Background

The Abbett Avenue Apartments, located at 38-42 Abbett Avenue in Morristown, is a 12 apartment development of one, two, and three bedroom energy efficient rental units that house very low, low, and moderate income families.  During construction, we utilized environmentally friendly materials, technologies and building systems.  As Energy Star-rated homes, these apartments consume less water and energy, and our green materials create a healthier living environment for our tenants.  In addition, residents can walk to bus and train transportation, Abbett Park, and downtown Morristown.

In June 2008, the Abbett Avenue Apartments received a Smart Growth Award in the affordable housing category from New Jersey Future,  a statewide research, policy and education group that advocates for sustainable growth, environmental preservation, neighborhood revitalization and transportation choice.  This project was recognized for its significantly environmentally sustainable features, including:

• The development is an infill revitalization project that does not consume open space or contribute to sprawl.
• The site is in a New Jersey “Smart Growth” and Transit Village zone, supporting the State Development & Redevelopment Plan in the process.
• The site is within walking distance to jobs, shopping and amenities, and mass transit options (the Morristown train station and 5 different bus routes).
• The design of the buildings not only meets, but substantially exceeds, the Green Building requirements of New Jersey affordable housing government programs.  They are Energy Star rated, with selected roofing, appliances, and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.  Low VOC paints and caulks were used, bamboo flooring (formaldehyde free), linoleum (instead of vinyl), Hardi Plank cement board siding, and water-saving toilets, faucets and shower heads are among the green features.

Residents moved into the apartments in October of 2008.