Press Release 8/9/22

PERTH AMBOY – The Perth Amboy Redevelopment Authority (PARA) has contracted to sell two adjacent lots on Pearl Place to Morris Habitat for Humanity for the construction of single-family homes within a redevelopment zone.

The two homes, to be constructed on two 25 by 100 lots, are part of a partnership between Morris Habitat and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Team for Neighborhood Enterprise and Revitalization (PARTNER), a non-profit that creates housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate- income residents.  Morris Habitat and PARTNER have been named as the project redevelopers.

Blair Schleicher Wilson, CEO of Morris Habitat, said the next step is to seek construction approvals from the city for the two homes, which will ultimately be sold to families who meet low income guidelines, but can demonstrate the ability to pay property taxes, utilities and all other expenses related to home ownership. The homeowner selection process will be completed by random selection; preferences will be given to veterans and current Perth Amboy Housing Authority residents.

“This type of partnership is a perfect fit with our vision of community redevelopment,” said Joel Rosa, PARA chair. “We are taking under-used parcels of land and creating single-family homes for families who have the dream of home ownership through our relationship with Morris Habitat. It strengthens neighborhoods and fulfills a direct need.”

The project germinated last August, when Doug Dzema, Executive Director of the Perth Amboy Housing Authority, contacted Morris Habitat about this opportunity that PARA posed for these two parcels. The non-profit had already been working in Perth Amboy, completing two homes at 662 Cortlandt St. and 440 Lawrie St. and about embark on the construction of two others, at Inslee Street and Garretson Avenue.  

Morris Habitat, with a regional territory that includes Middlesex County, has precise stipulations for homes. For example, all must be designed as “user friendly” as possible, with Energy Star appliances, maintainence-free materials, a single garage, handicap accessibility, the ability to use side and rear yards for recreation and plenty of storage space. All homes are for sale; there are no rentals.

“The exterior design of the homes are slanted toward the nature of the existing neighborhood,” Wilson explained. “Not only do we design our homes to be affordable for our homeowners, but we are also mindful of the cost of living and maintaining a home. Those values are built into all of our Habitat homes.”

Wilson expressed her appreciation to PARA for recognizing the benefit of the Pearl Street parcels, as they will ultimately become dream properties for families who never thought they would have a chance to own their own homes.

“Working with local redevelopment agencies, Morris Habitat is turning empty or blighted properties into new opportunities for residents, while strengthening neighborhoods in the process” she said. “We hope to continually work with PARA as we embrace a shared vision for a revitalized Perth Amboy.”