University-assisted community school<\/a>, Phase 2 of One Square Mile will focus on creating housing solutions for Paterson residents in the first, fourth and fifth wards of the city over the next five years.<\/p>\n\u201cThe Paterson One Square Mile is how big change happens,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. \u201cA public-spirited university, committed to making a difference, is working hand-in-hand with creative, energized community partners. Supported by visionary, philanthropic investment, they are altering the trajectory of our communities. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Paterson, and across New Jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community led us to where we are today,\u201d says Transform Consulting Group President Amanda Lopez. \u201cOver 500 Paterson residents helped Paterson One Square Mile identify housing as their top priority and how they want to see housing addressed. The community came together to create a comprehensive plan. We are excited to share this housing action plan and invite others to join in implementing the plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Housing Statistics in Paterson, NJ<\/strong><\/h2>\nWithin One Square Mile\u2019s designated area:<\/p>\n
\n- The population has increased by 11% in the last 10 years – more than four times the rate of the rest of Passaic County (2.4%) and nearly twice the rate of the city of Paterson (7.4%)<\/li>\n
- Residents have the highest rate (5%) of people living in overcrowded housing<\/li>\n
- 58% of OSM residents are \u201crent-burdened\u201d – which means they are paying more than 30% of their monthly income towards housing costs92% of OSM residents are renters, leaving only 8% as homeowners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One Square Mile Phase Two Goals<\/strong><\/h2>\nAfter listening to community leaders to identify housing challenges, 糖心vlog and Transform Consulting Group assisted in developing five housing goals that will be pursued over the next five years.<\/p>\n
\n- Expand Housing Affordability:<\/strong> The Community Advisory Committee will look to expand affordable housing opportunities and advocate to create policies to expand opportunities.<\/li>\n
- Increase Supply and Stability:<\/strong> Working with the City of Paterson, the Committee will seek to turn abandoned buildings and underutilized space into affordable housing, as well as create an eviction protection program to increase stability.<\/li>\n
- Improve Housing Quality:<\/strong> The Committee will work to increase energy efficiency for residents and create safe housing in the One Square Mile area.<\/li>\n
- Create Housing and Safe Neighborhoods:<\/strong> Wraparound services will be expanded for residents to help ensure safe neighborhoods and community leader programming will be developed to foster the next generation of community leaders to ensure the area\u2019s continued growth.<\/li>\n
- Build Assets and Wealth:<\/strong> The Committee will create programming to educate residents on the benefits of homeownership as opposed to renting, and how it can create generational wealth for the city.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
“The One Square Mile housing plan draws from proven strategies that have successfully created affordable, sustainable housing across New Jersey and the nation,\u201d says Passaic County Habitat for Humanity CEO Scott Millard. \u201dBy implementing evidence-based policies \u2014 such as requiring 20% affordable units in new developments and mandating that 60% of units be two-or three-bedroom apartments suitable for families \u2014 Paterson can better serve its residents while ensuring responsible development. Together with our partners at 糖心vlog and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, we urge the City Administration, Council, and Boards to adopt these recommendations to create lasting positive change for our community.”<\/p>\n