Finding Value & Enhancing Well-being in Safer, More Secure Affordable Housing

For many Americans, the safety and security experienced at home are fundamental expectations. These crucial elements significantly influence our long-term health, happiness, and productivity. Plenty of academic research underscores the importance of feeling secure in one’s living environment, drawing a clear scientific link between it and overall well-being and life satisfaction (further reading: housing & health, housing as social determinant , UVermont Study on Impact of SecureHousing). However, not everyone is privileged to this sense of safety. A Pew Research Center survey alarmingly indicates that nearly 40% of Americans do not feel entirely safe in their neighborhoods, a concern that is notably acute in economically disadvantaged areas and affordable housing properties.

At Hudson Valley Property Group (HVPG), we are committed to transforming this narrative, striving to enhance living conditions for affordable housing residents and, by extension, their surrounding communities. Many affordable housing properties are beset with issues of crime, neglect, and various safety hazards, often due to landlord negligence. Such neglect not only impacts residents but also the wider community, discouraging potential investments and job opportunities. Despite these challenges, these properties are rich with opportunity, as skilled managers can implement changes that both improve the lives of residents and create long-term value for investors.

Challenges at these properties can deter many owner-operators and institutions from investing, given the complex socioeconomic issues that can lead to on-site criminal activity and security problems. A testament to HVPG’s dedication to this cause is our recent acquisition of Northgate One in Camden, NJ, a property previously notorious for its safety concerns. Now, it is set for significant improvements, with local officials like Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen and Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli recognizing our track record and the positive community impact anticipated under our stewardship.

Post-acquisition, we launched an extensive Community Enhancement Program at Northgate, incorporating advanced security cameras and a suite of safety measures to underscore our proactive stance on community safety and well-being. Key initiatives included:

- Appointing a retired Camden Police Officer with 30 years of experience, as our Director of Security.

- Engaging in strategic discussions with local police command staff to outline the first 30-day strategy, focusing on enhanced police patrols, special operations, and tenant engagement.

- Collaborating with Homeland Security, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Sheriff's Office in a significant operation that led to drug seizures and warrant arrests.

- Installing mobile stadium lighting to illuminate the area effectively until the new permanent LED lights are installed in the parking lot.

Our proactive security measures extend beyond Northgate, with successful implementations in Baltimore, Jersey City, and Newark, including collaborations with local police departments providing live camera feeds and assisting in operations that have led to arrests and the seizure of drugs and weapons.

HVPG believes this holistic strategy surpasses mere crime prevention. Property enhancements, amenities like reliable Wi-Fi, playgrounds, and business centers, all foster a sense of pride and responsibility among residents, cultivating a community atmosphere where destructive behavior can be markedly reduced.

In conclusion, the path to transforming affordable housing complexes into secure, vibrant communities is laden with challenges. Nevertheless, Hudson Valley Property Group’s commitment remains steadfast. We are dedicated to not only rejuvenating the physical premises but also fostering environments where residents can prosper. The positive transformations at Northgate and other properties underscore our belief in the profound impact of creating spaces that empower individuals to live safer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. As we press on in our mission, we look forward to reshaping more communities into places of peace, security, and opportunity for all residents.