Construction begins on affordable, special-needs housing development in Morris County
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Construction has officially begun on Sussex Woods, a 25-unit affordable housing development in Randolph Township that will include residences for families and individuals with special needs, developers announced.
The project, located at 1162 Sussex Turnpike, is being developed by LJS Development and will consist entirely of affordable housing units.
Officials said the groundbreaking marks the start of construction following years of planning and coordination with township, county and state officials.
“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,” said Lara Schwager, founding principal of LJS Development. “By partnering with local leadership and our dedicated development team, we are creating a community that meets critical housing needs and contributes to a stronger, more inclusive Randolph.”
According to project officials, Sussex Woods will include five one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom units for residents with average median incomes ranging from 20% to 60%.
Six apartments will be designated for the New Jersey Healthy Housing program and include full handicap accessibility. Three units will be reserved for residents served through the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
State officials said the project aligns with efforts to expand affordable and supportive housing options in New Jersey.
“The Department of Community Affairs is pleased to collaborate with LJS Development in advancing Sussex Woods to the building phase,” said Department of Community Affairs Assistant Commissioner and Division of Housing and Community Resources Director Janel Winter. “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. Sussex Woods strongly aligns with our mission to expand access to safe and inclusive housing across the state and serves as a model for how specialized support and stable housing can transform lives.”
Developers said the project is intended to address a shortage of accessible housing options in Morris County while creating an inclusive residential community.
The development team includes Inglese Architecture, LeChase Construction, Bowman Engineering and EcolSciences.
Funding for the project includes support from Fulton Bank, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the New Jersey Healthy Housing Initiative, Morris County HOME Funds and Randolph Township’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which contributed $900,000.
“Randolph Township is proud to be a community that values inclusion and opportunity for all of our neighbors. 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,” said Randolph Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler. “Speaking on behalf of the entire Township Council, we have been impressed by the persistence and vision of LJS Development to bring this project to fruition, and we are proud to contribute to help make this essential community addition a reality.”
Officials said the completed development will feature energy-efficient apartments, modern amenities and on-site management, with supportive services available for residents in the special-needs housing program.
