Fairview Village Wins Smart Growth Award

On April 21, 2009, NJ Future announced the winners of its annual Smart Growth Awards.  HMFA was among the honorees, receiving the Creative Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Preservation Award for Fairview Village in Camden.

New Jersey Future is a statewide research, policy and education group that advocates for sustainable growth, environmental preservation, neighborhood revitalization and transportation choice.

The Fairview neighborhood housing was built in 1919 through funding from the federal government to be used as housing for shipbuilders.  Fairview centers on Yorkship Square, a traditional residential and retail town center.  As jobs disappeared in the last 20 years, the neighborhood has deteriorated, and is now marked by abandoned and dilapidated homes.  In 2001, state, city and local leaders recognized the spiraling decline in the neighborhood and joined forces with HMFA, DCA, City of Camden, RPM Development, clergy and other stakeholders to formulate a redevelopment plan to reverse this decline.  This redevelopment effort included the rehabilitation and new construction of single-family homes, affordable rental units, a community center, retail spaces and improvements to green spaces, sidewalks, streets and lighting. To date over 220 homes and apartments have been completed and there are an additional 76 housing units under construction.

Fairview Village also received The New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association “Outstanding Implementation Award” in November 2008.