JERSEY CITY, NJ — A host of federal, state and local officials will join developers and homebuyers on Thursday, October 23' at 11:00 a.m. for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a new townhome enclave that represents the first development to rise in Jersey City, NJ under the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency's (NJHMFA) "CHOICE" affordable housing program. 

Expected to attend the event will be Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy; Councilwoman Viola Richardson; Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Joseph V. Doria, Jr.; NJHMFA Executive Director Marge Della Vecchia; U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Director of Community Planning & Development Kathleen Naymola; Jersey City Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Robert P. Antonicello; Jersey City Division of Community Development Director Carl Czaplicki; and members of the Eagle Rock Development Team.

Also on hand will be several homebuyers who have benefitted from this unique affordable housing program which is the winner of the first Jersey City "Green Building Award".

"The overriding goal for The Harriet Tubman Homes was to provide the people of Jersey City; low, moderate and work force housing families; an opportunity to get their piece of the American Dream," said Mayor Healy. "The fact that six of the eight residences have already been sold, including one to a Jersey City school teacher who is a single mom raising two little girls, and one to a local couple who are raising two children with disabilities, dramatically illustrates that important goal is being realized. Everyone involved in this project should be commended."

The Harriet Tubman Homes also signifies a new approach to creating affordable housing because of its emphasis on meeting and in some cases exceeding the standards of the Energy Star program.

"CHOICE" was conceived to encourage the development of for-sale housing in Smart Growth areas throughout the State. With its focus on home ownership, the program is designed to stabilize targeted neighborhoods and stimulate economic growth.

Jersey City officials worked long and hard to bring the CHOICE program to their City. "We wanted to create a new standard for affordable housing here," said the Redevelopment Agency's Robert Antonicello. "This development reflects housing that is durable and energyefficient as well as affordable."

"Aside from the subsidies, below-prime interest rates and other CHOICE incentives which make the homes affordable to purchase, the program is also distinguished by numerous energy- efficient practices that make them affordable to maintain, with the 2008 "Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award" from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

These include a maintenance-free, 100% brick exterior; R 38 roof insulation, a high- efficiency furnace, a tankless hot water heater said to be 60% more efficient than the standard hot water heater, energy systems certified 5 Star by PSE&G and low E Glass efficient windows that meet NJ Energy Star standards.

"Construction of affordable housing units must be a combination of supplying homes for low, moderate and workforce housing families, while guaranteeing them virtually maintenance free and high efficient homes" said Antonicello. "With CHOICE, the operating costs have also been lowered to levels growing families can well afford."

For the community's first six buyers, the attractive prices and low maintenance costs meant the difference between continuing to pay rent and owning a brand new home.

Harriet Tubman Homes offers single mothers, families with disabled children and people who have chosen to live and work in Jersey City brand new 1,600 sq. ft. town homes with all amenities.

Priced at $259,900, the remaining two brick town homes feature three bedrooms, 21/2 baths and approximately 1,600 square feet of living space. Located across the street from the Cunningham Library, the homes are just three blocks to a Light Rail station, making commuting very convenient.

Below-market m Programs are available to eligible homebuyers.