Representatives of the Trenton Housing Authority and development partner People Restoring Communities described a five-phase redevelopment plan for North Trenton during the Dec. 2 council meeting and asked the council to approve a long-term pilot/abatement needed for financing.

Kristy Huff, THA director of redevelopment, and Dean Oliver of PRC said the first phase includes about 108 units (107 targeted for seniors coming from Donnelly Homes) and that the project leverages $19 million in Choice Neighborhood funding plus other financing. Oliver described the developer's request for a standard HMFA 6.28% mortgage rate and a 30-year pilot to preserve affordability and make the financing work. "Our ask is for the standard HMFA 6.28% rate, for the 30 years," Oliver said.

Council members expressed general support for the housing objectives but raised concerns about the proposed 30-year abatement term. One councilmember suggested shorter pilot terms (15–25 years) or a graduated reassessment to avoid locking future administrations and residents into long-term terms; several members urged inclusion of local-hiring targets, apprenticeships and neighborhood improvement commitments in any pilot agreement. Director Huff said THA uses a community empowerment plan and local-hiring efforts on past projects and offered to return with a more detailed presentation and implementation plan.

Council indicated willingness to move forward with support but asked for a fuller return presentation on pilot terms, community-benefit commitments and precise financing exhibits before finalizing a pilot agreement or related council action. The council did not adopt a final pilot agreement during this meeting; the matter remains at the presentation/negotiation stage.