Newark is changing. Plainly put, Newark is gentrifying. Big businesses are moving in, small businesses are moving in, restaurants, hotels, families importing from Jersey City, Hoboken, New York, and more. Visually, it is all very appealing. But one group in particular must not be forgotten – Newark’s elderly. These are the people who have spent 50+ years in our city, building, planting, working, teaching, volunteering. And in light of all of the beautification, the question must be asked (and answered), “What is Newark doing to make sure its elderly are taken care of?”
Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Central Ward Council Member Gayle Chaneyfield-Jenkins, Newark Housing Authority Executive Director Keith Kinard, and HUD Newark Multifamily Program Center Director Dean J. Santa broke ground for the rehabilitation of Lincoln Towers yesterday.
Lincoln Towers, formerly known as Scudder Homes and Geraldine “GiGi” Foushee Towers, consists of two 11-story buildings, and is home to more than 200 senior citizens and disabled residents. The towers will be renovated to modernize the apartments, eliminate undesirable studio apartments, and add new laundry facilities, a community room, new elevators, kitchens, and a new façade. The buildings will also gain energy-efficient appliances, new security cameras, and a key card system for building access.
Councilwoman Chaneyfield-Jenkins told The Newark Times, “It is said we as a society will be judged by how we treat those in the twilight of their lives. I could not agree with this more. As we move our city forward and transform our neighborhoods we cannot forget our elderly. This is especially true for Newark’s elderly as they possess such a rich history. These men and women originally transformed the neighborhoods we now take a second look at. We owe it to them to include them in the development process and provide beautiful spaces for them to enjoy.”
The renovation will be accomplished one building at a time, and residents will be moved into a tower not or no longer under renovation or off-site during the construction work, then back to their new or old apartments after the work is done.
Funding for the construction came from a 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit from New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, equity and debt supported by PNC National bank, and Project-Based Vouchers from HUD and NHA. The construction period is expected to be 18-24 months and the total construction costs are anticipated to be $33 million.
Granted, this is only one project. However, there is much to be said for the fact that this project is happening, at this scale, at this state of Newark’s gentrification, particularly for our dear elderly. And it is efforts like these that make the difference between a city and a community.
