FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 23, 2018

 

Experts will teach about the HOME Investment Partnership Program and Zoning

Trenton – The New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), an affiliate of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), today announced upcoming training courses in April as part of its Redevelopment Training Institute (NJRA RTI). NJRA RTI offers intensive training courses for non-profit and for-profit developers, professional consultants, licensed practitioners, entrepreneurs, and government staff on the redevelopment and real estate development process in New Jersey.

NJRA RTI courses are open to the public, taught by industry leaders, and cover topics including redevelopment planning law, tax abatements, general assessment practices in redevelopment areas, and real estate project feasibility. Classes are offered regionally throughout the state.

“The NJRA, by extending its technical assistance arm to offer this valuable redevelopment training, is playing a role in Governor Murphy’s efforts to revitalize the state’s economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, DCA Commissioner, who serves as the Chairwoman of the NJRA board. “Anyone interested in redevelopment should take advantage of these informative courses.”

On April 10, NJRA RTI is offering a half-day workshop where leading industry experts will teach the Zoning: How to Use Zoning to Create the Desired Neighborhood workshop, which will focus on zoning as a major redevelopment tool to meet land-use planning objectives and implement comprehensive revitalization strategies.  This workshop will cover the advantages and limitations of zoning and discuss conventional zoning ordinances and the use of other incentives, codes, and innovative techniques used to achieve the desired community vision.  Specifically, the workshop will discuss overlay zoning, design standards, form-based codes, density bonuses, and other strategies, with a special emphasis on inclusionary zoning.  Attendees will hear how other cities across the country have used inclusionary zoning to promote affordable housing, including how Newark, New Jersey and other cities across the country have used inclusionary zoning to promote affordable housing.  Experienced practitioners will discuss other zoning tools and incentives to create economic diversity, walkable communities, mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhoods. Continuing education credits are available for this workshop.

On April 19, NJRA RTI is offering a workshop on the HOME Investment Partnership program (HOME), which remains one of the primary funding sources to implement local housing strategies designed to increase homeownership and affordable housing opportunities for low- income residents. HOME grantees will receive hands-on, in-depth guidance on the operating requirements for implementing successful HOME programs.  This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to underwrite a HOME project for financial sustainability, determine the appropriate amount of assistance needed, calculate HOME homeownership value limits, rents and income limits, and how to treat and expend program income.  Participants will engage in intensive discussion and activity to learn HOME administrative requirements relating to Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) set-aside requirements, capital needs assessment, and project monitoring plans and procedures.  The class will also delve into the HOME commitment period and strategies to ensure funds are not recaptured.

The Assessment of HOME Program Models workshop will cover an assortment of program requirements using a case study format. The case studies will explore several eligible activities including home repair services models; sweat equity models; housing conservation and efficiency programs, second mortgage assistance programs, and rehabilitation of in-rem or vacant properties litigated through the judicial system  and how to assess market appropriateness.

“We work with many experienced developers on projects that are both large and small scale, however, there is still a segment of the population that wants to take on redevelopment projects and needs training to become better informed about the process,” said NJRA Executive Director Leslie A. Anderson.  “Now, more than ever, is the time to learn from leading experts in the field.”

For more information on the NJRA RTI, including application information, registration and directions, please call the RTI Hotline at 609-278-5779 or visit http://www.njra.us/NJRA-RTI/.

NJRA is a comprehensive resource center that focuses on improving the quality of life by creating value in New Jersey's urban communities. The Authority invests financial and technical resources into redevelopment projects and plans that will create a positive impact in eligible communities and ensures projects are urban-focused, neighborhood-based and investment driven.

CONTACT:
Tammori Petty
Lisa Ryan
(609) 292-6055