PRESS RELEASE

Orange NJ to Begin Demolition of Public Housing Complex Unveil
Plans for Redevelopment of Site Press Conference

11:00 am, Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Commissioners of the Orange Housing Authority, the City of Orange and the Board of Directors of the Orange Housing Development Corporation will host a press conference at the site of the now vacant Dr. Walter G. Alexander Court Housing Development, located between Parrow St. and Central Place in Orange, New Jersey on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 11:00 am.

Speakers include: Clifford Ross, Chairman of the Board, Orange Housing Authority, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Senator Richard Codey, Walter D. McNeil, Jr., Executive Director, Orange Housing Authority, and Diane Johnson, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Orange Housing Development Corporation officials will unveil future plans for the Dr. Walter G. Alexander Complex.  Attendees will witness the symbolic first steps of demolition and then ceremonially break ground on plans to build 166 units of quality affordable housing once the two high-rise buildings are demolished. Additionally, a new community center, new streets and improved community services are planned to revitalize the now blighted neighborhood.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded the total costs of the demolition through the American Recovery Act of 2009.  The site is expected to be completely leveled and ready for new construction before the end of fall.  In order to build new housing, the City of Orange has approved a redevelopment agreement with the Orange Housing Development Corporation, which plans to redevelop the first phase of the new Dr. Walter G. Alexander site with 48 units of senior housing and 66 units of family housing.  An application for tax credits has been made to the New Jersey Home Mortgage and Finance Agency (NJHMFA) support the building of the new development. On July 15th, 2010, NJHMFA is scheduled to decide if the project will receive state support in the redevelopment effort.

Additionally, there is a demolition ceremony planned for Saturday, June 26. More than 200 former residents and neighbors are expected to attend the fun-filled, family friendly celebration complete with food, music, games and pony rides.

     Location:  Dr. Walter Alexander Court, Orange, New Jersey
     Time:  11:00 am to 12:00 pm
     Parking:  Parrow Street and Central Avenue, Orange New Jersey