Chester Mayor Awarded At Local Nonprofit’s Gala Event

CHESTER, NJ — Chester Mayor Tim Drag was recently recognized by a local nonprofit for his and the town’s efforts to support developmentally disabled adults.

Rose House, a Morris Plains-based non-profit, recently held its gala event, the first one in seven years. The night recognizes the efforts of community leaders who support the nonprofit’s mission in supporting developmentally disabled adults.

During the event Thursday night, Rose House awarded Drag with the Golden Rose Award for his efforts in supporting the nonprofit’s “Forever Home” initiative.

“This award recognizes our strong partnership with the Rose House and the incredible efforts of our community to transform the Glenlora property into a future home for developmentally disabled adults,” Drag said. “It’s amazing to see what can happen when compassion, collaboration, and community come together.”

The project will build affordable housing for developmentally disabled adults at 345 State Route 24, formerly the site of the Glenlora Nursing Home.

According to Rose House, the project is a 12-unit housing complex built on the 14.7-acre property.

The plan has garnered immense support from Chester officials, including Drag, as they passed an ordinance in July that would pave the way for its development.

Ordinance No. 2025-11 essentially restricts any future development on the Glenlora site, other than Rose House’s affordable housing complex.

"This project really shows the best of who we are as a township," Drag said. "Thank you to the Rose House and to everyone who is helping make this vision a reality."

The plan stems from way back in 2005, when Chester Township purchased the Glenlora property to meet its affordable housing requirements.

See Related: Chester's Affordable Housing Plan For Special Needs Adults Moves Forward

In 2024, the township offered a Request for Proposal (RFP) for bidders to decide what to do with the site. The township heard presentations from ArcMorris, Bluestone Development, and Rose House. The project was eventually awarded to Rose House.

“With more than 10,000 adults with developmental disabilities on a waiting list for housing in New Jersey alone, this housing complex will offer families much-needed hope for their loved ones,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell in a statement. “On behalf of our organization, Board of Trustees, and residents, we greatly appreciate Chester Township’s compassion toward these families.”

The project is expected to be complete in 2027, according to Drag.

To learn more about Rose House and its Forever Home initiative, visit its website here.