'Veterans Village' Housing Development Proposed In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — A housing development specifically for veterans is being proposed for Atlantic City Boulevard and Sloop Creek Road in Berkeley, according to public notice.

The development would be a "Veterans Village" and is proposed by Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charity that supports Gold Star and fallen first responder families, and aims to eradicate veteran homelessness. The charity, launched in honor of firefighter Stephen Siller, who died rescuing people on 9/11, operates Veterans Villages in Texas, California and Arizona, with more under construction in Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. More are planned in Colorado, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York.

The Veterans Village in Berkeley would be constructed on currently vacant land. It would consist of one three-story building containing a 99-unit apartment complex and 24 one-story "comfort homes," according to public notice. Also on-site would be 24/7 support services for residents.

A use variance is requested as the property resides in the Highway Business Zone.

A public hearing on the proposal is set for the Aug. 14 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, held at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building (627 Pinewald Keswick Road). Members of the public are invited to attend and share their thoughts on the project.