LJS Development, under the leadership of Founding Principal Lara Schwager, has officially broken ground on Sussex Woods, a 25-unit residential development that will be 100% affordable. Located at 1162 Sussex Turnpike, the project marks a significant milestone as a community designed to serve both families and individuals with special needs.
The groundbreaking is a flagship moment for Schwager, a veteran of the multifamily housing industry. Sussex Woods represents the first ground-up development for LJS Development since its founding.
Sussex Woods is designed to address the acute shortage of accessible and affordable housing in Morris County. The community will serve residents with area median incomes (AMI) ranging from 20% to 60%.
The unit mix includes:
- 5 one-bedroom/one-bath units
- 12 two-bedroom/one-bath units
- 8 three-bedroom/two-bath units
Beyond general affordability, the project incorporates specialized supportive housing. Six units are set aside for the New Jersey Healthy Housing program and will be fully handicap accessible. An additional three units are dedicated to individuals served by the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
“Sussex Woods is more than just a construction project; it is the realization of a vision to provide stable, beautiful, and inclusive homes for those who need them most,” Schwager said.
The project’s progress is the result of years of coordination between LJS Development and various government agencies. Funding for the development is supported by a robust public-private partnership, including:
- NJDCA Affordable Housing Trust Funds and the New Jersey Healthy Housing Initiative
- Morris County HOME Funds
- Fulton Bank
- A $900,000 contribution from the Township of Randolph’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“By utilizing critical resources from both the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the New Jersey Healthy Homes Initiative, this project underscores our commitment to funding both high-quality affordable homes and essential special needs housing,” Janel Winter, Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Community Affairs, said.
Local officials have praised the project for its role in fostering independence and community integration. Randolph Mayor Mark Forstenhausler noted that the Township Council has been “impressed by the persistence and vision” of the development team.
“Sussex Woods represents an important addition to our local housing landscape, helping to ensure that families and individuals with special needs have a safe, supportive place to call home in the community they love,” Forstenhausler said.
The development team includes Inglese Architecture, LeChase Construction, Bowman Engineering, and EcolSciences, with legal and advisory services provided by Day Pitney and TUS Advisory Group. Once complete, the facility will offer modern, energy-efficient units and on-site professional management, with dedicated service providers for special needs residents.
