NEWARK, NJ — The City Council on Tuesday approved the sale of 18 lots along two blocks in the Central Ward to a company that will construct a five-story building with 107 residential units.

The properties along Springfield Avenue and Boyd Street were sold for $164,107 to 269 Springfield Avenue, LLC. The mixed-use development building will also feature retail space on the ground floor and parking.

Eighty percent of the residential units will be priced at the market rate and 20% will be affordable housing.

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According to city officials, the project has been in discussion for about 10 years. They expressed excitement that Allison Ladd, Housing and Economic Development acting director, helped bring the idea to completion.

Ladd said the project will help with the advancement of "some vacant and blighted properties."

"I was there on Springfield Avenue when it was burned down to the ground in 1967. For all the right reasons and I’m here in 2020 to see it rebuilt because of this administration," said Fredrica Bey, Newark activist who spoke on behalf of the LLC. "This project is stellar, I think you’ve all seen the design and I am excited about it."

Central Ward Council Member LaMonica McIver commended the administration for moving the project forward. McIver sponsored the motion and it was seconded by Council President Mildred Crump.

"It is the site of a lot of hanging out, a lot of crime, a lot of filth in the area. It is the main corner of Springfield Avenue and we must do something about it," McIver said.





McIver is well familiar with the property as she said she lives just down the street and has seen the property stand vacant for a long time.

"This project, in my humble opinion, is a clear example that community and the administration can work together," Crump said, thanking all involved.

Bey said the project is something the council and city will be proud of.