Passaic County celebrates start of Liberty at Pompton Lakes housing for veterans and seniors

Passaic County officials and partner organizations on Thursday marked construction progress on the Liberty at Pompton Lakes, a new affordable-housing development the county says is designed to serve veterans and seniors.

Commissioner Michael Magley, of the Passaic County Improvement Authority, opened the ceremony and said the project "is truly about putting our veterans and seniors first," describing the development as the county's first of its kind and saying the authority helped secure funding and ensure safety and accessibility. "This project is truly about putting our veterans and seniors first," Magley said.

Pat Lepore, the authority's director, reiterated that the Liberty at Pompton Lakes "is the first project of its kind" and highlighted the project's partnership model and community benefits, including a project labor agreement. "The PLA ensured that local workers, tradespeople, and union members helped bring this mission to life," Lepore said, and she told the audience that sign-ups for residency will open in 2026.

Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra said the development is a joint county–borough effort that replaces a former eyesore and will give local veterans and seniors priority for available units. "My vets and my seniors in Pompton Lakes will get first crack at this," Serra said, adding that if units remain they will be made available more broadly.

Brian Jackson, who spoke about the project labor agreement, framed PLAs as a mechanism to secure fair work and local hiring: "PLAs are more than just contracts. They're a promise," he said, saying the agreements prioritize safety, quality and opportunities for apprentices and seasoned tradespeople.

Steve Dunke, president and CEO of Christian Health, said his organization will manage the property and described the planned amenities: gathering spaces, green areas, offices, and laundry on every floor. He identified the site as 5519 Ringwood Avenue and said the building will offer supportive services and connections to local businesses and community partners.

At the event's close, Magley thanked project partners and reiterated that construction is well underway and that resident sign-ups will begin in 2026. Residents in attendance offered brief remarks of thanks; Quinn McGonigal said she was "grateful" for the county's work, and Pompton Lakes resident Lucas Chavez said he appreciated being able to work "right here in my backyard." The ceremony did not include any formal votes or regulatory actions.

Next steps: county officials and partners said they expect to continue construction through 2025–26, with sign-ups opening in 2026 and move-ins to follow once the building meets occupancy requirements.