NEWS FROM CAPITAL CARDINAL MANAGEMENT
The following information is a general description of what is and has been occurring in the First Phase of its development work for independent, state-of-the-art, housing for persons who are Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard-of-Hearing in New Jersey.
The First Phase of this initiative has been to identify and purchase a suitable site on which to build this housing. The First Phase will end the instant that goal is accomplished. It’s that simple…and that challenging. CCM will then move on with the development process.
This First Phase has included the following activities:
• CCM has had regular weekly, and occasionally more-often-than-weekly, contact with our Weichert realtor in Union County regarding the availability of sites, those currently listed for sale and other potential sites the realtor believes an owner may be willing to sell.
• When properties are brought to CCM’s attention, we immediately conduct an assessment of those sites for suitability. CCM informs the realtor of our interest in those sites that are deemed viable and authorizes the realtor to contact the property owner on our behalf.
• Since last August, it has become apparent that CCM needs to broaden its search beyond Morris County to find the most suitable and affordable land available. Consequently, CCM broadened its focus to include counties surrounding Morris, including Bergen, Union, Essex, Passaic and Somerset Counties This process has been ongoing and will continue until a site is found and purchased.
• At least once every 6-8 weeks, CCM has traveled to New Jersey to look at potential property and/or meet with government officials, staff and local leaders to ask them to assist us in finding a suitable site and/or simply to be aware of and supportive of this housing, as it develops.
• CCM has had several meetings with Paul Boudreau, the President of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce (CCM is a member) and has given presentations to members of the Chamber about this proposed housing. We have followed up with individual members of the Chamber who have expressed further interest. Board members of NJDSH have also attended these presentations.
• CCM has met and spoken with Diane Riley, Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey. (CCM is a member) and asked SHA to help us find a site. Board members of NJDSH also attend relevant SHA meetings for the housing.
• CCM has made follow-up calls to several other New Jersey contacts and continues to expand its list of contacts there. This process will continue until a site is found and purchased.
What Is A “Suitable Site?”
• In general, a suitable site would be a parcel of 1 to 3 acres. A slightly larger site may be considered. A lot size that is 1/4 of an acre or smaller is, in-all-likelihood, not workable.
• The site should be within walking distance to public transit (either or both bus and rail transit) and near grocery and other shopping. If the housing will include children, the distance to schools is also a consideration.
o The cost of the site needs to be such that the housing can be affordable to future residents. CCM will look at various funding sources to accomplish this. CCM is aware that cost is the result of many factors, especially location.
o After the site is purchased, the building design can begin. It will depend on the usable size of the site, the zoning restrictions such as those that limit number of floors, maximum number of apartment units and required parking spaces. The design, of course, will include amenities and common spaces to benefit persons who are Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing.
