GROUNBREAKING FOR AFFORDABLE SENIOR HIGH-RISE IN PLEASANTVILLE
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PLEASANTVILLE- In just over a year, a multi million-dollar high-rise will be completed to provide affordable housing for senior citizens in Pleasantville.

Construction is currently underway here at the site where Saint Peter's Convent once stood. In its place, the Village at Saint Peter's Senior Housing, a six story building with 73 one-bedroom affordable luxury apartments will soon rise. "There's a great need for this type of housing, independent living, yet it's geared toward seniors 62 and above," said Curtis Johnson, Executive Director of the Diocesan Housing Services Corporation.

Thursday, the Camden Diocese Housing Services Corporation along with elected officials and the many supporters that put their faith in the project, held a ceremonial groundbreaking signifying good things to come here in Pleasantville. "It's a huge statement we're making now and the thing about it is we have so many different entities that are working to make this happen and that's what we need now," said Pleasantville Mayor, Jesse Tweedle.

The Diocese chose Pleasantville for this particular project because the city has limited options for seniors who need quality, safe and affordable rentals. And strong state and financial support from numerous agencies, like PNC Bank made it happen. "Because of the equity that we're providing the development required less debt and therefore allows for lower rents so that the housing is actually affordable to seniors that can't afford to pay market rate rents," explained Gayle Manganello Ellis, Vice President, Senior Originator for PNC Real Estate.

Construction is expected to be completed by fall of 2011 and seniors are already showing interest so they expect all units to lease very quickly. Tweedle said, "It kind of answers to our obligation to senior citizens. I mean they were taking care of us for so many years, now it's our turn to turn around and say thank you…so they know that we're still a city on the move."

The independent-living senior facility includes support services for residents and will create nearly 50 jobs.

The Diocesan Housing Services Corporation has built 5 other similar senior projects including one in Lower Township.