"To create a single-family home atmosphere at The Oaks, we incorporated direct front-door entry for each unit, similar to that of a townhouse community, so that everyone has their own address, their own front steps," says Barbara Schoor, CIS VP, in a statement. "While this may seem like a simple design element, it has had tremendous impact on our tenants, many of whom associate a private front door and steps with homeownership."

Future affordable units will be built as the rest of the community develops, though the timeline is uncertain now that the two-year moratorium on the 2.5% Council on Affordable Housing fee has been signed, says Foglio, a former COAH chairman. Plans for the next building will begin early next year.

"The Oaks has set the benchmark to which other fixed-income and market-rate communities throughout South Jersey should be held," says Giuseppe "Joe" Chila, Woolwich Township committeeman and county freeholder in the statement. "As the result of a true public/private partnership between township officials and private developers, modern construction and designs, The Oaks fills a distinct community need and reflects the character of the surrounding Weatherby neighborhoods as well as greater Woolwich Township."

Other CIS affordable housing communities under development include projects in Florence for senior citizens, and a 55+ development in Freehold.