For Immediate Release – November 7, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Sunday, November 2nd, the Veterans Village grand opening marked a landmark achievement for the Township of Middletown and its commitment to serving those who have served our nation. The new 100% affordable housing complex, located at 45 Leonardville Road in the Belford/Campbell’s Junction area, officially opened its doors with remarks from dignitaries, a flag‐raising ceremony, Global War on Terror memorial unveiling, a ribbon cutting, a brunch, and public tours.
The parents of Lt. Dennis Zilinski, a 23-year-old Middletown resident who was killed in action while serving in the Global War on Terror, helped unveil the memorial with the support of their family. The opening was also held in conjunction with the Township’s 68th Annual Veterans Day Parade — a day full of patriotism and pride.
The facility encompasses 12 residential units designed exclusively for veterans, offering community-oriented housing in a dignified new setting. Tenants will also have access to modern amenities, supportive services, and a strong neighborhood network to help honor and uplift them.
“Our veterans have given everything to protect our freedoms, and this project is one small way we can give back. Veterans Village stands as a symbol of Middletown’s gratitude and our promise to care for those who have sacrificed so much,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “I want to thank every organization and individual who helped make this possible — from our housing partners to our community volunteers — because together, we’ve built more than housing; we’ve built a home for heroes.”
Prior to the grand opening, Mayor Perry and the Township Committee held a private presentation for Gary Ruhman Bike Tour for Veterans and local nonprofit Jason’s Dreams for Kids. In recognition of their generous donations, the Township dedicated the first and second floor community rooms to the organizations’ namesakes: the late Gary Ruhman who served in the United States Navy and Jason Douglas Creager who passed away from cancer at 19 years old. Jason was the nephew of residents Dennis and Linda McGinnis who own McGinnis Printing in Red Bank.
The Township of Middletown, in collaboration with the Middletown Housing Authority, Middletown Redevelopment Corporation, Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee, and other partners, coordinated the funding, land acquisition, remediation, and development of the veterans housing project. Earlier phases included securing the property, environmental remediation, and construction contracting.
The entire project cost $9.2 million and was partially funded by a $1 million grant from the State of New Jersey and a $3 million contribution from the Middletown Redevelopment Corporation. The remainder was covered by municipal funds.
The following local organizations also contributed to Veterans Village through monetary donations, services, or physical items: American Legion Post 515, Bayview Elementary School’s Heroes Café, Bella Beachy Photography, Feeding Our Heroes, Home Sweet Home Staging, Jason’s Dreams for Kids, Lincroft Senior Housing, Middletown Elks Lodge 2179, Middletown Helps Its Own, Middletown Housing Authority, Middletown Township Public Library, Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee, Monmouth Museum, Ralph T. Godwin, Gary Ruhman Bike Tour for Veterans, the Pieluc family, Uras Monuments, and VFW Post 2179.
The Township will be working with Monmouth County’s Department of Health and Human Services and the Mental Health Association, who will do the tenant screening and selection. There is a preference for qualified veterans who live or work in Middletown. Additional information on how people can apply will be shared on middletownnj.org/ourveterans.
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