Affordable Housing Gets A Boost In Newark: Somerset Brownstones

NEWARK, NJ — The ball is off and rolling for a $19 million apartment building in Newark's central ward with 60 affordable units: Somerset Brownstones.

On Thursday, officials held a groundbreaking ceremony to usher in the second phase of building at 140 Spruce Street, the former site of Douglass Harrison Homes, a deteriorated public housing complex that was demolished years ago.

The new building is being developed by The Michaels Organization and its nonprofit partner, Better Tomorrows. Michaels Management will serve as the property manager.

When completed, each of the four buildings at the complex will have 15 apartments. The three-story buildings will include 40 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments. Apartments will be Energy Star-certified and have central air conditioning, gas heat, dishwashers and washer/dryer hookups, according to a statement from city officials.

All of the apartments will be reserved for families earning below 60 percent AMI. The Newark Housing Authority has provided project-based Section 8 operating subsidy to allow 30 very low-income households to pay rent equal to 30 percent of their income, officials said.

In addition, 15 of the units will be reserved for providing permanent housing for the homeless, with a preference for homeless veterans, officials said.

As part of the project, Michaels has agreed to create a park on 3.9 acres of land adjacent to Harrison Park Square.

Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony included remarks from Mayor Ras Baraka, City Council President Mildred Crump, Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, Michaels CEO and President John O’Donnell, Michaels Vice President Gin Dawson, and Newark Director/Deputy Mayor of the Department of Economic & Housing Development Allison Ladd.

"Somerset Brownstones is another giant step forward in the comeback of a neighborhood that for years was redlined and denied needed development and upkeep," Baraka said. "It's also a milestone in our equitable growth strategy to create more affordable housing for Newark residents throughout the city."

• See related article: Newark Apartment Building Opens With 89 Affordable Housing Units
• See related article: Newark Vs. Gentrification: We Can't Become Brooklyn, Mayor Says

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