During a recent council meeting, a local firefighter presented a redevelopment proposal aimed at revitalizing the East Trenton area, specifically targeting blighted properties on Hart Avenue and Poplar Avenue. The firefighter, who holds a 40% stake in the project, emphasized the importance of creating affordable housing for medium and moderate-income families to retain essential civil servants, including firefighters, police officers, nurses, and teachers.

The proposal comes in response to ongoing concerns about vacant properties that have become hotspots for repeated fires, highlighting the need for safer living conditions. The firefighter noted that many civil servants are willing to invest in the community, having collectively raised $260,000 to fund repairs on two specific homes. This initiative aims to ensure accountability with a one-year repair timeframe, although the team anticipates completing the work within three to six months.

In addition to financial backing, the project will utilize local architects and lawyers, reinforcing the commitment to community involvement. The firefighter also mentioned a partnership with One Haven Inc., an organization that has previously worked on the Chamber Street project, further emphasizing the focus on employing local talent, including those who have overcome past convictions.

The proposal reflects a broader goal of fostering community equity and improving living conditions, while also addressing the concerns of council members regarding the involvement of outside investors in previous projects. The firefighter's initiative seeks to empower local civil servants to take an active role in the redevelopment of their neighborhoods, ensuring that the homes are not only safe but also free from neglect by absentee landlords.