Senate President Steve Sweeney and Deputy Speaker Assemblyman John Burzichelli attended the groundbreaking for the River Grove Affordable Housing Complex last week. Three organizations, Gateway Community Action Partnership, the Cumberland Empowerment Zone and Eastern Pacific Development are working together on the project.

“With a ribbon cutting yesterday and a groundbreaking today for affordable housing developments, Bridgeton has demonstrated its commitment to community progress in the town,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “When people are able to spend less on their housing they are able to save and invest in themselves. Affordable housing projects like this play a crucial role in lifting people out of poverty and placing them on a middle-class path towards homeownership.”

The complex will contain 68 units, including 19 duplexes and 28 three bedroom apartments. The project will also include handicap accessible units.

“It is encouraging to see organizations coming together to create more affordable housing options in the area,” said Assemblyman Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “There is a need for greater access to safe, affordable housing in all communities around the state and partnerships like this can help to make it happen.”

“I am glad the Senate President was able to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. He is a longtime supporter of Bridgeton, and has continuously pushed to make sure people have access to affordable housing,” said John Washington, Board Chairman of Gateway Community Action Partnership. “This project is the culmination of partnerships between state and local government, private industry, and non-profits. Together, we can raise the standard of living for the entire community of Bridgeton.”

The project is part of an ongoing effort to increase access to affordable housing in Bridgeton through both the rehabilitation of old buildings as well as new construction.