NJARHOF Happenings

Bus Tour Highlights Atlantic City's Past, Present & Future

NJARHOF hosted its third annual bus tour on December 5, 2007 to attendees of the Triple Play REALTOR® Convention and Trade Expo. The tour showcased Atlantic City's varied neighborhood-based community development initiatives.

Presentations were made by members of organizations that are working to support the revitalization efforts, including:

• Michael Calafati, AIA, of Historic Building Architects, LLC
• Seana E. Grady, Executive Director of Main Street Atlantic City/Atlantic City Special Improvement District (ACSID)
• Edward C. Einhaus, Director of Real Estate at the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)
• NJARHOF President Christina P. Clemans was also in attendance to talk about the Foundation.

Stops included various housing, commercial and institutional projects involving new development, rehabilitation and historic preservation that are adding to the revitalization of the city. The tour began at the Atlantic City Boardwalk, where Michael Calafati identified several sites worthy of preservation and restoration, including Boardwalk Hall. The bus tour continued through the Main Street District, the site of the former Sands Hotel and Casino, and to Center City Park. Maintained by the AC Special Improvement District, the park hosts a number of events throughout the year.

Additional highlights include redevelopment projects such as Carolina Homes, an initiative of the CRDA and Procida Realty & Construction Corp. The tour concluded with a stop at the Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm. Operational since December 2005, the farm at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant is New Jersey's first commercial wind farm.

NJARHOF Presents $57,158 Check to New Jersey Community Capital

The New Jersey Association of REALTORS^® Housing Opportunity Foundation, Inc. (NJARHOF) presented a $57,158 check to New Jersey Community Capital during the NJAR^® Board of Directors meeting at the Pines Manor on September 11, 2007.

Trustees of NJARHOF presented the check to Jennifer M. Bredehoft, community and investor relations associate of New Jersey Community Capital. The contribution will go towards New Jersey Community Capital's Affordable Housing Fund, which provides predevelopment funds for affordable housing projects developed by nonprofit and community-based organizations. The projects help create rental and homeownership opportunities for qualified low- and moderate-income individuals and families in New Jersey.

Since its relationship with New Jersey Community Capital began four years ago, NJARHOF funds have gone towards producing hundreds of affordable housing units throughout the state such as the redevelopment of the F. Berg Hat Manufacturing Company, a one-time hat-making factory in Orange, N.J., which upon completion will include a mix of 35 market-rate and affordable housing units. Funds have also supported the Swan Homes development in Pleasantville, N.J., and the redevelopment of three vacant buildings on Freeman Street in Orange known as the Brass Company, into a mixed-use facility including arts related workshops, retail, and residential apartments.

Would You like to Join the Global Village?

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (NAR) is continuing its partnership with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) in rebuilding the Gulf Coast through the Global Village program. NAR and HFHI are seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as team members and a Team Leader in the rigorous program that involves a strict financial and time commitment. Are you up for the challenge?

HFHI and NAR have committed to build a total of 54 homes in the Gulf region. Teams of REALTORS^® from around the country will travel to participate in the builds. These Global Village trips will allow individual REALTORS^® to make a personal commitment to the Gulf Coast Recovery effort.

Click here for more information on the Global Village Program.

Click here for more on the Team Leader position.

If you have questions, contact Teresa Tilton at teresa@njar.com.