Groundbreaking Ceremony For Condominium Project
Morris Habitat for Humanity, a major builder and leading advocate for affordable housing in New Jersey, celebrated the groundbreaking for a new condominium complex in Summit on September 25, 2022. The condominiums are being built on the former site of the Italian American Club located at 146 Morris Avenue.
Morris Habitat is collaborating with Summit city officials to bring these affordable homes to the city. The project will feature 12 condos in two L-shaped buildings consisting of six 3-bedroom and six 2-bedroom units. The Summit Civic Foundation has donated $50,000 toward the project.
Blair Schleicher Wilson, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity, presided over the event held at the Summit site, and speakers included Summit Mayor Nora Radest, Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, Summit Civic Foundation officers Roz Kendellen and Peter Elliot, and the Pastor of Wallace Chapel AME Zion Church, Rev. Dr. Denison Harrield Jr. Also in attendance were members of Summit Common Council including Lisa Allen, Marjorie Fox, Susan Hairston, Andy Minegar, Danny O’Sullivan and Greg Vartan.
“Today, in the midst of an extreme housing shortage, we break ground on this affordable homeownership project,” said Schleicher Wilson, who noted that New Jersey has a deficit of 200,000 units of affordable housing. “Thank you for your help in planting hope for tomorrow by bringing these homeownership opportunities here in Summit to families wishing to reach the American Dream.”
The Crossings at Morris Avenue represents Morris Habitat’s first utilization of modular construction. The project will be constructed in two phases and is expected to be completed in 2023. It is the second project by Morris Habitat in the City of Summit; the first was a six-plex condominium complex on Morris Avenue that was completed in 2012.
“With the support and work of volunteers, Habitat for Humanity helps homeowners to achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families,” explains Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “Members of Common Council and I are thankful for their presence in our community, and commitment to building a place for deserving homeowners to call home in Summit.”
Morris Habitat for Humanity builds more than just homes—the organization empowers families to build brighter futures for generations to come. Home is the foundation to achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance that people need to shape a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. Additionally, every home constructed helps to strengthen the fabric and economies of local communities for all citizens.
The future Summit homeowners will perform a minimum of 300 hours of “sweat equity” working alongside other Habitat volunteers toward building their own homes, the homes of others or volunteering in other capacities within the organization such as at the ReStore or other community events.
About Morris Habitat For Humanity
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization committed to building homes, communities, and hope. The organization serves Morris, Middlesex and portions of Somerset and Union counties. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds affordable new homes and provides home repair services to income eligible families. Since 1985, Morris Habitat has served nearly 780 families through building 173 local homes, preserving 324 homes for low-income and senior residents, and helping 282 families with housing solutions worldwide. The organization has engaged more than 145,000 volunteers for various programs. Morris Habitat also operates a successful ReStore home improvement outlet which has kept 15,500 tons of reusable materials out of landfills and funded 33 homes. For more information, visit MorrisHabitat.org or call 973-891-1934.
