Department of Housing and Community Development

Director of Housing and Community Development
Ms. Hazel F. Samuels (732) 502-4579

The Department of Housing and Community Development is responsible for all housing and community development activities funded through the city's community Development Block Grant (CDBG). As such, this department provides assistance to our residents through the following projects, initiatives and programs:

RIDGE & BANGS REVITALIZATION PROJECT
Under the city's "Planning to Stay" initiative, the Department of Housing and Community Development has implemented a very aggressive project to revitalize the targeted area of Ridge and Bangs Avenues. This project involves the city providing focused attention to this area, working with the residents, businesses and all other stakeholders to improve our homes, our neighborhoods and our city. Throughout 2004, the department will continue to provide this neighborhood with resources to make this area a showplace community.
Contact Person: Lori Ross (732) 502-5727

HOMEBUYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The city will provide $5,000 towards the down payment or closing costs for eligible applicants, per HUD income requirements, for the purchase of a home in Asbury Park.
Contact Person: Denise Brown (732) 502-5730

H.E.L.P.
Assistance will be provided to homeowners to offset emergency costs for the repair or replacement of a major system in their homes. The maximum amount cannot exceed $5,000 per household.


HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION
Emergency assistance will be provided to residents who are faced with homelessness as a direct result of a loss of energy services such as electric or gas. 

Live Where You Work (LWYW) 

WHAT IS ASBURY PARK’S LIVE WHERE YOU WORK PROGRAM?Live Where You Work - Asbury Park is a special homebuyer incentive program that provides low-interest mortgage loans to homebuyers who work in and who are looking to purchase a home in Asbury Park.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ASBURY PARK’S LIVE WHERE YOU WORK PROGRAM?

• Low-interest mortgages for homebuyers.

• Downpayment and closing cost assistance for the purchase of a home.

• More flexible underwriting criteria for the loan qualification process.

MAXIMUM INCOME LIMITS FOR ASBURY PARK†‡

FAMILY SIZE

CITY WIDE

1-2 person household

$87,700

3+ person household

$100,855
MAXIMUM PURCHASE PRICE LIMITS FOR ASBURY PARK†

HOUSE TYPE

CITY WIDE

New 1 family

$429,619

Existing 1 family

$429,619

Existing 2 family

$550,005

Existing 3 family

$664,828

Existing 4 family

$826,218
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT (LWYW)-ASBURY PARK VISIT ON THE INTERNET AT WWW.LIVEWHEREYOUWORK.NJ.GOV OR CALL 1-800-NJHOUSE

Mission

To provide a community outreach of educational programs and information for city residents which will ultimately lead to the revitalization of neighborhoods and improvement of the quality of life 

Duties & Challenges

Facilitates classes and forums on housing-related issues

  • Tenant rights and responsibilities

  • Landlord rights and responsibilities

  • Energy assistance with billing and understanding conservation measures

  • Provides referrals to available resource agencies that provide housing aid

  • Administers the Home Emergency Loan Program (H.E.L.P.) which will offset costs (up to $5,000 per qualified household) for emergency repairs or replacement of a major system in a resident’s home

  • Provides financial assistance to prevent homelessness in the form of a one-time payment of utility bills and emergency assistance that is provided to residents who are faced with homelessness as a direct result of a loss of energy services such as electricity or gas

  • Provides statutory relocation assistance that includes aid to households displaced as a result of housing or fire code violations

  • Secures grants to fund demolition of structures not suited for rehabilitation, eliminating neighborhood hazards and blighting influences

  • Provides funding through grants for infrastructure improvements including street and sidewalk repair, road re-paving, sewer upgrades, tree removal and planting to improve the overall look and feel of the community

  • Initiates and implements anti-litter activities that are designed to improve the image of neighborhoods and to involve residents in the process

  • Researches and explores affordable housing options to support the residents of Asbury Park