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EVALUATION OF ELIZABETH HOPE VI PROGRAM

ELIZABETH, NJ—Mayor Chris Bollwage made public an independent evaluation of the City of Elizabeth’s HOPE VI program at a luncheon held at Torna A Sorrento. The event hosted by Mayor Bollwage and the Elizabeth Housing Authority included government officials, developers, financial institutions, agencies, and organizations all connected to the success of the HOPE VI program. The evaluation, conducted by Brett M. Baden, Ph.D. of Tufts University, presents an extensive, multifaceted analysis of the redevelopment process and achievements in Elizabethport.

“This evaluation details the positive impact HOPE VI has had on the City’s oldest and most historic neighborhood,” stated Mayor Bollwage. “Identifying neighborhood potential, implementing a strong vision, and community collaborations made our City’s HOPE VI program possible. Our holistic approach not only included new housing it developed services and programs designed to enhance the quality of life for all residents.”

In 1997, the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth began administering the HOPE VI Elizabeth Neighborhood Revitalization Program with an initial grant of $29 million dollars. According to the independent evaluation, the initial grant leveraged another $93 million from outside sources--far exceeding initial projections by the New Jersey Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The evaluation also revealed, “By changing the aesthetics, layout, and cohesiveness of the neighborhood, the physical reconstruction caused a substantial increase in property values in the immediate Elizabethport neighborhood.” Researched showed property values increased by over $15 million in Elizabethport, and an additional $20 million in the surrounding area.

“My philosophy was that the more people involved and contributing, the greater the constituency and ownership in the program, stated William D. Jones, Executive Director of the Housing Authority. “I was committed to making sure that our HOPE VI Program would deliver on what was achievable. But I realized that in order to make sure that what was provided was needed and attainable, we needed to establish partnership and an operational understanding. The end result is success.

The 250-page document also describes surveys of residents conducted during the evaluation. It reports 97% of surveyed respondents reported improved conditions, 65% reported feeling safer being outside at night since the redevelopment, and 78% feel safer being inside their apartments.

“We are pleased to have been partners in the effort to do what was once thought to be impossible,” said Freeholder Chairwoman Bette Jane Kowalski. “I congratulate the Mayor and Council, and the residents of Elizabethport, who will continue to reap the benefits of HOPE VI for generations to come.”

During the initial portion of the Hope VI project, the County of Union provided $1 million in funds through the Home Partnership investment program that was used for 20 home units. Through the Human Services Department, the County also provided job-training services during the first phase to residents from the area.

For a copy of the evaluation please contact the Elizabeth Housing Authority at 908-965 2400.