Our community is about to see significant improvements thanks to a pair of state grants totaling $570,000 awarded to Middle Township for projects that will enhance accessibility and preserve affordable housing.
The funding comes from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program and will support two distinct initiatives designed to serve some of our most vulnerable residents.
The Martin Luther King Community Center in Whitesboro will receive the larger portion of the funding—$400,000—to install new playground equipment that meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. The upgrades will ensure children with mobility and sensory disabilities can fully enjoy the recreational space alongside their peers, while bringing the entire center into full ADA compliance.
This investment represents more than just new equipment. It's a commitment to inclusive play spaces where every child in our community can participate, regardless of their physical abilities.
The second grant, totaling $170,000, will bolster the township's Housing Rehabilitation Program, an initiative that has been serving Middle Township families for years. This funding will enable critical repairs on approximately eight low-income housing units throughout the community.
The repairs will address essential safety and habitability concerns—fixing leaking roofs, bringing homes up to current building codes, and tackling other urgent maintenance issues. For working families and seniors living on fixed incomes, these repairs can mean the difference between staying in their homes and facing displacement due to costs they simply cannot manage.
The Housing Rehabilitation Program serves a vital function in our community by preventing housing instability and helping residents maintain safe, code-compliant homes. When families can remain in their neighborhoods without the constant worry of unaffordable emergency repairs, entire communities benefit from the stability.
Residents who believe they might qualify for assistance through the Housing Rehabilitation Program are encouraged to reach out to the Grants and Economic Development Office at (609) 465-8731 to learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process.
These grants reflect a broader commitment to ensuring Middle Township remains a place where all residents—regardless of age, ability, or income level—can thrive. From accessible playgrounds to safe, affordable housing, these investments will create lasting positive impacts for years to come.
