Acting Gov. Donald DiFrancesco signed a resolution last week honoring the residents and staff of Battery View Senior Apartments in Jersey City for their service to individuals exiting New York and to rescue workers assisting in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy. New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Executive Director Deborah DeSantis presented the staff and residents with the New Jersey Excellence in Housing Award-Humanitarian Award for their tireless efforts.
Hundreds of people were ferried from New York to Jersey City after the disaster on Sept. 11. Led by on-site manager Melissa Brown, the Battery View residents and staff opened their doors and organized a relief effort for ferry passengers and emergency personnel. They provided water, coffee, a place to wash, and telephones to call loved ones.
In the following days, Brown and managing agent Mildred Gershen continued these efforts. They also organized donations and arranged for grief counselors on site.
Battery View Senior Apartments is an HMFA-financed development for senior citizens in Jersey City. HMFA creates and implements programs to advance the rehabilitation, construction and financing of affordable housing.
For information on the HMFA, call (800) NJ-House. Hearing or speech impaired individuals can call (877) 325-6524.
Pictured from left to right: HMFA Executive Director Deborah DeSantis; Social Service Coordinator Rhonda Robinson; on-site Manager Melissa Brown, owner Mildred Gershen; Superintendent Robert Rivera; and Property Manager Mark Sheil were present at the awarding of a commendation to Battery View Senior Apartments in Jersey City for the residents’ and staff’s work in helping Sept. 11 refugees.