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Local firefighters, Vessel Technologies pitch 48-unit workforce housing; council moves to sell parcels
Summary
Bridgepoint Development (local firefighters) and Vessel Technologies presented a plan for roughly 48 "attainable" workforce units across three combined lots, described prefabricated steel construction, a targeted 1:1 parking ratio and a construction timeline discussed for being in the ground next year with completion by end of 2027; the council approved a related land-sale ordinance (26-066) to Vessel/Bridgepoint.
Representatives from Vessel Technologies and Bridgepoint Development, a group led by local firefighters, presented a proposal to the Trenton City Council to convert three vacant lots into about 48 units of workforce housing.
Josh Levy of Vessel described the company's prefabricated building system as "100% steel" and "Type 2B non-combustible construction," emphasizing energy-efficiency, universal-access features and quick on-site assembly (panels delivered and ~6 weeks to erect). Bridgepoint members said the project aims to retain city civil servants by offering high-quality, lower-cost ("attainable") units targeted at entry-level workers.
Council members asked technical questions about the proposal: Vessel said the one-bedroom units would be about 600 square feet and two-bedrooms about 875 square feet, with a target parking ratio of roughly 1:1 plus overflow guest spaces. The developers said they were targeting 48 units but would finalize the number with planning and zoning staff. When asked about timing, presenters said they "would expect to be in the ground by next year and completed by next year," a schedule the council clarified as completion by the end of 2027 in the Q&A exchange.
Council subsequently voted to approve Ordinance 26-066, authorizing the sale of multiple parcels to Vessel Technologies and Bridgepoint Development LLC for $33,560 (motion carried). Several council members praised the concept for converting blighted lots into housing and for the developer-ownership model led by first responders.
Ending: The project will move to HED, planning and zoning for final approvals and any design changes; the council recorded approval of the land transfer ordinance and asked the developers to work with city staff on unit counts, parking and program details.
