA) is finishing its Hope VI projects, it has turned its focus to the rehabilitation of the Woodrow Wilson apartments and the transformation of the Gregory School into senior affordable housing.

"We are in the demolition phase on both projects," LBHA Chief of Staff Daniel Gibson said.

He said the first phase of both projects will be completed by the fourth quarter of next year. Phase one of the projects must be completed by December, 2013.

The first phase of the Woodrow Wilson project, includes the demolition and renovation of 65 units near the complex's High Street entrance.

The second phase will include the demolition of the remaining original apartments and construction of 85 new units, for a total of 150 new apartments, LBHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett has said.

The Gregory School project has two phases, and the first will include the construction of 65 one and two-bedroom units located in the school building and a new four-story structure that would be built near the school, Garret has said. The units would be available to those whose incomes are at or below 60 percent of the area's median income, he has said.

The second phase of the project would include the addition of 47 housing units as well a mixed-use building, Garret has said.

Garrett said there could also be a third phase of the Gregory School project which would include the construction of "market rate units," to go along with the affordable housing units.

The LBHA received nearly $16 million for the Gregory School project and $15 million in tax credits from  Housing Mortgage and Financing Agency for the Woodrow Wilson projects' first phases in November, 2011. Another $15 million in tax credits was also recently awarded for the second phase of Woodrow Wilson project.

The LBHA has sent an application to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the second phase of the Gregory School project with the hope of receiving similar funding.