Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newark public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in development with medium priority
Essex Plaza senior housing conditions
Jackson says the 1060 building's elderly residents face broken heat and AC every season, and she won't support a city mural deal with the owner until the housing is brought up to code.
Sale of city-owned Bergen Street parcel for redevelopment
The city is selling Block 3665, Lots 1-6 to Bergen Street Partners for $316,800 for redevelopment. The vote split the council, with four members abstaining and several residents speaking against it at the hearing.
Commercial space in new developments for community groups
Gonzalez floated requiring ground-floor commercial space in new buildings be offered to youth-serving nonprofits at reduced rent, in exchange for the tax abatements developers get. The BA said the city has done it before and will push those negotiations.
Affordable housing sale at 200 Ridge Street sent back
A plan to sell 200 Ridge Street to Three Brothers Construction for $28,700 — to build a two-family home renting at 50% of area median income — was returned to the administration instead of approved.
Redevelopment studies on Jefferson Street and Herbert Place
The Planning Board will investigate whether properties on Jefferson Street (East Ward) and Herbert Place (North Ward) should be declared areas in need of redevelopment — a first step that can lead to redevelopment plans and eminent domain.
Cathedral Park tax abatement extension to 2043
The tax abatement for the Cathedral Park affordable housing project at Clifton and Mt. Prospect Avenues now runs through August 2043 so it matches the federal housing payment contract. It keeps affordable housing in place but defers some tax revenue.
Mt. Prospect Avenue affordable housing project timeline
The developer of a 35-unit building with seven affordable apartments got more time to build under its tax abatement. A council motion also asks the administration to look at changing the affordable-unit percentages.