[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6650531,"mediaKeyId","2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7","parentId",2506102,"title","Council approves community benefits agreement for 930 McCarter tower after removing proposed movie-ticket perk","audioSeconds",1906,"startMs",4132000,"endMs",6038000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7&start=4132&end=6038","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7/thumbnail_4132000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6650531/Newark/Essex-County/New-Jersey/Council-approves-community-benefits-agreement-for-930-McCarter-tower-after-removing-proposed-movie-ticket-perk","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650531-b18960a22afb9bbffde817b136ede1cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207417&Signature=a8JkBzg1zyUJCuACvoDbJgQi3xp9fYBT6bEz-q0LgRvebT2XHk9wIme4poNbLptUoUc2eg3vEOM8N9kTyV3wOVhZESAjTqWSdM6FcbvN9uMsr3Yng8dza8bh3eDGWV5-uXTv7brICnALDORUNZZ8DnIVvbNmuUTpQuBgOiNRwOhiSXAuLCFcBwHAdlI6SOKSVmjHYg~dzOCAwEVoMGtafqJfwSDiq5u3r8dLe7GO20oC3wcYptZC1FtY5kNIMX6oETiAuRnA0y86~me9WoYkoiME3g-sOy8TC6l61aAQuN7M~3oMIyr8oeKmgPsZYRcKskS0DujUHWx5-Z-HZ5J4dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newark","date","2025-03-05T21:08:42.497Z","article","The Newark Municipal Council on March 5 approved a community benefits agreement (CBA) tied to a proposed 25‑story, 333‑unit mixed‑use tower at 930 McCarter Highway seeking New Jersey EDA Aspire tax-credit support. The developer and the administration proposed a package of public benefits that was amended on the council floor after public objections.

Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd summarized the project: “This project is, 930 McCarter. It is a 25 story building, 333 units, of which, 20% will be affordable, per the inclusionary zoning ordinance. There will also be 3,750 square feet of retail space, and, 240 parking spaces located on-site.” She said the developer is required under the Aspire program to enter a community benefits agreement with the city.

An amendment on the floor modified the originally discussed benefits. The deputy mayor said the amended package would include a one‑time $150,000 contribution to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be used solely for PATH Home’s plan to end homelessness, $450,000 for landscaping and green space improvements around the site (on some parcels not owned by the developer) and $50,000 for a free summer movie series for children in July and August 2025 and 2026. The amendment followed public comment objecting to an earlier proposal that apparently would have provided $150,000 in movie‑theater tickets; several speakers said that was not an appropriate community benefit.

Public speakers strongly criticized the initial proposal and urged the council to secure benefits that produce housing and jobs for Newark residents. Lisa Parker called the movie‑ticket idea “ridiculous,” argued that landscaping obligations often fall to property owners and asked why the Trust Fund contribution was not larger. George Tillman Jr. told the council to review the developer’s prior compliance record at other city projects and noted prior fines and a lower compliance threshold on a past site.

Council members debated the merits of the amended package. Several members said they opposed the movie‑ticket idea and welcomed the developer’s pivot to the housing trust fund contribution; council sponsors said the landscaping and the one‑time contribution were improvements over the original draft. The motion to amend carried on roll call and council then adopted the CBA as amended.

Why it matters: Community benefits agreements tied to tax-credit or incentive programs are a primary mechanism for translating private development into public goods. The debate here centered on what kinds of benefits should count as meaningful — housing trust contributions and landscaping versus in‑kind entertainment credits — and on developer compliance records for hiring Newark residents.

