Mayor Sam Joshi emphasized the significance of the project, which is part of a broader $20 million initiative. The mayor recounted a personal visit to the neighborhood slated for renovation. He assured attendees that the renovation would not burden taxpayers and that current vacant properties would accommodate any necessary relocations during the refurbishment process. Joshi specifically praised executive director Deborah Hurley for her role in bringing the project to fruition.

Deborah Hurley expressed her excitement about the $2.1 million investment, stressing that the renovations would restore dignity and comfort to the residents. She highlighted the dire conditions faced by current residents, including the lack of washer and dryer hookups and the reliance on outdoor clotheslines. Hurley pointed out the substantial financial strain on maintenance, noting that over $50,000 had been spent annually just to maintain basic heating systems in the Robert Holmes Gardens. The RAD conversion, she argued, would upgrade these living standards.

During the meeting, Dr. Lennox Small, a board chair, framed the RAD initiative as a step toward unlocking housing opportunities for families. He emphasized the importance of safe communities and quality education, asserting that the project would serve as a model for other communities. Dr. Small acknowledged the collective efforts of the mayor, council members, and the community in bringing the project to life, particularly thanking Hurley for her leadership.

Community members also shared their perspectives during the meeting. A speaker named Billy reflected on the history of the community, acknowledging the absence of supermarkets and stores in earlier times. He lauded the role played by women in the community, who provided informal support systems when formal ones were lacking. Billy expressed his enthusiasm for the changes underway, voicing his support for the renovations.

Assemblyman Rob Carabinci, who has lived in Edison for over 60 years, shared his connection to the town and the significant transformations it has undergone. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of community members and officials, noting the long-overdue improvements in residents’ quality of life. Carabinci assured the community of ongoing state support and assistance for the project.

Two residents, Daryus Wilson and Raja Ashar, were invited to share their experiences. Wilson, a long-term resident, recounted her journey living in the Edison Housing Authority, highlighting the challenges and blessings of her life there. She expressed optimism about the upcoming renovations and improvements, requesting traffic safety measures for children in the area. Ashar, a senior at John P. Stevens High School, shared her experiences growing up in the housing authority community with nine siblings, commending the positive environment and the housing authority’s efforts to improve conditions.