Special Needs Homes Development in Tenafly Is Underway

A Very Special Homes Development in Tenafly (Rendering)

Bergen County’s United Way and the Madeline Corp., both not-for-profit organizations, are building six apartment units with 10 bedrooms for adults with developmental disabilities at 311 Tenafly Road. 

Such housing helps communities meet state mandates that they promote more low- and moderate-income housing. Tenafly bought the property last year with state Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) funds for $999,000 and deeded it to BCUW/Madeline. 

 Tenants will pay rent based on their incomes and on affordability guidelines that may range from $300 to $600 per month, approximately. Additional funding sources include the borough and the Bergen County governments.

The apartments are intended for people with special needs who require some level of help with daily activities but not 24/7 care. People with developmental disabilities may have a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome, MS, be on the autism spectrum, cerebral palsy. Criteria for residency includes a recognized diagnosis of developmental disability; ability to live semi-independently; a service provider relationship for the aspects of life the individual needs help with; and to meet income eligibility criteria to be eligible to live in affordable housing.

United Way began construction in December 2014, but the work was hampered by the snowy weather…Tenant occupancy is expected to take place in 2016.

“I’m pleased to see it moving along,” said Mayor Peter Rustin. “There’s a special-needs population here that could be accommodated by this. This is meeting a real need.”

The one-story, stone-and-wood housing is designed to fit in with the residential area and is for individuals with a diagnosed developmental disability. Applications will be available to all area residents; Tenafly residents who fit the eligibility requirements and have the ability to live safely and securely are encouraged to apply.Preference will be given to Tenafly residents so that they may remain in the town in which they grew up and close to their families and support systems.

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