Hopelawn VFW building is future site of Dalina Manor

By KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE — The former Hopelawn VFW property on James Street will become the site of Dalina Manor, a 57- unit affordable senior housing residential community.

“We expect to break ground in early 2016,” said John Hagerty, a spokesman for the township.

BCM Affordable Housing will invest nearly $13 million to develop Dalina Manor.

Bruce Morgan, president of BCM Affordable Housing, said the company is proud to be creating a high-quality residential development that will not only meet the demand for affordable senior housing, but will also contribute to the township’s quality of life.

The company is partnering with Ingerman Affordable Housing, a developer, manager and builder of multi-family apartment communities.

The complex will be called Dalina Manor in honor of the late Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, a longtime Woodbridge councilman and Middlesex County freeholder.

Dalina Manor will replace the existing Hopelawn VFW building that borders Worden Avenue, John Street and James Street in the Hopelawn residential community. The site spans 1.2 acres.

The proposed senior residential community will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments, fully compatible for senior residents age 55 and over.

In addition, the site will have a multipurpose room for resident functions, on-site management offices and a resident services program tailored to meet the needs of those living in the community.

Township officials, including Mayor John McCormac and representatives of Ingerman, met with Hopelawn residents in February to discuss the future of the site.

The mayor had said a senior building is ideal for the property and added that the township is seeing a significant unmet demand for senior housing.

After months of negotiations, the town- ship purchased the former Hopelawn VFW property through funds from the Woodbridge Affordable Housing Corp., which obtains funding from developers’ fees, assessments and contributions.

Dalina Manor will continue to be home to the Hopelawn VFW Post No. 1352.

William J. Wisk, commander of the Hopelawn VFW, said the members of the VFW reached out to the mayor’s office last year to discuss the sale of the property.

“Working with the mayor’s office and BCM Affordable Housing, we were able to put together a financial package that was acceptable to the VFW and which allows the post to continue activities at the new Dalina Manor community center,” he said.

Wisk further said he was thankful that they were able to put together a project that would serve the future interests of the VFW while providing affordable housing for senior residents.

McCormac said the announcement of the development represents “a significant step toward achieving our goal of ensuring that Woodbridge Township senior residents have access to quality, affordable residential options.”

The future Dalina Manor property will have a 30-year deed restriction for use as senior housing, according to township officials.