What’s next: Administration and developer will finalize the CBA details, implement landscaping improvements and coordinate the $150,000 housing trust fund contribution; council members and public speakers signaled they will continue to watch compliance and enforcement of resident‑hiring commitments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Meeting - Newark Municipal Council - 03/05/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Newark Municipal Council on March 5 adopted a community benefits agreement for a 25‑story Aspire‑funded project at 930 McCarter, replacing a proposed movie‑ticket benefit with a $150,000 contribution to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund for PATH Home.","taxTitle","Newark, Essex County, New Jersey","taxId",2741,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650535,"Council amends green-infrastructure appropriation, increasing project to $800,000 amid state reimbursement plan",98,2954000,3052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7&start=2954&end=3052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7/thumbnail_2954000.jpg","/articles/6650535/Newark/Essex-County/New-Jersey/Council-amends-green-infrastructure-appropriation-increasing-project-to-800000-amid-state-reimbursement-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650535-1f297bd84926b655de5fe5dbfabd9919/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207417&Signature=Wpbjsj5O46tG4RZjOPopwn7YhQyAnA5TCyNtEfoQ0onN7QYkqcFDH4kjxCFWRXax4T1hMu1W~ie2Pt5TwcM4F1qAhzrHlI1BOQBJSZBdVe8xOntVE~PdM7~I28~1fSRPvxGpfHuGOaLgnzVmxghiXEvr0tUtWXyQmhXAUk85Mp~z5JMipOX8TklU3ZAfC9oPtSh8dbf3oIyH5fBh~fMZWvmkXmvFU92SaCXNijJPVY1wDDh6CCRccMc0eUoJC4qQNzFbr1l06W4YwERWLUGnbDGFe-TOcnvM1FJFxIkIrnCfh2EVfdC~yxnwqinHkUw-OWR4L0HwPQ7MSfiSgia~Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newark Municipal Council on March 5 amended a prior ordinance to increase the appropriation for the Green Infrastructure sewer project (Clinton and Badger Avenue triangle) to $800,000, citing construction cost increases since an earlier approval.

Benjamin Guzmanak, the city’s finance director, told the council that the project was originally approved for $450,000 but that post-pandemic inflation and cost overruns pushed the lowest responsive bid nearer to $800,000. “Therefore, we're amending the original ordinance to increase it by $350,000 for a total of $800,000,” Guzmanak said.

Kareem Madin, director of Water and Sewer Utilities, said the project is part of a principal-forgiveness program from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and that the state had approved the city to move forward and award the contract; the city planned to increase bonding authority to cover the revised total. Madin described the project area as the Clinton and Badger Avenue triangle.

Public commenters raised broader budget concerns about bonding and future repayments. Deborah Salters asked whether the $800,000 would be reimbursed; staff clarified the city expects state principal forgiveness and/or reimbursement under the infrastructure program once work is complete. Another speaker urged prioritizing housing bonds over smaller infrastructure notes; a separate speaker praised the water department’s work.

The council adopted the ordinance on roll call. The minutes show the vote carried with council members recorded in favor.

Why it matters: Green infrastructure projects can reduce combined-sewer overflows and flooding; cost increases and how the city finances them affect near-term budgets and long-term debt obligations. The administration said state funding mechanisms will mitigate the local fiscal burden.

What’s next: City staff will proceed with awarding the contract and seek the approved principal-forgiveness funds; the council will receive follow-up reporting on contract award and project timeline.","An ordinance to increase funding for the Clinton-Badger green infrastructure sewer project to $800,000 passed after city finance and water utility directors described cost increases driven by inflation and bid responses; state principal forgiveness was cited as the reimbursement path.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650539,"Council moves Office of Homeless Services from mayor’s office to Department of Health and Community Wellness",794,2184000,2978000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7&start=2184&end=2978","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7/thumbnail_2184000.jpg","/articles/6650539/Newark/Essex-County/New-Jersey/Council-moves-Office-of-Homeless-Services-from-mayors-office-to-Department-of-Health-and-Community-Wellness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650539-a48b59dc31e6692a536a216d1839f383/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207417&Signature=OD~lwWOGWGSJaRgrWZ-SJqZN5NSq6ufK41zhQJDBhw9nMe5GXgG4KLgaNSTojb-WvtouPZD4w6h9-1Sv4fWCVRaW70PbapfXsGwgunb8OZXphs63aECwQ-Go4DOl~UYBYangkPaz5anyx4~Z9o5gtxz~~MV4yCyL~sFAUZoOcCepfHfF-GY2NjNCDRRQ3V2R27EeA2Yiq2qICCuwFf3uHj8Q189cLhVVI59eF5Z3-dcgucaXdWvVB3HTxbQudad7JD6ipBmDiNt9xbK64tfGxtg7YUEXI8jPOw4sy8yaow4nORnhiLzuad07W7HqwcXqIPdDzQ2ykHIBK8P9RvrXOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newark Municipal Council approved two related ordinances on March 5 to move the Office of Homeless Services out of the Mayor’s Office and establish it within the Department of Health and Community Wellness.

