Saturday, December 9, 2023

Three Hardwick Property Owners Sought to Help Create More Affordable Housing

Hardwick Township held their Workshop meeting on Jan 18 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.

The Affordable Housing Rehab Program was discussed. Hardwick wants three applicants to fulfill its affordable housing obligation. This is a program to help fix and bring up to date dwelling units for renters that fall within and under certain income requirements.

Many homeowners, especially in nearby towns, have used this assistance to upgrade or create lower cost apartments on their properties. Often found in the owners’ home, as In-Law suites, they also sometimes exist as expanded and repurposed tack rooms in barns and pool houses.

There are applications available at Town Hall, 40 Spring Valley Road. Contact info for Hardwick Township is 908-362-6258. More info on this program is also available through the Warren County Housing Rehabilitation Program, 337 Water Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823. Their telephone number is (908) 475-3989.

Keep watch for the Town Newsletter which is currently under construction. Included would be programs like the Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program.

There was no one from the public in attendance yet much unfinished business was reviewed including a lengthy discussion on Mallard Pond Road.

Hardwick Township is deciding whether to vacate or maintain this road. Currently there is only one private residence on this road in addition to the Mountainwood Spring Water Company.

The water company, family operated since 1978, has been maintaining the roadway for 30+ years. Unfortunately, the roadway now shows severe degradation. It is the agreement of the committee to do more research to ascertain exactly who is the responsible party for road maintenance and to make sure all safety concerns are addressed.

Committeeman John Lovell discussed the importance of utilizing the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds this year. The Township Committee wants to update and streamline Hardwick offices. Lovell mentioned the great need for this and how it will dramatically increase the productivity and organization of the Township. This federally funded money needs to be either spent this year or sent back to the government.