Passaic Today

Community and philanthropic partners, alongside elected officials and Montclair State University representatives, gathered on June 4 for the groundbreaking of a new housing project in Paterson, New Jersey. This initiative marks the beginning of Phase 2 of One Square Mile (OSM), a program supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation aimed at revitalizing parts of Paterson.

The project will see Passaic County Habitat for Humanity build its 300th home in Paterson at 45 Auburn Street. Other contributors include ADP and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Montclair President Jonathan Koppell stated, “Universities, when utilized properly, can help bring about lasting change that benefits all people.”

Students and staff from Montclair will participate in construction efforts during designated building days from July 2025 to February 2026. The project addresses critical housing issues highlighted by statistics showing high rates of overcrowding and rent burden within OSM's designated area.

Scott Millard, CEO of Passaic County Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the urgency: “Housing has become a national crisis, and in Paterson’s One Square Mile, this crisis is most acute.”

Phase Two aims to achieve five goals over five years: expanding housing affordability, increasing supply and stability, improving quality, creating safe neighborhoods, and building assets and wealth. Bryan Murdock from Montclair noted that housing was identified as a top priority during OSM's discovery phase.

Montclair State University's collaboration with Paterson extends beyond this project. The university recently opened The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium in April 2024 and transformed Eastside High School into a community school during OSM's first phase.

Prospective students are reminded that applications for fall 2025 are still open at Montclair State University.