City of Trenton and Trenton Housing Authority Awarded $15.6 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant 

President Biden and HUD Acting Secretary Todman announced the Choice Neighborhoods awards to build new homes and spur economic development.

Trenton, N.J. – Mayor Reed Gusciora welcomed the announcement by the Biden Administration of a $15.6 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant to the City of Trenton and the Trenton Housing Authority. The Grant funding will be for transformative development in the North Ward Battle Monument neighborhood between Donnelly Homes and Capital Health Helene Fuld campus. The objectives of the grant were to help build more homes and revitalize neighborhoods that have been left behind.

The funding will redevelop distressed housing with high-quality mixed-income options, while also providing residents with services focused on income, health, and education. Grant funds may also be used for neighborhood improvements which promote economic development and spur additional private investment.

“This is great news for the Capital City,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This grant will be a catalyst for positive change in the North Ward Battle Monument neighborhood. It will not only provide better housing options but also improve the overall quality of life for our residents. By investing in our communities, we are fostering an environment where economic development can thrive and create opportunities for all Trentonians. We are grateful to the Biden Administration for recognizing the potential of Trenton and supporting our efforts to build a brighter future for our city.”

Targeted funding will specifically help revitalize the Trenton Housing Authority’s Donnelly Homes, with plans to redevelop the barrack style low-income housing originally built in 1939.

“We are excited to embark on this transformative journey for the Donnelly Homes community,” said Trenton Housing Authority (THA) Executive Director Jelani Garrett. “This grant allows us to turn our vision into reality by creating a modern, mixed-income, mixed-use community that meets the needs of our residents. Our plan, developed with extensive input from Donnelly Homes residents and neighborhood stakeholders, reflects our commitment to addressing the community’s needs and priorities. We look forward to delivering up to 639 new, high-quality units that will significantly enhance the North Trenton/Battle Monument neighborhood.”

The City of Trenton was one of 9 finalists from around the Country including Las Vegas, Houston, Chattanooga, Miami, and Syracuse.  The City partnered with community nonprofits and institutions such as Capital Health Systems and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Maternal Health Center slated to be located in the North Ward neighborhood.

Housing and Economic Development Director Massiel Ferrara quote, ” Housing and Economic Development Director Massiel Ferrara added, “This Choice Neighborhoods Grant represents a significant step forward in our mission to create vibrant, sustainable communities in Trenton. With this funding, we will be able to address the critical housing needs of our residents while also laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. By focusing on mixed-income housing and comprehensive neighborhood improvements, we are ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive. This is more than just a housing initiative; it’s a commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Trenton for generations to come.”

THA and the City award was long in the making and build upon the success of their 2019 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant to engage residents and transform the neighborhood to make it safer and more walkable. They conducted countless meetings and public hearings seeking input in the transformation of the neighborhood, which includes historical housing stock, an abandoned public school, Junior 1, Martin Luther King Park, and many small businesses.

North Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Williams added, “This grant is a monumental achievement for the North Ward and the entire city of Trenton. It reflects our unwavering commitment to revitalizing our neighborhoods and ensuring that every resident has access to quality housing and essential services. The comprehensive redevelopment plan for the Donnelly Homes and the surrounding area will not only enhance the physical landscape but also foster a stronger, more connected community. I am proud of the collaborative effort that went into securing this grant and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our residents’ lives.”

The City and Housing Authority will next meet with their partners and community stakeholders to chart a course for further action on the grant funding and seek additional dollars to complete this project.

“Every Trentonian can be proud of the Trenton Housing Authority and that our Capital City’s application beat out so many other American cities to win this award,” said Councilwoman Williams.

“It’s a great day for Trenton,” concluded Mayor Gusciora.