In a transformative move for Salem City, a new affordable housing initiative is breaking ground that promises to deliver more than just new homes – it’s laying the foundation for long-term neighborhood revitalization, community wealth-building, and economic opportunity.
On August 11, demolition crews began clearing abandoned and underutilized properties in Salem City to make way for Linden Street Homes, a six-home development that represents the first phase of a larger, community-centered redevelopment strategy.
The six new single-family homes, designed by Milla Architecture Studio, will each offer approximately 2,000 square feet of living space, including three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, in-unit laundry, a private backyard, and a garage. Targeted at households earning between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, the homes are priced with monthly costs under $1,500, making them more affordable than many area rentals.
The project is the result of a robust public-private partnership between developer Restrepo & Associates, Cumberland County Improvement Authority (CCIA), the City of Salem, New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Each of these entities plays a critical role in bringing affordable, for-sale homes to Salem residents in a market where homeownership has been out of reach for many.
Designed to serve families of three to six people, the homes will be energy-efficient and built on formerly vacant lots provided by the city through its landbanking program, an emerging redevelopment strategy aimed at restoring vitality to neglected neighborhoods.
Located just 45 minutes from Philadelphia, Salem City is increasingly attracting commuters and hybrid workers seeking more space. Linden Street Homes offers a direct answer to this demand while supporting Salem’s broader goals of neighborhood stabilization and growth.
“This project reflects exactly the kind of thoughtful, forward-looking investment our community needs,” said Mayor Dr. Jody Veler. “By creating high-quality, attainable homes, we are not only giving families the opportunity to put down roots in Salem, but we are also strengthening our neighborhoods and laying the groundwork for long-term growth. This is the first of many steps toward a revitalized, thriving Salem City.”
The initiative is being funded in part by the DCA’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with additional financing from New Jersey Community Capital, whose mission centers on revitalizing underutilized land, creating workforce housing, and deploying capital through public-private partnerships.
“Linden Street Homes exemplifies three pillars of our mission,” said Bernel Hall, President and CEO of NJCC. “This project continues the transformation of the City of Salem and serves as a model for future initiatives.”
Prospective buyers will be selected through a lottery system, with applications opening September 1 and remaining open for 60 days. The homes will be available to New Jersey residents only, with construction expected to be completed within nine months.
The development process will also create local job opportunities during construction, contributing to the city’s economic development goals while ensuring that the benefits of revitalization are shared throughout the community.
The Linden Street Homes project is being hailed as a model for collaborative redevelopment that leverages local leadership, state resources, and experienced private developers to address systemic housing challenges.
“The Authority would like to thank the Mayor and Council for their vision and support,” said Jerry Velazquez, President and CEO of the Cumberland County Improvement Authority. “This is a meaningful first step toward the strategic planning and implementation of the City’s Landbank program. This redevelopment initiative serves as a model for future neighborhood stabilization and sustainable growth.”
Since taking on a broader role in redevelopment in 2015, the CCIA has worked with municipalities across the county to advance construction projects and support economic sustainability. From managing state-of-the-art public facilities to pioneering sustainable waste operations powered by methane gas and solar energy, the Authority has consistently delivered on its mission to foster innovation, environmental responsibility, and community value.
Leading the Linden Street Homes development is Restrepo & Associates, a Cranford-based firm with over 25 years of experience in affordable housing. With a current project pipeline of 216 units and over $130 million in total development costs, the firm works with a diverse mix of for-profit and nonprofit clients throughout New Jersey.
“Our company is committed to assisting families in locating suitable housing, fostering community ties, and building wealth while participating in local growth and prosperity,” said John E. Restrepo, President of Restrepo & Associates. “We anticipate that the state will continue to allocate resources toward single-family housing to support families aspiring to own a piece of New Jersey.”
While modest in scale, the Linden Street Homes project is intended to be a catalyst, both symbolically and practically, for Salem City’s ongoing transformation. By addressing the need for affordable homeownership and turning vacant lots into new homes, this initiative sets a hopeful tone for the city’s future.
