New Initiative Helps Develop Resilient Housing in Ida-Hit NJ Counties

Smart Move Program offers safe, affordable homes in areas with reduced flood risks.

NEW JERSEY - In a push for housing resilience, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced the kickoff of its Smart Move Program. The initiative's primary goal is to foster collaborations between local governments and housing developers, aiming to erect energy-efficient, resilient, and affordable single-family homes in regions safeguarded against potential flooding.

Crucial Details:

Who: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), in collaboration with local governments and housing developers.
What: The Smart Move Program - an endeavor to create affordable, energy-efficient homes in lower flood risk areas for residents affected by Hurricane Ida.
When: This program commences today, with the application deadline set for April 4, 2024.
Where: Targeted counties include Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren.
Why: To offer safer housing alternatives, aid residents affected by Hurricane Ida, and bolster housing resiliency against severe weather impacts.
How: The program will utilize federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Highlighting the program's significance, DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez remarked, “In the face of climate change and more frequent severe storms, DCA is finding innovative ways to encourage and support efforts to make housing stock less susceptible to flooding. The Smart Move Program is one of these creative, proactive initiatives.” Suárez also underscored the importance of ensuring these homes are affordable to families, particularly those upended by Hurricane Ida.

DCA Deputy Commissioner Samuel Viavattine chimed in, urging affected local governments to engage housing developers and apply to the Smart Move Program. He emphasized the ample funding available and the role of such governments in spearheading innovative disaster recovery techniques.

Applications & Funding:
Eligible entities for the program are local government units located in counties significantly affected by Hurricane Ida. These entities must collaborate with a developer on a housing proposal, with applications scored based on cost-effectiveness, resiliency measures, and other criteria. Successful applicants can secure up to $15 million for their housing ventures, which encompasses land acquisition, infrastructure, construction, and more.

As projects near completion, the program's next phase will commence, focusing on aiding potential homeowners with down payments. By January 2028, all projects under the Smart Move Program are expected to be finalized.

For further details on the Smart Move Program and other DCA Hurricane Ida recovery efforts, visit DCA's official website or email SmartMove@dca.nj.gov.