Newark Affordable Housing Project Is 'American Dream' In Action

NEWARK, NJ — Give Siree Morris a vacant lot and there’s a good chance he’ll spin it into gold.

It wasn’t long ago that Morris, a Newark native fiercely proud of his hometown, teamed up with his wife, Ayana Stafford-Morris, to build a drive-in movie theater at the site of the former Newark Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. Now, with Moonlight Cinema thriving, the real estate entrepreneur has set his sights on a new challenge: helping Newark to create more affordable housing.

Earlier this week, Morris and his business partner, Ryan Curran, gathered alongside city officials for the grand opening of The Lofts At Avon in the city’s South Ward. The multi-family homes will provide a much-needed resource for the local neighborhood, offering residents three-bedroom units with two bathrooms each.

They’ll also help to create something else in the Brick City, Morris says: dignity.

“The only way to preserve our community is to own it,” Morris emphasized. “I want us to act on the endless opportunities and influence that real estate affords.”

For an example of the “influence” that Morris is talking about, Newark residents need look no further than the lots at 400-402 Avon Avenue and 404 Avon Avenue, which stood vacant for years until Ascension Capital Partners them from the city in 2017. Now, a pair of spaces that were once empty lots will empower the community by literally giving people a roof above their heads.

It’s a rewarding feeling for Morris, a Newark native whose grandmother worked as a City Hall maintenance employee for more than 25 years.

After graduating from University High School – where he was an All-American basketball player coached by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka – Morris went on to attend Rutgers University and earn a degree in engineering.

Eventually, Morris moved back to Newark to put his new expertise to work for his home city. And it’s a thrill to think he might be able to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

“This is a very important milestone in my career,” Morris said. “It’s important for me to be an example for my community.”

• See related article: Black-Owned Movie Theater In Newark Thrives Amid Pandemic

KEEPING COVID-SAFE

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way many New Jersey industries operate, including construction projects.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, The Lofts At Avon were among a handful of sites allowed to continue work, because they were affordable housing – an “essential” priority.

Although most construction work has since been permitted to resume, Gov. Phil Murphy and state officials have rolled out strict guidelines regulating the industry.

Ascension Partners has been complying with the mandates, requiring all employees to wear face masks, limiting the number of employees inside the building, opening all windows and doors to create air circulation, and requiring the use of hand sanitizer on the job.

In addition, workers have been following local COVID-19 guidelines, such as Mayor Baraka’s “Be Still Mondays.”

• See related article: Newark Coronavirus Updates: Face Masks, 'Be Still Mondays'

‘THE AMERICAN DREAM’: HOMEOWNERSHIP

According to Morris, the Avon Avenue project isn’t the end of the line – it’s just the beginning.

Next, Ascension Capital plans to build a housing development on Astor Street, the block where Morris spent his childhood. The development’s name – “The Michael” – is a tribute to his late brother, Michael Morris.

Meanwhile, Morris is busy developing the city’s “first multi-family shipping container home.”

His efforts have gotten a big round of applause from Newark city officials, including his former basketball coach.

“Affordable development like the Lofts at Avon make the American Dream of home ownership a reality for more Newark residents,” Mayor Baraka said.

Baraka praised Morris for returning to his birthplace to “give back and pay it forward.”

Allison Ladd, deputy mayor and director of economic and housing development, said people such as Morris will be a key factor in driving real estate growth in outlying areas of the city.

“Development outside of downtown will be driven by new developers such as Siree Morris – local residents dedicated to the rebirth of old neighborhoods working in partnership with Newark’s targeted low-cost land sales and equipped with tools and knowledge learned through from our small contractor/developer initiatives,” Ladd said.

• See related article: $5.2M Will Create Affordable Housing In Newark (Here's Where)
• See related article: Newark's Growth Isn't All Downtown, Mayor Says
• See related article: Newark Makes Bold, $100M Pledge To Black, Latinx Business Owners

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