Madison Celebrates Opening of The Forum at Madison, New Jersey’s First Sustainable Affordable Housing Development

The 44-unit project, supported by Morris County and federal partners, sets a new benchmark for sustainable and affordable housing.

MADISON — Local, county, and federal officials gathered on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of The Forum at Madison, a 44-unit affordable housing development that marks a milestone in New Jersey’s sustainable building efforts. The project, developed in collaboration with RPM Development Group, is the first family affordable housing project in the state to achieve Passive House certification and meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Homes standards.

"This development is groundbreaking not just for its Passive House certification and Net Zero design but for fulfilling a fundamental human need: shelter. What makes this development truly exceptional is that, beyond providing much-needed housing, it meets an entirely new set of scientific standards for being energy efficient, providing those who will live here not just a place of comfort, but an environment that is both healthy for them as well as our environment,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Selen, who is also liaison to the Morris County Housing Authority.

Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley, and U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, alongside other dignitaries from state and federal agencies.

The Forum at Madison offers energy-efficient homes designed to significantly reduce utility costs for residents. Each unit features modern layouts, Energy Star-certified appliances, LED lighting, high-efficiency electric heating and cooling systems, Energy Recovery Ventilators, and enhanced insulation. Solar panels are scheduled to be installed soon to further offset energy use, with the goal of near-zero annual energy costs.

Morris County contributed $425,000 in federal HOME funds through its Office of Community Development, which helps guarantee that the units will remain affordable for a minimum of 30 years.

Morris County's commitment to affordable housing dates back over five decades, to the establishment of the Morris County Housing Authority in 1972, which continues to support safe and affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

“As spoken by Abraham Lincoln over 150 years ago ‘The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people.’ Housing is the foundation of family security, stability and prosperity. It strengthens our communities and provides a footing from which Americans can work to support their families and achieve their personal goals,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw.

Also in attendance at the event were Amy Archer, the county’s Mental Health Administrator; Joe Barilla, Director of Planning and Preservation; and Vince Vitale, Director of Communications and Digital Media.

The Forum at Madison stands as a model for the integration of sustainability and affordability in housing, aligning with broader environmental and economic equity goals across New Jersey.