Local Westfield, NJ Seniors Face Housing Uncertainty Over Lease Dispute

In response to SOS Westfield movement town gives non-profit 60 day notice to take over the properties

Monday, October 25, 2021—The Town of Westfield is refusing to renew the lease for over 300 affordable apartments for senior citizens. Westfield Senior Citizens Housing, a national model for affordable housing for seniors, built the 300+ units and has held a 50-year lease on the land since 1976. Despite the non-profit’s exemplary record and management of both buildings, Mayor Shelley Brindle and members of the town council are demanding access to millions of dollars of restricted state and federal funds that are for the well-being of the residents and their homes and will not renew the lease until the non-profit agrees to pay. In fact, the Town has now issued the non-profit a Notice of Default stating they will take over the buildings if the money they demand is not paid within 60 days.  This completely discounts the fact that the allegedly “owed” funds are the subject of a current lawsuit and that a portion of said funds provide critical subsidies to the residents which underwrite their affordable rents, meals, grocery store and wellness nurse services.

“The Town of Westfield is giving budget projections a higher priority than the welfare and well-being of our 300 tenants,” stated Dr. John Lesher, Westfield resident and board member for Westfield Senior Citizens Housing. While the lease does not end until 2026, the Town’s demand for an unreasonable rent increase as the price of a lease renewal has created uncertainty for our residents and prevented Westfield Senior from building an additional 31 badly needed affordable housing units at our Boynton Avenue campus.”

Without bipartisan support from elected officials, local and national leaders, influencers and citizens who care, this vulnerable portion of the population and as well as future generations are at increased risk of facing crippling costs, housing insecurity, and reduced quality of life. Although Mayor Brindle has walked back some of her earlier sentiments and publicly said there are no plans to convert these facilities into “luxury condos,” her administration continues to double down on their refusal to renew the lease and make statements alleging that Westfield Senior has committed financial impropriety which is categorically, not correct. She has repeatedly threatened to have Westfield Senior replaced by a “more beneficial” management company if they do not pay and has now issued a 60-day deadline for payment. Despite what the Town says, this will only create uncertainty – uncertainty in whether rents will change, uncertainty in whether the services they use will end, uncertainty over the building management, and most of all, uncertainty in whether they may have to ultimately leave the home and town they love.

“The Town of Westfield has put profits over people by not renewing the lease for their affordable housing complex,” said Ray Lucas, former NFL player and current board member of Westfield Senior. “This is an issue of social justice and equity for over 300 beloved seniors who deserve better,” he added. “As a result, our seniors need us now more than ever! This situation not only impacts Westfield, but it sets a precedent as the population ages and more seniors look for affordable housing.”

Save Our Seniors (SOS) Westfield is a social impact campaign launched to raise awareness for these seniors and their uncertainty as they stand to lose their sense of community, as well as vital services such as transportation, activities, and access to educational and wellness programs. The ultimate goal is to encourage advocacy groups and citizens to sign a petition and contact their elected officials to support the renewal of the lease and stand up for affordable senior citizen housing.

“Westfield Senior Citizens Housing serves a special segment of the community. Because of the subsidies we receive, our residents pay well below market rate for their rent which includes utilities—making this senior community a rare instance where the quality of life meets affordability,” said Liz Fennik, Executive Director of Westfield Senior Citizens Housing. “The level of care and services that we provide are outstanding and we have and continue to serve as a model for senior services in Westfield and beyond.”

SOS Westfield also asks that communities raise awareness for this important issue by giving voice to it on social channels including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit soswestfield.org to learn more and sign the petition.

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About Save Our Seniors Westfield

The Westfield Senior Citizens Housing Board is composed of volunteers, many of whom are senior citizens who reside in Westfield and/or experts in affordable housing. Save Our Seniors (SOS) Westfield is a growing bipartisan movement designed to bring awareness to the good work Westfield Senior Citizens Housing has been doing for over 45 years. The goal now of SOS Westfield is to encourage Westfield Mayor Brindle and the town council to renew the lease on affordable housing for over 300 local senior citizens.