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History of the Trenton Housing Authority
The Trenton Housing Authority was formed like many other public housing agencies in the United States, with the federal government's creation and funding of nationwide public housing. The Housing Act of 1937, however, drastically changed the federal government’s role in public housing by placing ownership and production under local control. This important change allowed the City of Trenton to create its own housing authority on December 18, 1938 by City Ordinance, in accordance with New Jersey enabling legislation.
Today, the Trenton Housing Authority is an autonomous body that is chartered by the State of New Jersey, partially funded by the federal government, and governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. Five of the Commissioners are selected by the City Council, one is chosen by the Mayor and one is chosen by the Government.
The very first public housing complex in Trenton—Lincoln Homes—was built in 1941. The second development—Donnelly Homes—was built the following year. Both sites were constructed to accommodate the housing needs of families from southern states, most of whom were African American, coming to the city to take advantage of job opportunities in the industrial sector.
The original housing complexes were predominately three-story walk-up and town house configurations. In 1945, near the end of World War II, Prospect Village was built offering more housing opportunities to families in need. In 1952, three additional developments were created—Kearney Homes, Campbell Homes and Wilson Homes. Kearny Homes was later sold and Campbell Homes is now known as Frazier Homes.
In recent years, the Trenton Housing Authority has made a number of significant security and energy efficiency improvements to enhance the quality of life for our residents. In 2009, THA began work with Comtec to install various security measures (developed by Honeywell International) that would improve safety at THA-owned properties. Security measures were installed throughout THA-owned properties in the City of Trenton including the construction of a new security command center at THA’s Administration offices on New Willow Street and the installation of fixed and pan/zoom security cameras, key fob entry pads, video phones and new energy doors at THA-owned properties.
In 2009, THA made many energy efficiency improvements to THA-owned properties to help save both money and energy. Utilizing an energy conservation program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, THA installed new energy star windows, energy efficient refrigerators, new toilets, showerheads, aerators, steam traps, relief radiator valves and attenuators at various properties throughout the Authority.
Over the past 30 years, the THA has served nearly 2,000 households. Several new housing sites have been added to meet the growing needs of families in the City of Trenton. The biggest challenge facing the Authority is the increased demands for housing. Even with this challenge though, the THA is committed to providing the best possible service to our residents. Nothing is more important to THA than to make the City a better place for citizens to live, work and raise a family.
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