The first ordinance repeals the prior placement of homeless services under the Mayor’s Office and the second creates the Office of Homeless Services as part of the city’s Department of Health and Community Wellness. Council members adopted both ordinances on recorded roll calls during the meeting.

Public speakers pressed the administration for clear explanations of what the changes mean in practice, asking specifically whether funding or service delivery would change and how residents currently seeking assistance would be affected. Lisa Parker said the language in the ordinance — including the word “repeal” — suggested the city was undoing previous work rather than simply reorganizing staff. She asked, “So are you saying that everything that went in the first ordinance you're rectifying it indeed is that what this is?”

Deborah Salters and other commenters raised questions about where existing homelessness funds had gone and urged the council for transparency and tangible outcomes for residents who use homeless services. One speaker asked whether moving the office would protect services when mayoral administrations change.

Council President Crump said the measure had been discussed previously and said material was available online; the council proceeded to vote. Roll-call entries show a majority in favor and no recorded “no” votes.

Why it matters: The administrative home of homeless services affects reporting lines, oversight and potentially how the city organizes funding and partnerships with state and federal programs. Residents and advocates asked for clarity about service continuity and the plan to use existing funds.

What’s next: The administration will implement the transfer to the Department of Health and Community Wellness and the council has signaled it expects additional information and transparency on program metrics and funding.","Two ordinances to repeal the mayor’s Office of Homeless Services and re-establish it under the Department of Health and Community Wellness passed after public comment raising questions about why the change was necessary and how services and funding will be affected.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650544,"Council approves land-sale amendment to allow Federally Qualified Health Center on South Orange Avenue",882,1323000,2205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7&start=1323&end=2205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7/thumbnail_1323000.jpg","/articles/6650544/Newark/Essex-County/New-Jersey/Council-approves-land-sale-amendment-to-allow-Federally-Qualified-Health-Center-on-South-Orange-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650544-8df1dcf69634f955b407018483ebf5c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207417&Signature=ZBDR8N2rLPxeGHRl-JcZpz9gghu4KSTimYonGv9l0lIVtrtpswBBBWmovd1AWS6YIatrBMwVtbqgWJgARaf7yD70sg3-aMUd--I2M9ZrisEAgKnPA1B6bpkW1LtnJKBswdIw8UUZ0TiuyB939JwB1HT-ISEvT-y2yVMmvHZi0sLxGHZFcmgjIbhvcJihucCiL9EOdIIMeZofNbUyuMn6~w923ZuHN1VFrOoeD~x5aEwDlzPZF0GFP7Qa4U3kV6yGo9itE5Qlxv~1CJ4iU6NaTn5QxOyR3DU95SjmMsE9rfdZbwtDci4AflQ2VSOANrM-BKXDxqWufPpBnrX2qzZ0ZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newark Municipal Council voted March 5 to approve a third amendment to the agreement for the sale and redevelopment of city-owned land at or near 432–434 South Orange Avenue to facilitate the Saint James Health Center as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd described the amendment as an assignment tied to the previously approved municipal agreement and said the change “will allow us to proceed with a federally, FQHC, Federally Qualified Health Care, center, and it's also in partnership with our department of, community health and wellness.” Ladd made the remarks while answering public questions about the ordinance.

Public commenters asked for more transparency about the text of the third amendment and about why the agenda item did not include a fuller explanation. Lisa Parker and other speakers asked for clearer documentation in the packet; the deputy mayor and Council President said the administration provided prior briefings and that documents are available online.

Council members who sponsored the item indicated the amendment had been discussed previously and that the project — described by staff as the St. James Health And Wellness Center — had gone through prior review. The council voted in favor on roll call; the item moved forward for adoption and was recorded as approved.

Why it matters: Converting city-owned or redeveloped parcels to community medical uses can alter local access to primary care services. The council’s action permits a federally qualified provider to operate on the site, which can change eligibility for federal reimbursement and grant funding for services.

