Veterans Housing Project Proposed for Rio Grande Site

A long-vacant section of the County Commons site in Rio Grande could soon become home to dozens of veterans in need of affordable housing, under a proposal coming before county commissioners later this month.

On Monday, July 28, Cape May County commissioners will consider a memorandum of understanding with WinnDevelopment and the nonprofit organization Soldier On to explore building a dedicated veterans housing development at the site. The preliminary agreement would allow the planning and due diligence phase to begin, according to Kevin Lare, county administrator.

The preliminary proposal envisions 63 affordable housing units constructed above a currently vacant section of the County Commons structure, representing a potential $32 million investment in our community. Under the plan, the county would donate the property for the project.

Breathing New Life Into a Struggling Site

The property, located near one of the busiest intersections in our county at routes 9 and 47, has struggled for years, particularly after the closure of the Kmart department store that once anchored the retail center. County officials first explored a new direction for the site back in 2019, when they considered a mixed-use plan combining private retail and public services—back when our county's governing body was still called the Board of Freeholders rather than the county commission.

Since then, the site has seen some revitalization. The county's clinic through the Veterans Administration relocated there from the former Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, now offering a variety of health services five days a week. Some retail uses remained, and an entertainment complex combining movies, bowling, games and dining later joined the mix. A police substation also operates at the location.

Experienced Developers with Veterans Focus

The developer is not expected to seek any county financial contribution beyond the property lease, Lare said. WinnDevelopment is the development arm of WinnCompanies, which operates multiple veterans housing sites, including facilities in New Jersey and western Massachusetts.

David Ginsberg, WinnDevelopment senior vice president and managing director for the New York/New Jersey region, emphasized the company's commitment to serving veterans. In a statement, he said the company appreciates the opportunity to discuss strategies for creating high-quality, supportive affordable housing for veterans in Cape May County and Middle Township, noting that New Jersey has long recognized the need for permanent housing for veterans with complex needs.

At a workshop meeting of the county commission, Ginsberg described his company as the largest manager of military housing in the country and the largest manager of mixed-use housing. The construction element alone is estimated at $20 million.

Years in the Making

Commission member Bobby Barr revealed at the workshop meeting that he has been working with the group quietly in the background for years, including visiting existing veterans housing facilities outside our area. Barr, who has long served on Ocean City's Housing Authority, has been working alongside commission member Will Morey on a county plan to address homelessness.

More Than Just Housing

What sets this proposal apart is the comprehensive support model that Soldier On brings to the table. Each resident would have a case manager, and the project aims to provide easily accessible support services tailored to veterans' needs.

Bruce Buckley, president and CEO of Soldier On, explained at the workshop meeting that the model goes beyond simply providing shelter. The goal is to create a genuine community within the project where veterans can find both housing and the support they need to thrive.

The housing would occupy a vacant area of the County Commons structure, with the existing ground floor to be rededicated and three floors above containing one-bedroom units. The total square footage would be approximately 68,000, though all involved emphasize that planning has just begun. Plans also call for a gym and community space.

What Happens Next

Commission Director Len Desiderio acknowledged at the workshop that it appears to be a model program that could work, though he stopped short of committing to approval at the proposed site. He did promise that the county would carefully consider the proposal, potentially including other possible locations.

The group will also seek resolutions and letters of support from the Middle Township Committee as the project moves forward.

If approved on July 28, the memorandum of understanding would mark the beginning of a detailed planning process that could ultimately bring much-needed housing and support services to our county's veterans while revitalizing a property that has sat largely vacant for years.