On Monday, September 9, 2024, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman visited Camden, New Jersey, to announce a $5,640,000 grant to Northgate II. This 402-unit affordable housing development in North Camden will use the funds for significant energy efficiency and climate resilience renovations aimed at improving residents' quality of life.
The grant to Northgate II and its owner, Fair Share Housing Development, is part of HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP). The GRRP is HUD's first program to invest simultaneously in energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, climate resilience, and low embodied carbon materials in HUD-assisted multifamily housing. The announcement was made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals to enhance affordable housing options and ensure homes are efficient and resilient against extreme weather events.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “Today, I am proud to grant more than $5 million to improve the air quality and sustainability of hundreds of affordable homes right here in Camden.”
Owners of properties participating in various HUD programs were eligible for grants or loans under GRRP. Northgate II received its grant under GRRP’s Leading Edge category. This funding aims to increase energy and water efficiency, reduce climate pollution, generate renewable energy, promote green building materials use, and make homes more resilient to climate hazards.
Peter O’Connor, Owner of Northgate II stated: “On behalf of Northgate II...we thank the Biden-Harris Administration...for awarding the Northgate II Low-Rise Development this GRRP Leading Edge grant...to enable us to renovate the units through green development.” He also expressed gratitude towards Congressman Donald Norcross and Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen for their support.
The renovation project at Northgate II will include converting from gas to electric service, revising insulation systems, modernizing lighting systems, and using environmentally friendly building materials.
This is the second GRRP award in New Jersey; previously in February 2024 a $10 million grant was awarded to Rowan Towers in Trenton. With these awards totaling $15.64 million for New Jersey so far under GRRP's Leading Edge category which funds significant energy efficiency improvements related to carbon reduction among other things.
Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen remarked: “I am incredibly grateful...for fighting to preserve affordable high-quality housing...this Green and Resilient Retrofit Program grant award...will result in much-needed upgrades.”
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act established the GRRP in 2022 aiming at funding energy efficiency improvements for multifamily properties within HUD’s rental assistance programs. Today's investments aim at advancing environmental justice consistent with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative ensuring benefits flow primarily towards disadvantaged communities overburdened by pollution.
