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Habitat for Humanity presents Alcott Manor plan for five deed‑restricted affordable homes
Summary
Habitat for Humanity representatives proposed redeveloping privately owned Alcott Manor into up to five deed‑restricted, owner‑occupied homes using sweat‑equity and layered grants; presenters warned acquisition cost, septic/Board of Health variances and stormwater compliance are major hurdles and proposed a Memorandum of Understanding and feasibility work as next steps.
Representatives from Habitat for Humanity, including Liz DeCoursey, Doug Wright and Fred Stewart, presented a conceptual plan to redevelop the Alcott Manor property as up to five deed‑restricted, owner‑occupied affordable homes.
Habitat officials described the organization’s model: 30‑year deed restrictions consistent with UHAC, homeowner mortgage payments and property taxes, a required minimum of 300 hours of "sweat equity" for homebuyers, volunteer-supported construction with paid on‑site staff, affirmative marketing and homeowner education programs. The presenters said their approach produces affordable‑homeowner credits for municipalities while emphasizing long-term homeowner stability.
The conceptual plan outlined demolition of existing structures, subdivision into five fee‑simple lots, a shared access driveway with a single curb cut onto Route 24, public water with individual septic systems per lot, and modest two‑ and three‑bedroom homes using Habitat prototype footprints (about 24 by 32 feet) with optional garages.
Habitat representatives cautioned that the plan is conceptual and would require substantial due diligence. Key challenges listed were Board of Health variances for septic setbacks and reserve areas, stormwater management design, compliance with lot-size and septic regulations and, centrally, the high cost of acquiring the privately owned property. The presenters recommended pursuing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Township, conducting feasibility and environmental studies, and pursuing layered funding sources — including the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund, county and HUD grants and philanthropic fundraising — to close acquisition and construction gaps.
"If variances are not approved, the number of homes may need to be reduced," the presenters said, noting the process could be lengthy but pointing to Habitat’s experience completing complex projects in other municipalities.
Township members and members of the public praised the presentation; public commenters later urged exploring an affordable-housing trust fund to support long-term efforts. No formal Township action or property acquisition vote occurred at the meeting; Habitat said next steps include negotiating with the property owner and pursuing grants and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Township.
