Commissioners Join Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Forum at Madison
Published on May 30, 2025
Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Deputy Director Stephen Shaw joined Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and other local, state and federal leaders on Wednesday for the official grand opening of The Forum at Madison, a 44-unit affordable housing development that sets a new standard for sustainable living in New Jersey.
"This development is groundbreaking not just for its Passive House certification and Net Zero design but for fulfilling a fundamental human need: shelter. What makes this development truly exceptional is that, beyond providing much-needed housing, it meets an entirely new set of scientific standards for being energy efficient, providing those who will live here not just a place of comfort, but an environment that is both healthy for them as well as our environment,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Selen, who is also liaison to the Morris County Housing Authority.
Morris County contributed $425,000 in federal HOME funds through the Office of Community Development, ensuring that these units will remain affordable for at least 30 years.
The Forum is the first family affordable housing project in the state to achieve Passive House certification and meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Homes standards — meaning the homes are so energy efficient that a renewable energy system can offset most or all of their annual energy use. Developed in partnership with RPM Development Group, the 44-unit complex offers high-performance homes featuring modern layouts, Energy-Star appliances, LED lighting, high-efficiency all-electric heating, cooling and hot water, Energy Recovery Ventilators, and enhanced insulation. Solar panels will soon be installed to further reduce energy costs for residents.
“As spoken by Abraham Lincoln over 150 years ago ‘The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people.’ Housing is the foundation of family security, stability and prosperity. It strengthens our communities and provides a footing from which Americans can work to support their families and achieve their personal goals,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw.
Morris County’s commitment to affordable housing dates back 50 years to the founding of the county Housing Authority in 1972. The Authority provides safe, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income families, seniors and people with disabilities in Morris County.
Also representing Morris County at the ceremony were Mental Health Administrator Amy Archer, Director of Planning and Preservation Joe Barilla and Director of Communications and Digital Media Vince Vitale.
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Photo 1: Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen speaks at the ribbon cutting.
Photo 2: The development has 44 units that achieve Passive House certification and meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Homes standards.
Photo 3: Guests at the ribbon cutting tour one of the units.