First Smoke-Free Rental Community in N.J.; Good for Health As Well As Turnover Costs

Alexan CityView

By Anuradha Kher, Online News Editor

Bayonne, N.J.–The second phase of Alexan CityView, a Trammell Crow Residential apartment community on the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, N.J. is designed to be 100 percent smoke-free. It is the first of its kind in New Jersey and nearly unheard of in the New York Metropolitan marketplace.

Considering that there are an estimated 24.8 million men (23.1 percent) and 21.1 million women (18.3 percent) smokers in the U.S. right now, one might be tempted to believe that the community will have a hard time being leased. But Trammel Crow had no such reservations, and they were, in fact, excited about this very feature.

Richard Murphy, managing director of Trammell Crow Residential, says, “We believe the decision to introduce this new building which will be the only 100 percent smoke-free rental offering in the state will be embraced by a growing segment of the public that seeks a healthier lifestyle at home.”

Residents will begin moving into the 224-unit building in April. The first phase, which is not a smoke-free building, opened last year and comprises 320 units.

“The most attractive part about a smoke-free community is the health factor; it is very attractive to people and there are enough renters who want their environment to be smoke-free,” Karen Kossow, vice president of sales and marketing for Kettler Management, tells MHN. Kettler is handling leasing and property management services for Alexan CityView. “In addition, it also ties into the green aspect of the building.” Alexan CityView is currently the largest LEED-Certified multifamily development in the U.S.

The turnover costs, which Kossow estimates would be much lower for a smoke-free community, were not a consideration, but a great additional benefit. “The smell of smoke gets into carpets, walls and vents, and naturally adds to turnover expenses,” adds Kossow. She believes, “as an industry, we will see a shift towards the smoke-free living movement.”

Alexan CityView offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at monthly rents currently starting from $1,595. Townhomes are also available with rents starting at $3,265. Special lease programs, including two months free for those who lease now and options of up to 24 month lease terms, are also being offered.

The community features a 9,000 square-foot WiFi-enabled clubhouse which contains a fully-equipped fitness center with children’s playroom, indoor half basketball court, executive business center, media lounge and club with billiards, tabletop shuffleboard, teaching kitchen and numerous HDTVs. Outside, there is a heated pool and sundeck.

Conceived as a sustainable structure in accordance with the stringent rating requirements of the LEED For Homes Silver certification, Alexan CityView is equipped with green para air filtration systems to remove humidity, dust and other airborne particles on a continuous basis. Other environmentally friendly highlights include a resident recycling program, increased water management practices to contribute to water conservation, ENERGY STAR rated appliances, windows, lights and efficient heating and cooling systems.