Newark’s deputy mayor told the municipal council on Dec. 16 that the administration is seeking a referral to amend the Downtown Core Redevelopment Plan so surface parking lots around Mulberry Commons and the Prudential Center can be redeveloped for housing, public realm improvements and increased tax revenue.

“The area immediately adjacent to the Prudential Center — the parking lots around Mulberry Commons — is about eight sites,” Lisonbee Ladd, director of economic and housing development, said. “What we’re doing is requesting some amendments that will allow for this vision to become reality.”

Ladd framed the proposal as a technical change limited to the downtown core, not a redefinition of other downtown planning areas such as the Living Downtown plan around Halsey Street. She said the administration intends a mix of incentives and enforcement to encourage property owners to improve vacant storefronts and lots rather than simply holding them off the tax rolls.

Council members pressed for specifics about effects on adjacent commercial corridors. “What happens to Bridal and Market?” Councilman Kelly asked, pressing the administration to explain how retail strips and long-standing neighborhood corridors would be protected as development proceeds.

Ladd said the administration will provide data on the vacant building and vacant land ordinances and noted the city previously pursued both “carrot” incentives and “stick” enforcement where property owners did not engage. “We would love the owners of the properties at Bridal and Market to improve them,” she said, and added the city has in the past used eminent domain only sparingly and strategically.

Council members asked for the administration’s analysis of neighborhood impacts and for historical data on fines, compliance and enforcement outcomes. Ladd agreed to produce the requested data; council members also discussed seeking more outreach to landlords and business owners to support retail activation.

What’s next: The council referred the proposed amendments to the central planning board for review; the administration committed to additional data and follow-up with council members about impacts on existing commercial corridors.