U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved a request submitted by the Paterson Housing Authority in September of 2006 to demolish the Alexander Hamilton Public Housing Development.

“I am pleased to announce that the federal government has approved demolition of the Alexander Hamilton Development,” stated Rep. Pascrell, the former Mayor of Paterson.  “High-rise, low-income housing projects that were designed over fifty years ago no longer suit urban neighborhoods.  Outdated public housing has become an unnecessary burden to the public safety, environmental health and general well-being of cities all across America.  This demolition presents the City of Paterson with an opportunity to revitalize a struggling neighborhood and establish low-income families with better housing.”

“I am grateful to Congressman Pascrell for assisting the City of Paterson in working with HUD to secure the approval for this demolition,” stated Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres.  “This decision represents the value that comes as a result of true collaboration between different levels of government.  The Paterson Housing Authority in conjunction with the City of Paterson has been working for years to secure federal approval for this demolition.  Now families will be offered healthy, clean, safe housing.  I am overwhelmed with happiness that we were able to pull this off and provide a brighter future for residents of Alexander Hamilton.”

”With HUD's approval to demolish the Alexander Hamilton Development, the Housing Authority is committed to a comprehensive redevelopment plan that will be a public/private community revitalization effort which embraces the Third Ward neighborhood and includes new mixed income rental and home ownership housing, new streets and utilities, improved community centers and services,” stated Irma Gorham, Executive Director of the Paterson Housing Authority (PHA).  “The Housing Authority made a promise to the residents again and again to keep hope alive.  Today, that promise has become a reality. With the assistance of Congressman Pascrell, this promise will produce affordable housing and a jewel of a place for families to raise their children in a safe and secure environment.

The existing 12.35 acre Alexander Hamilton site was originally constructed in the 1950s.  Over the years, the buildings have deteriorated.  The development has been affected by crime, drugs, and vandalism and residents have begun to leave the development.  Today, the site is two-thirds occupied by 314 families, with vacant units posing health threats to the residents.

The Paterson Housing Authority plans to create a diverse, mixed-income community on the Hamilton site.  In addition PHA plans to utilize the Apollo Dye property, to the north of the site, for an off-site component of the revitalization project that will provide new affordable senior housing.  The revitalization is estimated to cost over $100 million 

In order to provide individual counseling and assistance to displaced families, PHA will utilize the services of the Alexander Hamilton Development Committee.  The Committee is made up of PHA staff, commissioners, private sector representatives, school officials, police officers and social service workers.  The Committee is dedicated to creating a smooth transition for displaced resident from the Hamilton Development into one of the hundreds of available units within the City of Paterson.  Demolition is expected to begin within twelve months. 

On February 22, 2007 Rep. Pascrell wrote a letter to HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson supporting Paterson’s demolition request and urging the Secretary to extend Section 8 housing vouchers to the displaced residents.  Pascrell wrote, “The rehabilitation of this site will be of considerable benefit to the entire Paterson community, but we cannot leave people homeless in the process.  I am confident you will recognize the importance of furnishing affected families with the Section 8 Housing Vouchers they will need once the demolition goes forward.”

“I am working with the City of Paterson to secure the necessary Section 8 vouchers and communicate with affected families.  It is critical that displaced residents have a smooth transition into new neighborhoods and schools, and that they have access to the appropriate public officials and social service providers,” Rep. Pascrell concluded.

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