RIBBON CUTTING FOR $13.1 MILLION BELLMAWR SENIOR HOUSING COMPLEX
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Media Release March 28, 2008
(BELLMAWR) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (photo) attended a ribbon cutting ceremony today for a $13.1 million affordable senior citizen housing complex in Bellmawr.
From left to right: George Robostello, Michael Walsh, Tom Carver, Congressman Rob Andrews, Rose Braaksma, Carl Klese, Jr., Richard Mroz, Jason Gonzalez, Speaker Joe Roberts, a county official and Nicole Zandlo
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Also in attendance were Congressman Rob Andrews (D-NJ 1st); Bellmawr Borough Council Members; George Robostello, Executive Vice President, The Bank; Richard Mroz, Member of the Board of Directors, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York; Tom Carver, Executive Director, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; Michael Walsh, Executive Vice President of Development, Harrah's Atlantic City Operations; and developer Carl Klese, Jr., President, Lighthouse Development Group, Inc.
"Today's ribbon cutting is due in large part to the collaborative effort of a number of outstanding individuals and groups," said Roberts (D-Camden, Gloucester). "Carl Klese, Jr.—who served as construction manager for 
the project—most certainly went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that more senior citizens have an affordable place to live in the borough of Bellmawr."
The Bellmawr Senior Campus, consisting of 130 one-bedroom apartments for low- and moderate-income seniors, age 55 and over, is located at the corner of West Browning Road and Bells Road. At present, the complex is completely full. The apartments are priced between $534 and $638 per month.
Congressman Andrews, left and Assemblyman Roberts with one of the residents
Residents enjoy a shuttle bus service to take them where they need to go, bus trips, activities, card tables, a library and a multi-media center. There is a senior-friendly health center within walking distance as well as several restaurants.
"This was a dream of mine. I've never been happier in my life," said campus developer Carl Klese, Jr. "The residents say to me they feel like they have a new life here."
Attendees at the ribbon cutting, which included many residents, enjoyed a reception and presentation of plaques honoring representatives from the institutions which lent tremendous support to the project.
The Bank, with roots in Gloucester County, has maintained a community focus since its inception in 1989. "We at The Bank are proud to serve our community in such a positive way," said George Robostello, Executive Vice President of The Bank. "Nothing could make us happier."
The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York has a tradition of helping community lenders advance housing and community growth. "It is very gratifying to know that we helped make this senior campus a reality," said Richard Mroz, Member of the Board of Directors of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. "This is an example of public-private partnership that truly works to improve people's lives."
Also honored was Michael Walsh, Senior Vice President of Development of Harrah's Atlantic City Operations, which helped to make this dream a reality. "We at Harrah's Atlantic City are happy to have played a role in making life better for the seniors of South Jersey, a place we are proud to call home."
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