The grand opening of Cornerstone at Lumberton, a LEED-certified community offering 70 premium income-restricted apartments, was recently celebrated, according to an announcement from developer, Walters.
The event at 1 Cornerstone Drive in Lumberton was attended by the Walters staff as well as state and local officials, including Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca, Deputy Mayor Rue Ryan, Committeeman Terrance Benson, Committeewoman Kendra Hatfield, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-Cinnaminson), Lumberton police officers and emergency squad members.
Cornerstone at Lumberton represents the highest quality income-restricted housing available on the market. It is designed to achieve LEED and Energy Star status for incorporating a number of sustainable features. The green community features non-invasive landscaping, the use of recycled materials during construction and Energy Star-certified appliances.
“It’s a thrill and a joy for us to provide this type of quality affordable housing to Burlington County,” said Joseph Del Duca, partner and director of affordable housing for Walters. “We put our hearts and souls into every development because we want to create vibrant communities that will endure.”
“Like most towns with very high homeownership rates, a lack of rental housing can raise rents for existing housing, making it challenging for residents to live and work in their own community,” New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Executive Director Melanie Walter stated. “By leveraging state and federal support to build affordable housing in communities like Lumberton and across Burlington County, we can start to reverse these difficult trends. So far, 18 projects in Burlington County have been awarded 9% tax credits since 2010.
LaPlaca pointed to the fact that there were 650 applications for 70 units at Cornerstone at Lumberton.
“The reality is that there is a great need for affordable housing in New Jersey,” she said. “While some communities shirk their responsibility for affordable housing, Lumberton is proud to play our part and we’re honored that Walters sees Lumberton as a community of opportunity.”
The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes feature a full-size washer and dryer in each residence, fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops, blinds in every room, clubhouse and fitness room, secured key fob access, internet/Wi-Fi in common areas, computer workstations, tot-lot, barbecue and picnic area, half-court basketball and onsite resident services.
Walters Apartments, an arm of Walters, handles onsite property management for Cornerstone at Lumberton.
