JCHC’s Jewish Federation Plaza Awarded Top Scores for Superior Operations, Infrastructure from Real Estate Assessment Center

The Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey (JCHC) announced that Jewish Federation Plaza in West Orange, N.J. has been awarded the high score of 97 points out of 100 by the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC), a division of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its inspectors perform a detailed analysis of all life and safety issues in buildings that provide affordable housing, such as Jewish Federation Plaza which is subsidized by HUD for seniors and the disabled who qualify. A REAC score of 97 has been realized by only two other affordable housing buildings in New Jersey in the past three years.

Located at 750 Northfield Avenue, Jewish Federation Plaza is one of four senior residences managed by the non-profit JCHC throughout Essex and Morris counties. Opened in 1980, it offers seniors a wide range of social and recreational programs, supportive services, and lifestyle amenities as well as easy access to the neighboring Jewish Community Center of MetroWest New Jersey.

Harold Colton-Max, CEO of the JCHC, acknowledged Terrence Roselle, the organization’s regional facilities director, for the many upgrades and systems enhancements that earned Jewish Federation Plaza such a high REAC score.

“In the past four years, Terrence has introduced new technologies and improved systems which have in turn improved our residents’ lives,” said Colton-Max. “One example is the web-based work orders that have increased accuracy, accountability, and response times for repairs and maintenance, and help keep small problems from becoming larger. Terrence has also overseen state-of-the-art upgrades to our buildings’ elevators and boiler and HVAC systems to provide the best possible equipment and comfort level for everyone at Plaza.”

Roselle noted that his stewardship of the 33-year-old community presents some interesting challenges not only in terms of updating older systems but because Jewish Federation Plaza comprises four distinct buildings connected by a promenade. He noted that it takes a cohesive team to get the job done without undue disruption to residents’ daily lives.

“It is always exciting when we achieve a good REAC score. What is more exciting to me is that all the hard work we put in benefits our residents.  I can’t tell you how many residents say ‘good job’ or ‘thank you’ to our staff for our services. We in Facilities are a team that always works together to make sure all our buildings are running well. It’s part of our commitment to the organization,” said Roselle.  

Colton-Max noted that there’s more than the promenade that connects the residents at Jewish Federation Plaza. “Connections are made here through the neighborhoods found on each floor, by attending synagogue together, by going to dinner each night in our beautiful dining room, or participating in the various community programs we offer.”

The senior living communities of The Jewish Community Housing Corporation offer a variety of independent and assisted living choices for older adults in market-rate rental and subsidized apartments in West Orange, South Orange, and Whippany, N.J. For more information contact the JCHC at (973) 731-2020 or go to www.jchcorp.org.