LEED-Certified Affordable Community Breaks Ground in N.J.
Construction has commenced on Laurel Oaks, an income-restricted 94-unit apartment community from Barnegat, N.J.-based residential real estate developer Walters Homes.
By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer
Barnegat, N.J.—Construction has commenced on Laurel Oaks, an income-restricted 94-unit apartment community from Barnegat, N.J.-based residential real estate developer Walters Homes. Situated between Barnegat Blvd. and Rose Hill Rd. in Barnegat, N.J., a city in southern Ocean County, the mid-rise, four-building multifamily development is scheduled to open next summer.
Laurel Oaks will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each with Energy Star energy-efficient appliances, including washer-dryer and dishwasher. Amenities will include a clubhouse with fitness center, tot-lot playground, basketball court, on-site parking and 24-hour management and maintenance.
“All things considered, this has been a relatively problem-free project,” The Walters Group president Ed Walters Jr. tells MHN. “We have a great working relationship with Barnegat, and together we were able to get this project approved and under construction faster than any other projects we’ve done.”
The eco-friendly development will use green building methods and materials, and is designed to meet LEED standards and attain Energy Star certification. The apartments will be 35 percent more energy efficient than a new apartment built to code, and 65 percent more energy efficient than apartment units built prior to 2008, Walters reports.
Transportation conveniences are certain to attract a number of renters. The pedestrian-friendly community will be close to retail and restaurants, with public transportation offered by Ocean Ride, a county transit system featuring Reserve-a-Ride and local bus routes. Residents will enjoy convenient access to Rt. 72 via the Garden State Parkway and Rt. 9 corridor, which pass through the township.
“We worked with the town to find the best location in Barnegat, and the property on Rt. 9 was the perfect site,” Walters says. “The fact it is situated on Rt. 9 provides the residents access to public transportation if needed. The property also backs up to the Barnegat extension of ‘Rails to Trails,’ which is a great recreational amenity.”
The Walters Group is confident Laurel Oaks will become home to many current Barnegat residents, who will find it a reasonably-priced and attractive alternative to current housing in the area.
“With the cost of housing increasing every year, Laurel Oaks will provide residents an affordable option,” Walters says. “We are proud to be building a high-quality community providing people with a great place to live, while also being affordable.”
