Somerset Hills YMCA to Next Week Break Ground On Group Home For Developmentally Disabled Residents

Construction is scheduled to begin next week on a $1.13-million group home for developmentally disabled adults to be built on five acres of land next to the Somerset Hills YMCA. The groundbreaking on the six-bedroom home is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the property bordering the YMCA at 140 Mount Airy Road. 

The Melissa Riggio Residence, with a targeted completion date of next spring, will be the first of its kind sponsored by a YMCA, said Andrea Williams, spokeswoman for the Somerset Hills YMCA. "Hopefully this will serve as role model to other Ys and communities as to what can be done, how it can be done and who might be able to contribute."

The proposed group home also is part of Bernards Township's plan for providing housing for low and moderate income residents within the municipality, said Peter Messina, township planner and engineer. The plan, which gains credit for six units of affordable housing at the YMCA residence, already has gained approval from the state Council on Affordable Housing, Messina said.

Up to $500,000 of the project will be funded by fees paid by developers who must contribute the money automatically when they build new construction in the township, said Bruce McArthur, township administrator. The fee, set by the state housing council, is separate from taxpayer funds, he said.

The home will be named to honor a former YMCA employee, Melissa Riggio, the organizers said. Riggio, who had Down syndrome, died in April 2008 at age 20 before she was able to achieve her dream of living independently in Basking Ridge, said Bob Lomauro, president and chief executive officer at the Somerset Hills YMCA.

 "All who knew Melissa loved her," Lomauro said. "Her dream was to one day live independently in her own home and it is that very dream that will make the dreams of others come true." 

The proposed home will be sponsored by the Somerset Hills YMCA, with additional funding to be provided by Somerset County and other agencies and private foundations, according to the YMCA.

Our House Inc, of Berkeley Heights will partner with the YMCA. That organization, which already manages 25 homes in the state for residents with developmental disabilities, will be responsible for selecting the residents and handling the ongoing daily administration of the home, according to Williams. 

The Melissa Riggio Residence is a tribute to Riggio, a 2007 graduate of Bernards High School in Bernardsville, who was an accomplished young woman who wrote poetry and composed music, Williams said. Riggio died from leukemia in 2008, according to the YMCA.

The Melissa Reggio Residence will be home to six adults, according to the YMCA's plans. Each resident will have his or her own bedroom and bath. Common areas such as a living room and kitchen will promote a sense of community and encourage participation in daily activities, Williams said.

The plan includes the expectation that residents likely work at nearby businesses, Williams said. The Somerset Hills YMCA currently employs 11 staff members with special needs, she said. Having the home located near the YMCA will allow the residences to easily benefit from many of the YMCA programs, she said. 

While a large percentage of the funding for the $1.13 million project has been met, the YMCA is still accepting monetary and in-kind contributions, Williams said. Ongoing fundraising will be needed to sustain the program for years to come, she added. Those interested in donating services or materials should consult with the YMCA to discuss specific requirements as outlined by the American Disability Association, she said.

The community is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony.  YMCA officials, employees, and local officials are expected to attend.

"There is a great deal of excitement brewing at the YMCA among all of our staff, volunteers and members about the Melissa Riggio Residence," Lomauro said.