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Affordable Senior Housing Invigorates Neighborhood,
Embodies “Smart Growth” Initiative

WOODBRIDGE – Most birthday parties for one-year olds do not typically feature an appearance by the Mayor.

But this Saturday at 3 p.m., when Mayor Frank G. Pelzman bestows a special proclamation recognizing the first anniversary of Maple Tree Manor, his presence will certify the landmark housing project’s importance to both the present and future of Woodbridge Township.

Maple Tree Manor is an 88-unit, four-story apartment complex for senior citizens located at 1255 Rahway Avenue in the Avenel section of Woodbridge. Constructed by The Ingerman Group and Woodbridge Affordable Housing Corp. on the site of the former Maple Tree Tavern, it is managed by Woodbridge Housing Authority and has operated at 100% occupancy since August.

“Affordable housing for senior citizens is a social and economic asset to any vibrant community,” asserts Mayor Pelzman. He points out that, with the over-60 population of Woodbridge at 17 per cent and rising, the need for senior housing will increase in the years to come. “It is essential we take an active role now to ensure a quality living environment for citizens who have contributed to the community throughout their lives and can continue to do so in their senior years.”

Maple Tree Manor was conceived by Woodbridge Housing Authority in accordance with Governor James E. McGreevey's 2002 Smart Growth Policy, which has among its objectives the goal of providing “needed housing and adequate public services at a reasonable cost while promoting beneficial economic growth, development and renewal.”

The building was designed with senior citizen needs firmly in mind. It contains a leasing/management office, maintenance shop, meeting room, gymnasium and laundry facilities. Tenants enjoy transportation assistance, on-site medical alarms connected to 911, exercise equipment, regular visits by health professionals and a case manager to help handle bills.

Even more important than Maple Tree Manor’s physical amenities are the social networks that have evolved over the last twelve months.

“We have a very wide range of activities created by management and by tenants,” says Woodbridge Housing Authority Director Donna Brightman. “There are exercise and grief counseling programs, a newsletter, art classes and numerous clubs including Game Club, Card Club, Scrabble Club and Bingo. There are dances, fashion shows and health seminars, as well as a travel group that journeys to casinos, antique shops, musical and theatre events.”

A donated player piano serves as the focus for sing-alongs throughout the week and as special entertainment during parties at Halloween, Christmas and a host of other holidays.

“This is a new community that is constantly inventing itself,” observes Brightman. “It is like watching a baby grow and discover new ways to shape the world around it.”

Runi Sriwardena, building manager, agrees. “During this last year we have learned to be a family. What makes Maple Tree Manor truly special is the initiative residents take to design activities that extend and deepen their relationships with other residents.”

In addition to Mayor Pelzman, the Saturday celebration will feature testimonials by tenants speaking on how their lives have positively and dramatically changed in the year they have lived at Maple Tree Manor.

“We are proud to have been able to provide our deserving seniors with a place to call home,” said Mayor Pelzman. “By bringing new life to older neighborhoods and creating much-needed housing, we are stabilizing the community and implementing the Governor’s Smart Growth Policy in an urban setting.”

Join Mayor Pelzman at the Maple Tree Manor Birthday Party 3-4 p.m. Saturday, April 2!