RANDOLPH, NJ [May 13, 2026] – LJS Development, led by Founding Principal Lara Schwager, has officially broken ground on Sussex Woods, a 25-unit, 100% affordable residential community located at 1162 Sussex Turnpike in Randolph Township, NJ. This milestone signifies the official construction start of a fully-affordable housing development in the township designed for families and individuals with special needs.
“Sussex Woods is more than just a construction project; it is the realization of a vision to provide stable, beautiful and inclusive homes for those who need them most,” said Schwager. “By partnering with local leadership and our dedicated development team, we are creating a community that meets critical housing needs and contributes to a stronger, more inclusive Randolph.”
The groundbreaking represents the culmination of years of pre-development planning and close collaboration with officials at the state, county and the township. For LJS Development, Sussex Woods is the first ground-up development under the LJS umbrella – which includes LJS Consulting – for Schwager, a widely respected veteran of the multifamily and affordable housing industry.
“The Department of Community Affairs is pleased to collaborate with LJS Development in advancing Sussex Woods to the building phase,” said Department of Community Affairs Assistant Commissioner and Division of Housing and Community Resources Director Janel Winter. “By utilizing critical resources from both the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the New Jersey Healthy Homes Initiative, this project underscores our commitment to funding both high-quality affordable homes and essential special needs housing. Sussex Woods strongly aligns with our mission to expand access to safe and inclusive housing across the state and serves as a model for how specialized support and stable housing can transform lives.”
Upon completion, Sussex Woods will feature 25 thoughtfully designed apartment homes serving residents with average median incomes (AMI) ranging from 20% to 60%. Its unit mix includes five one-bedroom/one-bath, 12 two-bedroom/one-bath and eight three-bedroom/two–bath units.
Of the 25 units, six are specifically set aside for the New Jersey Healthy Housing program, featuring full handicap accessibility, and three units will be dedicated to populations served by the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Spearheaded by Schwager, in partnership with John Morrongiello, Jonathan S. Gershen and Deborah G. Gennello, the development is designed to address the shortage of accessible housing options in Morris County. The project’s dual focus – providing both general affordable units for families and specialized supportive housing – ensures a diverse and vibrant residential environment that fosters independence and community integration.
The development team also includes Inglese Architecture, LeChase Construction, Bowman Engineering and EcolSciences. DayPitney and TUS Advisory Group are among the project’s professional services providers.
The project is supported by a collaborative public-private funding structure through Fulton Bank as well as state funding through NJDCA Affordable Housing Trust Funds and NJ Healthy Housing Initiative Capital and Morris County HOME Funds. In addition, the Township of Randolph is contributing $900,000 via its Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“Randolph Township is proud to be a community that values inclusion and opportunity for all of our neighbors. Sussex Woods represents an important addition to our local housing landscape, helping to ensure that families and individuals with special needs have a safe, supportive place to call home in the community they love,” said Randolph Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler. “Speaking on behalf of the entire Township Council, we have been impressed by the persistence and vision of LJS Development to bring this project to fruition, and we are proud to contribute to help make this essential community addition a reality.”
Once construction is finalized, Sussex Woods will offer modern amenities, energy-efficient residential units and professional on-site management. The special needs housing component will be supported by dedicated service providers, ensuring that residents have access to the resources necessary to thrive.
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