South Ward - Trenton - New Construction - Mercer County New Jersey

In early January, Trenton Estates LLC unveiled its plan to build 18 single-family units and 12 mixed-use units, and rehab three existing units, on Bridge, Ferry, Asbury and Union streets in the South Ward of Trenton. The developer has no approvals for the project to-date, but they are hoping to move the process along with construction starting in mid-to- late 2009. The project should take about two years to complete.

Plans show that the single-family unit s will have three bedrooms with owners having the option of a garage or a garage with studio space above it. The mixed-use units will consist of a three-bedroom unit on the second floor and a loft space on the first floor that can be used as a studio or a retail space. Planners say the single-family units would be sold in the mid- $200,000 range, while the mixed units would be in the low $300,000 range.

The City Council also recently approved the sale of several city-owned properties on Sweets and Fountain avenues to Leewood, the developer that has been designated for the Humboldt Street Redevelopment Project. The Council passed a resolution supporting the developer's application for funds from NJHMFA's CHOICE program, which provides funding for the development of for-sale housing in smart-growth areas.

Leewood wants to build 18 units on Sweets and Fountain avenues -- 16 duplexes and two single- family houses. Three of the 18 units will be restricted as low to moderate. The rest will be sold at a subsidized market rate. The lowest priced home will be $109,000. The single detached would be the most expensive at $159,000.