Honoring Service with Homes: Veterans Prioritized in New Central Jersey Senior Housing Development
focus on providing priority access to veterans. The development marks an important step in expanding housing opportunities for aging residents, especially those who have served in the United States military.
The 60-unit residential community is being built in Avenel, located in Woodbridge Township, and is designed specifically to offer affordable living options for seniors. Veterans will receive first preference for available units, reflecting ongoing statewide efforts to support former service members facing housing challenges.
The project has been named Petersen Commons in honor of Carl Petersen, a local Avenel resident and World War I veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. Petersen is remembered for his service during the Boxer Rebellion, where he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in China in 1900. His legacy is being recognized through this development as a symbol of sacrifice and service.
The housing community is a result of collaboration between private developer Pennrose and Woodbridge Township, continuing a partnership that has previously delivered similar community-focused housing projects. Local, county, and state officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the importance of expanding affordable housing options in the region.
Governor Mikie Sherrill emphasized the importance of ensuring that veterans and seniors have access to safe and affordable housing. She stated that the project supports the broader state initiative aimed at reducing and ultimately ending veteran homelessness. At the time of the program’s launch, officials reported hundreds of veterans across the state were still experiencing homelessness or living in emergency shelters.
Petersen Commons will be a three-story building featuring one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. These units will be available at income-restricted levels ranging between 30% and 60% of the area median income, making them accessible for low- and moderate-income seniors.
The development will also include specially designed units for residents with disabilities. A portion of the apartments will be fully accessible for individuals with physical disabilities, while others will be adapted for residents with hearing or visual impairments, ensuring inclusive living conditions for all tenants.
Beyond housing, the community will offer shared amenities such as a community room for social gatherings, on-site supportive services, laundry facilities, resident parking, and dedicated management and maintenance services. These features are designed to create a safe and supportive environment for senior residents.
Funding for the project comes from multiple public financing programs, including low-income housing tax credits and support from state housing and economic development agencies. These funding mechanisms are part of broader efforts to increase affordable housing supply across New Jersey.
Officials from Pennrose highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in delivering housing solutions for underserved populations, particularly seniors and veterans. Local government leaders also noted that this project builds on earlier successful developments in the township aimed at expanding inclusive housing options.
Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2027. Once finished, eligible residents will be able to apply for leasing through the official project application process.
This development represents a continued commitment to addressing housing insecurity among veterans and seniors, while strengthening community infrastructure in Central Jersey.
Sources:
Pennrose Official Development Statement
Woodbridge Township Administration
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Office of the Governor, State of New Jersey
