Local civic leaders, state officials, and community partners gathered along Springfield Avenue on Wednesday to break ground on Springfield Gateway, a $22.7 million residential development that will transform 10 vacant lots into a 48-home, 100% affordable housing community.
The five-story project is being co-developed by Adenah Bayoh of Foya Development Group and Bryan Scotland of Lionheart Development, alongside financial partner Gage Daye.
Springfield Gateway will serve households earning between 20% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). Five units are dedicated to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, while three are designated as Medicaid units backed by housing assistance from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (NJDCA) Healthy Homes Initiative.
Each apartment will feature central air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, dishwashers, in-unit washers and dryers, and high-speed internet access. The building will also house an on-site management office, a community center, 47 parking spaces, and an innovative hydroponic garden equipped with nine vertical growing towers supported by Green Food Solutions, yielding an estimated 20 pounds of fresh leafy greens monthly for residents.
Location transit options include proximity to both the Location transit options include proximity to both the Irvington Bus Terminal and Newark Penn Station.
Leadership reflections & strategic partnerships
“Springfield Gateway represents a significant investment in a historically under-resourced neighborhood, turning vacant properties into homes and creating new opportunities for our residents,” Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss said. “More than a housing development, it represents a promise to families who have struggled to find a safe, affordable place to call home.”
For Adenah Bayoh, President and CEO of Foya Development Group, the milestone reflects her personal journey from arriving in the U.S. as a child fleeing Liberia’s civil war to leading high-impact real estate projects.
“When I look at these 10 vacant lots, I don’t just see land or another development. I see the mother who will finally be able to put her children to bed without worrying about where they will sleep next month,” Bayoh said. “We are not simply building 48 apartments. We are creating 48 opportunities for a new beginning.”
Co-developer Bryan Scotland and financial partner Gage Daye initiated the project vision in 2018 to spur long-term revitalization across the corridor.
“Gage and I started this project in 2018 with a few properties and a belief that this neighborhood deserved more than piecemeal development,” said Scotland, Founder of Lionheart Development. “Bringing Springfield Gateway to this point took years of work, perseverance, and a commitment to getting it right for the community.”
Capital stack & financing
The project’s financing structure combines public equity and state housing support:
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC): Awarded a 9% LIHTC reservation from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) in August 2025, with final board approval in September 2026.
- Municipal Support: $1 million committed by the Township of Irvington via federal HOME Investment Partnership funds.
- State Financing: $3.19 million in NJHMFA loan financing alongside funding from the NJDCA Healthy Homes Initiative.
Construction is slated for completion in spring 2028.