What’s next: City and project staff will finalize the assignment and any related closing steps required by the redevelopment agreement; project partners will move forward with operational planning for the FQHC.","The council adopted a third amendment to a redevelopment sale to allow a Federally Qualified Health Center (Saint James Health Center) at 432–434 South Orange Ave. Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd and the project team described the change as an assignment that allows an FQHC to operate on the site.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650549,"Newark Council OKs 20-year tax abatement for South Ward mixed-use project amid public criticism",1027,313000,1340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7&start=313&end=1340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506102-40105b5b4613231845cdd1149aa20ff7/thumbnail_313000.jpg","/articles/6650549/Newark/Essex-County/New-Jersey/Newark-Council-OKs-20-year-tax-abatement-for-South-Ward-mixed-use-project-amid-public-criticism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650549-113125faa4a2a33610a01d3a6d2371d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207417&Signature=U59~jaFAhV~ph4w0V2Bcf3flim7OHyeFOgiA0KXYx5lZGXf~5wSyh63cT5Ut3ifzxxqTKbPkkYHVBB0~n2~CmvNepo1ggaepP216Wu2FiOPcXm1AIO4qmDF9WqYLsS6MCByhVz2NY2Puagq~1pyxdFd4UlkLviRslbKyejaFwu~NsNSQIWrSCGoU8~-j~WBU6pzFUX2Rm-XZs6VSqvg1fC4qnb-ZGFuUrGTRmMQk~AcT1b0T4T131L0hgWOHgbzVVHyaZxL~KwQiugh7vsFdSpLiwfdR5tvw2nKUJE~wV4dTnDBeQHlz5RghRyzBIcgn-U1FVBk1Sc1WT0DbczOpAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newark Municipal Council on March 5 approved a 20-year tax abatement for PGH and Associates Urban Renewal LLC to build a five-story mixed-use building in the South Ward, after a public hearing that drew several speakers critical of the city’s practice of long abatements.

The project was introduced on second reading as ordinance 6 PSFA and cleared a roll-call vote during the council meeting. Council President Crump called the vote; Council members Gonzales, Kelly, McDonough, Scott Rountree and Silva registered “yes.” Ramos was absent.

The most vocal public comments questioned who benefits from long-term abatements and whether developments deliver promised community gains. Lisa Parker, a frequent public commentator, said, “once again you're giving out a 20 year tax abatement... How is this benefiting residents in Newark by you continuing to give 20 year tax abatements?” Another speaker, George Tillman Jr., pressed the council on enforcement of the Newark resident employment policy and said his OPRA request seeking 10 years of hiring records from city departments returned no documents.

Council members who spoke during the hearing stressed aspects they regarded as positive about the project. Councilman Gonzales and Councilwoman Scott Rountree noted the proposed facility would include a 24-hour daycare service and pointed to the developer’s local ties.

No formal amendment to the abatement terms was recorded at the meeting. The ordinance as presented was adopted on second reading and will be advertised in accordance with law; the council noted the public hearing and vote record on the municipal docket.

Why it matters: Council votes to grant long-term abatements can affect city tax revenue for decades and are a frequent flashpoint in Newark for questions about local hiring, affordable-unit definitions and transparency. Public speakers at the meeting urged clearer reporting and enforcement of resident employment requirements attached to economic incentives.

What’s next: The ordinance will be published per legal notice requirements and the council’s files will show the formal record of the vote. Community advocates who raised compliance and transparency concerns signaled ongoing scrutiny and an intent to pursue records and enforcement follow-up.","The Newark Municipal Council approved a 20-year tax abatement for PGH and Associates Urban Renewal LLC’s planned five-story mixed-use building in the South Ward. Residents and advocates criticized the length of abatements, transparency and enforcement of resident-hiring rules during public comment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves community benefits agreement for 930 McCarter tower after removing proposed movie-ticket perk

Council amends green-infrastructure appropriation, increasing project to $800,000 amid state reimbursement plan

Council moves Office of Homeless Services from mayor’s office to Department of Health and Community Wellness

Council approves land-sale amendment to allow Federally Qualified Health Center on South Orange Avenue

Newark Council OKs 20-year tax abatement for South Ward mixed-use project amid public criticism