Two adjacent properties in Newark’s South Ward that have long sat vacant could become the site of a new residential complex for senior citizens under a development proposal.
The Jelliff Senior Estates project calls for constructing a six-story building at 220-224 and 226-230 Jelliff Avenue in the Clinton Hill neighborhood. The 49,735-square-foot development, which would be constructed between Clinton and Madison avenues, is expected to include a three-bedroom unit along with 50 “subsidized” one-bedroom apartments, according to a public notice that was released last month by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Inside the complex, there would also be a 2,150- square-foot community room, two elevators, and a lobby. Outside, 17 parking spaces would be provided.
The cost of the Jelliff Senior Estates is estimated at over $13 million, with over $9.7 million of that expected to be paid for by the DCA using New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency funds. The notice states that the DCA was expected to apply around September 2 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for federal Superstorm Sandy disaster relief funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program for this project.
Both properties are owned by the City of Newark, according to municipal tax records. While the public notice does not state the name of the developer, a resolution that was adopted last year by the Newark Municipal Council identified the project sponsor as Jelliff Senior Estates Urban Renewal, LLC, a firm registered out of a house in the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township that is owned by a Perez family. Another firm associated with the project and the Colonia address, Jelliff Senior Citizen Estates, LLP, was formed earlier this year, with Antonio Perez listed as the registered agent.
As of when the resolution was adopted, the project was expected to cost $12.96 million. Municipal records at the time indicated that the City of Newark would contribute $500,000, nearly $5.2 million would come from Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and that there would be a $6.47 million construction loan.
