Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newark public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues in development with high priority
Sale of city land for new University High School
Three separate resolutions would launch preliminary studies to determine whether certain areas qualify for redevelopment designation — an early step that can lead to major redevelopment plans later.
25-year tax abatement for 722-728 Clinton Avenue mixed-use project
A South Ward project would bring 60 apartments — half of them affordable at deep income restrictions down to 20% of area median income — plus ground-floor retail and 24 parking spaces, backed by a 25-year tax abatement.
Affordable housing financial agreement transfers (Tethys entities)
Two ordinances transferring financial agreements for 120 affordable rental units combined (82 on Irvine Turner/17th Ave, 38 on Clinton Avenue) to Tethys affiliates were held rather than approved — the projects' ownership change is on hold.
East Ward three-family near Astor Street fire property
Councilwoman Jackson said the owner of a proposed East Ward rental has not dealt in good faith with the family that lost a child in the Astor Street fire; the item stays on the agenda pending a meeting with the buyer.
Newark Housing Authority state takeover
A speaker reassured tenants that Section 8 and leases are unaffected by the potential HUD takeover, which would first remove commissioners and possibly the executive director.
Affordable housing monitoring and staffing
Council members flagged that up to half of affordable-unit tenants have turned over in two years amid an eviction court crisis, and pressed for more staffing in the Office of Affordable and Sustainable Housing and rent control.
Central Ward affordable housing developer engagement
Multiple items moved forward to build affordable housing: Jumpstart-trained developers buying three West Ward homes for 100% AMI buyers, a 19-unit affordable and supportive building with HOME funds, and Section 8 rental construction. Council Member Ramos also asked for a full accounting of HOME fund balances and allocations.
Rental broker fees
Newark renters will no longer be charged certain brokerage fees when signing a lease — costs that often run into thousands of dollars upfront. The ordinance passed its final reading unanimously after public testimony.
Reimagined Kawa Ida Towers affordable housing
The council approved updated terms for an $8 million federal grant toward the $23 million Kawaida Towers project on Halsey Street, advancing an affordable housing development in the Central Ward.
25-year tax abatement for MLK Blvd housing
The council approved a 25-year tax abatement for a 42-unit apartment project at 636-642 MLK Blvd, with 9 of 42 units affordable to households at 40%-80% of area median income. Supporters see new housing on a key corridor; critics question how long the abatement lasts and how much affordable housing it includes.
Selling city land below assessed value for affordable housing
The council approved several sales of city-owned lots to developers for new two- and three-family homes, some with affordable units, while deferring others for more review.
City Property Sales for Housing and Port-Related Development
The city sold 34 Commerce Street for $700,000 for market-rate apartment conversion and three parcels for $4 million for housing, truck parking, and industrial redevelopment.
Accessory dwelling unit funding program
A new program, funded by federal PRO Housing grants, will help homeowners build accessory dwelling units — small extra apartments on their property — adding gentle housing density.
35-Year Tax Abatement for 196-Unit Affordable Housing Project at 10 Park Place
The Berger Organization wants a 35-year tax break to turn Park Place properties into 196 fully affordable apartments, most restricted to tenants earning around half the area median income. The public hearing is June 17 — a chance to weigh in on trading tax revenue for deeply affordable housing downtown.
Resale of city-sold properties without development
A small business says the city denied its bid to buy a vacant lot for affordable housing because of code violations at a Grafton Avenue house it claims it has no connection to. Council Member Ramos countered that the business's own disclosure lists that address as its principal place of business.
25-Year Tax Abatement for Bergen Street Mixed-Use Project
The council finalized a 25-year tax abatement for a 66-unit building at 1072-1078 Bergen Street, with 13 affordable units at 40-80% of area median income. Residents turned out at the public hearing to comment before the unanimous vote.
Essex Reservoir site affordable homeownership
After receivership and relocation of all residents two years ago, the Urban League plans to turn the failed rental complex into affordable condos — potentially under $200,000 — for Newark workers like teachers' aides and nursing assistants.
$8 million grant for Halsey Street redevelopment
The council approved an $8 million federal grant to Kawaida Towers JV Partners toward a $23 million project at 17-21 Halsey Street in the Central Ward.