Camden Housing Projects Move Forward: Key Decisions on Remaining Phases Ahead

Camden officials are weighing next steps on major housing projects after two phases of the Ablett Village redevelopment in the Cramer Hill neighborhood reached completion. The 425-unit master plan replaces 306 obsolete public housing units with energy-efficient mixed-income housing under a $145 million effort supported by a $35 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.

Ablett Village Remaining Phases

The project in Cramer Hill has seen the first phase of 75 townhome-style units break ground in 2022, with two of four phases now complete as of 2026. Decisions ahead include sequencing the remaining phases while coordinating the grant-funded additions of community centers, playgrounds, gardens and walking trails. City records show this remains the Authority's primary active RAD conversion project.

Branch Village Final Phase

In the Centerville neighborhood, Branch Village Phase V will add 10 affordable for-sale homes to finish the Clement T. Branch Village transformation. This step creates homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents and follows earlier phases of the overall plan.

Demolition Program and Broader Investments

A $15 million residential demolition program is clearing 300 unsafe housing units citywide to open sites for private infill development. This work supports the $366 million invested in Camden's housing stock over the past six to eight years, which already includes the recent opening of Oliver Station with 47 new affordable units. Three senior towers totaling 295 RAD units are slated to begin construction in summer 2026.

Four neighborhood plans covering East Camden, Cramer Hill, Waterfront South and North Camden now guide infrastructure and park connections. Officials must decide how to sequence the demolition clearances with new private projects while maintaining progress on the remaining Ablett Village phases and the final Branch Village homes.