Housing alliance hosts fundraiser

The Affordable Housing Alliance plans to build senior housing on the former site of the Carver Inn (above) in Neptune, once a premier hotel for members of the black community.

The Affordable Housing Alliance, Eatontown, formerly the Monmouth Housing Alliance, a leading advocate, provider and builder of affordable housing, will host a Casino Night to raise funds for its latest project in Neptune's Redevelopment district, the Carver Hotel Apartments.

The Casino Night will be held at the Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, Friday, April 27, 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $150.

In addition to games of chance, including blackjack and roulette, the evening will feature great food, an open bar and a 50/50 raffle.

Located directly on the border of Asbury Park and Neptune at 312 Myrtle Ave., the Carver Inn was built more than 100 years ago and served as the premier accommodation in the area for black visitors, entertainers, celebrities, dignitaries and notables of color who stayed in the elegant hotel.

In 1999, the inn was destroyed by a fire. The alliance purchased the historic property with plans to rebuild and adapt it as affordable housing for seniors.

Before the rebuilding could begin, however, a wall collapsed and the remainder of the building had to be taken down for safety reasons.

While the opportunity to restore the structure was lost, the alliance plans to preserve the history of the Carver while providing 14 residential units, which will be offered to senior adults in the surrounding community.

The new building has been designed to replicate the exterior of the former Carver Inn as completely as possible.

For information or to purchase tickets for the event, call Heather Andersen at (732) 389-2958.