Allendale November 28, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Officials dedicate Crescent Commons housing complex by John Koster Allendale Mayor Vince Barra was the principal speaker at the dedication of the Crescent Commons special-needs housing complex on Nov. 19, but he said his own contributions were just part of the story. “The real heroes are the people of Allendale,” Mayor Barra said. “It has been a community project.” The mayor also gave credit to state officials, volunteer and paid experts, and the entire Allendale Borough Council. “We’re seeing a vision, and that vision has come to fruition,” Reverend E. Michael Allen of Trinity Episcopal Church said in a brief invocation at the opening of the ceremony. “What we’re celebrating is community and what it means to us.” Barra agreed that the whole community had taken part in the hugely successful project. “It wasn’t just me,” Mayor Barra said. “I am so blessed with the council I have. My town council has been so strong and steadfast from the first day to today. My council is phenomenal.” He added, “Every little thing just fit into place perfectly. There is a higher power that is looking out for this project. My wife told me, ‘God is directing you just which way to go because of the need for this project.’ It’s bigger than all of us.” Allendale Housing Inc. in collaboration with co-developer, BCUW Madeline Corporation and with financing from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency constructed Crescent Commons for individuals with developmental disabilities and Multiple Sclerosis. The 1.5-acre site at 303 West Crescent Avenue is within easy walking distance of shopping, employment, transportation (including commuter rail), community services, and houses of worship. The property is also across from the 110 acre Crestwood Park, and offers residents access to open space, recreational facilities, and the town swim club. Mayor Vince Barra in front of the Crescent Commons special-needs housing complex. The housing complex includes 10 one-bedroom units and seven two-bedroom units. The configuration of the three buildings creates an interior courtyard and handicapped accessible parking adjacent to each building. The total project cost was $5.8 million. Crescent Commons was completed with no direct taxpayer contributions from the residents of Allendale. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency put up $3.3 million, and the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities put up $250,000. Bergen County money covered $600,000, and (continued on page 12)