HAP Discussion Dropped, More Details on YMCA Plan

At Monday's agenda-fixing session, City Council President Bridget Rivers announced there would be no discussion of the Housing Authority of Plainfield's proposal to build on two city-owned lots, but more details emerged on another project, the conversion of YMCA space to 30 apartments for young adults aging out of foster care.

The YMCA has had a foster care program since 1987 (see here). When foster children reach 18, they "age out" of care programs and are more or less on their own. The YMCA is proposing to convert space now occupied by its 60 current single-room occupancy (SRO) for men into 30 efficiency apartments for low-income young adults aging out of foster care. The residents will pay no more than 30 percent of their earnings for rent and will receive intensive supportive services to help them learn to live independently.

The YMCA's location at 518 Watchung Avenue gives residents easy access to public transportation as well as nearby stores, restaurants, Union County College and other community resources, the agency said in a description of the program. It was identified as "a natural centerpiece of the YMCA's evolving Youth Development programs."

At Monday's City Council meeting, YMCA president and CEO Ravenell Williams IV said the agency will be applying for HMFA tax credits, among other funding sources. The apartments will be on the second and third floors of the building and will not affect the emergency shelter on the main floor. Williams was accompanied by YMCA Board Chairman Kieran Anderson. (Click here to see more about the YMCA.)

Councilwoman Tracey Brown said as a former juvenile officer she felt the proposal was "an excellent idea." Councilwoman Gloria Taylor said she was just concerned about "people who have issues" that might result in complaints about loitering and such.

The council agreed to put a resolution "authorizing the determination of a special needs project" for the YMCA on the agenda for the March 10 regular meeting. The YMCA expects to seek 4 percent tax credits in the second quarter of 2014 and to start construction in the first quarter of 2015.

--Bernice

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