What's Happening in Newark, NJ…

Zion Towers in the South Ward area of Newark will be undergoing renovations in the amount of $20m.

The property was purchased in 2017 by Prudential and L+M Development Partners and a deal with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will enable this money to be spent on 270 existing units where people currently live and to extend the agreement that these units remain as affordable housing for the next 20 years.

There will be new bathrooms and kitchens in the units. The building overall will get new windows, upgrades to the elevators, a facelift for the community room and the lobby, and an update to the heating and ventilation system. Supportive services and 12 one-bedroom units to be used for residents who need mental health services will be provided through a collaboration of the two companies with Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey. Such new services can be made known to the public through flyer printing services.

John Sharpe James, Councilman for the South Ward, expressed his appreciation of the two companies being able to maintain the property as affordable housing and not having to displace the residents.

Mayor Ras Baraka added that it is important to keep housing affordable for the residents of Newark, not only through new construction and preservation, but also in continuing limitations on rent.