S.B. 'REACH'es for way to rehab houses
BY CHRIS MURINO Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - The Township Council met at their work session on March 4 to help them satisfy their Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) requirements.

South Brunswick has started its REACH program, which aims to rehabilitate homes in the area to help meet the COAH rules and regulations.

"This is a new aspect that we'd bring to the table to an already successful program," said township manager Matthew Watkins.

Gerald Velazquez of Triad Associates talked to the council about his work. He has a COAH staff of five and a total staff of 20.

"We're small enough where I will be involved," Velazquez said.

The company does not only do COAH work, but when they do, they work on the implementation of the program.

"We're going to come in, we're going to set up the systems and we're going to move on," he said.

He believes that everything can be set up and that the township's professionals can be educated on the process of COAH within six months.

"I am heartened to see this," said Councilman Charles Carley. "I have always been a big proponent of rehab, where you get COAH credit for fixing houses in town. It is time intensive and a pain in the neck to administer."

Mayor Frank Gambatese agreed, saying, "There's an older population who live in Kendall Park, who can no longer afford to fix it up. There are 1,800 homes in the Kendall Park area and a lot of them are in need of rehab."

The professional consultant would cost $5,000 a month for six months. This will all be an implementation of the COAH funds.

"My recommendation is to go with six months with the option to renew if there is a need," Watkins said. "I believe that Triad will be able to fit the bill and get it done."