As the demand for affordable housing continues to rise, local governments form unique partnerships to fill the need with efficiency and quality. Three Jersey City governmental agencies and two Yardi clients have joined forces to execute Bayfront Redevelopment Plan which includes the largest mixed-income housing development in the Tri-State region.  A clean slate The significance of the Bayfront Redevelopment Plan begins with its history. The West Side of Jersey City has had it share of ups and downs. The diverse neighborhood is currently experiencing a renaissance as a wave of investors aim to highlight the beauty of the neighborhood’s eclectic nature. The new development will breathe life back into the Hackensack Riverfront, making it a thriving part of the West Side rather than a forgotten nook. Additionally, the new development will provide the neighborhood with the economic stability that accompanies mixed-income housing. Bayfront Redevelopment Plan includes the transformation of the former Honeywell Corporation building which the City acquired in 2016 for $100 million. The site, which will remain in control of the City, will boost the local stock of affordable housing from 5% to 35%. The plan is a leap forward for the neighborhood, and it is a formidable feat. Making the vision into a reality has required the collaboration of multiple entities. Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), and the Department of Housing, Economic Development and Commerce (HEDC) represent local governmental agencies. Yardi clients Pennrose, LLC, and Omni America, LLC created the joint venture Bayfront Development Partners, LLC, which will handle development and construction at the site alongside BRP Development Group. Omni: for the love of community Omni is a black-owned firm that acquires, rehabilitates, builds and manages quality affordable housing throughout the United States.  The organization, which includes...

Philadelphia-based development company Pennrose recently hired former HUD Deputy Chief of Staff Lopa Kolluri as their vice president of operations. In this position, Kolluri plans to bridge the relationships between government and private stakeholders, particularly in terms of affordable housing. According to Kolluri, budgets and resources are being tightened, and because of this there is uncertainty regarding the low income tax credit program. Bridging these affordable housing gaps is a priority for Kolluri, who plans to have Pennrose work to make a positive impact in these affordable communities. Despite the challenges facing affordable housing development, Kolluri insists that there is innovation and creativity in the federal sector, which is spurring the creation of programs such as the rental assistance demonstration program and the ability for public housing authorities to convert public housing units to a Section 8 platform. Additionally, Kolluri lauds the formation of Choice, a neighborhood-based community development program, which is also focused on the development of affordable housing and other aspects of community development. Overall, after working in the government and private sectors, Kolluri is excited to bring her talents and expertise to Pennrose. Read the entire interview at...