For over 50 years, they were the George W. Page Homes, and the name was often shortened to “Page” and jammed together with its neighbor, the Mayor Donnelly Homes, and called the Donnelly-Page homes.
Now, 77 brand new affordable housing townhomes at the site have their own identity, Turner Pointe, named after state Sen. Shirley Turner in honor of her many years of public service to the city.
On Nov. 1, tenants started moving into the one- and three-bedroom apartments on the north side of Rossell Avenue. It was a collaboration between owner the Trenton Housing Authority (THA) and Conifer Realty.
“This has completely changed the landscape for that neighborhood,” Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said recently. “Gone are the brick buildings, boarded up for years.”
New communities like this make it prouder for residents who live there, and for area homeowners, the mayor said.
An interior view of an apartment where the Trenton Housing Authority and Conifer Realty celebrated the completion of Turner Pointe in North Trenton.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The THA did not make public a final cost for the entire project, but said contracts in excess of $4 million have been awarded to local and Section 3 businesses, and $5.8 million to Minority and Women Business Enterprises.
The former Page homes were demolished at the end of 2019 and construction on Turner Pointe began in January. The project provided 41 temporary construction jobs to local residents, the THA said.
Each apartment includes kitchens with energy-star-rated appliances, living and dining area, a full bath and spacious bedrooms with ample closet and cabinet space, housing officials said. Turner Point also has a smart-card laundry center, fitness room and community room.
“There is nothing more important to uplift a person’s spirit and life than quality, safe, and affordable housing,” Turner herself said in a statement. “I am deeply humbled to play even a small role in creating a neighborhood that has the potential to improve the quality of life of the people who live here.”
“The Trenton Housing Authority is dedicated to building and maintaining safe, affordable, energy-efficient housing for Trenton residents. Working with Conifer Realty LLC, we are able to provide residents with, not just affordable housing, but hope and promise for the future of Trenton,” Jelani Garrett, the THA’s executive director said in a statement.
Added Joan F. Hoover, president of Conifer Realty, “This community is yet another shining example of our success in utilizing public-private partnerships and employing creative approaches to the design, construction, financing, and management of affordable housing.”
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora speaks at the celebratory opening of Turner Pointe in North Trenton.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
More information about Turner Pointe can be found by clicking here.
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Kevin Shea may be reached at [email protected].