The Planning Board has approved creation of 30 studio apartments in the YMCA for young people aging out of foster care.
The building at 518 Watchung Avenue will be remodeled with an addition on the third floor and a separate elevator for access to the apartments. The new units will have full kitchens and baths and will replace 60 single rooms on the two upper floors. Programs and facilities in the basement and on the first floor will not be affected, President and CEO Ravenell Williams IV told the board.
Williams said the YMCA has had a foster care program for 29 years, but once children reach 18, they "age out" of foster care. He expects the new apartments to provide homes for the young adults as they go to college, start working or take part in training programs.
"I see it filling up the first day we open," Williams said.
Aged-out youths comprise one of the largest homeless groups in the state, he said. Occupants of the new apartments may take four years or more to achieve independence. There will also be a two-bedroom apartment for live-in staff to assist the residents, who will have full access to YMCA facilities in addition to whatever counseling they may need.
Williams said the YMCA has raised $12,000 toward a $30,000 goal to provide each resident with a computer that they can keep when they leave
The YMCA is a non-profit organization, but will join with a private company, Plainfield Genesis Affordable Housing LLC, for the project. The City Council last month approved establishment of a $25,000 escrow account which will be used in part to cover negotiations on a "payment in lieu of taxes" plan for the apartments.
Board members remarked on the size of the apartments, which fall below the square footage required by the city. But architects Rick Regan and Dan Nichols said they meet requirements of other accepted standards.
Planning Director Bill Nierstedt said the YMCA officials will have to check with the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority regarding sewer connection fees.
As for the former occupants of the single rooms, only three out of 45 are left. The YMCA covered the cost of relocation for them, Williams said.
--Bernice
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The State Uniform Construction Code regulates all matters relating to construction, including minimum sizes of habitable areas. No municipality can legally require occupiable space minimums that are greater than those set forth in the UCC.
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