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Newark council debates Riviera Hotel lease to provide emergency and transitional housing
Summary
Council members pressed administration about financing, lease length and provider oversight for a proposed lease of the Riviera Hotel to house people experiencing homelessness; administration said first two years would be rent-free, operator would be selected by RFP and the lease contains termination rights if funds are unavailable.
City of Newark officials and council members spent substantial time debating a proposed lease of the Riviera Hotel to provide emergency, transitional and some permanent housing for people without stable addresses.
Deputy Mayor and Business Administrator Eric Pennington and Allison Ladd, director of Economic and Housing Development, told the council the city planned to use the hotel for emergency housing and transitional units while proceeding with a full rehabilitation. Miles Berger, appearing for the property owner, said negotiations with labor and other stakeholders had produced changes the owner will adopt to improve worker conditions.
Council members pressed the administration for details on financing, lease length and oversight. Pennington and other officials said the lease would include two initial rent‑free years and a subsequent term that could make the commitment…
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