Newark council approves multiple long-term tax abatements amid protests over affordability and oversight

The Newark Municipal Council on Thursday approved multiple long-term tax abatements and advanced others after public hearings that drew repeated criticism from residents and housing advocates.

Council members voted to grant 25-year long-term tax abatements for a Central Ward project (sponsored by Councilwoman Scott Rountree, seconded by Councilman Kelly), a South Ward 100% affordable project at 824–830 South 20th Street, and a North Ward project at 300–304 Garside Street. The council advanced a separate 30-year abatement for a Central Ward development at 107–109 Broad Street to first reading. Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd, director of economic and housing development, provided unit counts and Area Median Income (AMI) restrictions for the projects during the hearing.

Why it matters: tax abatement and payment‑in‑lieu structures shift future tax revenue flows and are a primary tool for encouraging new construction. Residents, tenant advocates and some council members said the city must use abatements to secure more affordable units, local jobs, project labor agreements and clearer enforcement of developer obligations.

Council action and project details - Central Ward (Central Point Urban Renewal LLC). The ordinance granting a 25‑year tax abatement was sponsored by Councilwoman Scott Rountree and seconded by Councilman Kelly; the measure passed on…