[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE PRINCETON TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the twentieth 
anniversary of the Princeton Township Affordable Housing Program, 
formed on November 18, 1984, by the adoption of Ordinance No. 84-31. 
This program began well before the New Jersey Supreme Court mandated 
affordable housing in each municipality throughout the State, and 
preceded the establishment of the New Jersey Council on Affordable 
Housing. The program has shown over the years Princeton Townships' 
commitment to maintaining a diverse population, and has been consistent 
in its dedication to provide housing opportunities for low and moderate 
income individuals who reside within the Princeton community. Princeton 
was far ahead of other towns.
  To oversee the implementation of the Affordable Housing Program, the 
Princeton Township Housing Board was created. Since its inception, the 
Housing Board has developed hundreds of housing units in and around the 
greater Princeton area, the largest of which are the Princeton 
Community Village, Reading Circle, Griggs Farm, and Washington Oaks. In 
addition to the creation of a great number of housing units, the board 
has also established and funded a municipal Downpayment Assistance 
Program and Condominium Fee Assistance Program; these programs aim to 
assist those with low or moderate incomes in either initially 
purchasing or continuing to afford low and moderate income housing 
units. The Housing Board has also explored housing for developmentally 
disabled individuals and seniors of low income. They have also 
partnered with Habitat for Humanity in building two units of affordable 
housing.
  For the past 20 years, the program has never wavered in its 
commitment to affordable housing, and has continued to provide housing 
opportunities for a wide range of people from diverse economic and 
social backgrounds.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Princeton Township 
Affordable Housing Program for its commendable and exemplary work in 
ensuring affordable housing exists in New Jersey and wish it many years 
of continued success.

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