Construction is underway on RPM Development LLC’s 54-unit affordable housing development on Texas Avenue at the rear of the Lawrence Shopping Center.
All of the apartments have been earmarked for affordable housing, with the exception of one unit that will be occupied by the property manager. Typical multifamily developments include a mix of market rate and affordable apartments.
The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments have been designated to remain affordable for at least 30 years.
Affordable housing units are targeted at households that earn between 30% and 80% of median income. In Mercer County, the median income for a one-person household is $98,400. For a four-person household, it is $140,500.
To qualify for affordable housing, a one-person household can earn up to $29,520 for very-low income housing and up to $49,200 for low-income housing. A moderate-income household can earn up to $78,720.
A four-person household can earn up to $42,150 to qualify for very-low income housing and as much as $70,250 for low-income housing. A moderate-income household of four persons can earn up to $112,400.
The development, which sits on a 4.3-acre lot, consists of a pair of apartment buildings and six duplex buildings. The apartment buildings face the rear of the Lawrence Shopping Center and the duplex buildings sit on Texas Avenue.
In 2021, the Lawrence Township Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a use variance and preliminary and final site plan approval for the 100% affordable housing development. Final site plan approval was granted in 2023.
A use variance was needed because duplex and multifamily housing is not permitted in the Highway Commercial and Residential-4 zones. Most of the property is in the HC zone and a sliver of the lot is in the R-4 zone.
The zoning board also approved preliminary and final major subdivision approval in 2021 to allow RPM Development LLC to purchase 4.3 acres of land from the owners of the Lawrence Shopping Center.
The sale of the lot was key to generating more money for the owners of the Lawrence Shopping Center to continue revitalization efforts. There were many vacant storefronts.
JJ Operating Inc., which purchased the Lawrence Shopping Center in 2017, has embarked on a lengthy project to revitalize it and fill the empty storefronts.
