NEWARK -- The city is leading the way amid the country's housing affordability crisis, Mayor Ras Baraka said Wednesday as he signed a "groundbreaking" law to mandate low- and moderate-income housing set asides in new developments.

"It's a daunting task to figure out how we can develop our community without leaving our community behind," he said during a press conference.

The inclusionary zoning ordinance requires certain housing developments provide 20 percent affordable units. Guarding against gentrification has been a linchpin issue for Baraka, who for months urged the City Council to adopt the measure, through several amendments and iterations.

Residents and community groups have said it will help brace against future displacement as developers increasingly set their eyes on Newark.

Mayor @rasjbaraka signs inclusionary zoning ordinance after pushing the measure for months @CityofNewarkNJ pic.twitter.com/POYFVxX4DN — Karen Yi (@karen_yi) October 11, 2017

But hours before Baraka signed the inclusionary zoning ordinance, residents complained of a separate plan before the City Council that will boost building densities to 40-stories in sections of the Central and East wards.

The measure amends the redevelopment plan for the riverfront and allows buildings to increase their maximum heights from 10 to 25 stories in some areas and from 30 to 40 stories in another. Only three lots in the East Ward (along Raymond Plaza and Raymond Boulevard) will be allowed to go up to 40 stories, city officials said.

Higher densities, a walkable downtown?

The plan was adopted Wednesday with East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador voting no and Councilwoman Mildred Crump abstaining.

"You can't create this massive development without looking at the impact that this will have in local communities such as the Ironbound," Amador said, asking what the impact would be on fire and police services, infrastructure and area schools. "It would be appropriate for those folks who are responsible for how the community is today to be part of this process."

The proposed Ironbound zoning map (left) and the proposed downtown zoning map (right) that would be affected by the amendment to the Newark river public access and redevelopment plan. (Courtesy: City of Newark)

Ironbound residents blasted the city for failing to seek community input. They worried zoning changes to the riverfront will erect a wall separating longtime residents from the river and its amenities.

"This has not been done in a way that the community can participate at all," said Ironbound resident Nancy Zak. "We just got the river back and now we're going to have a Riverfront Park for rich people who will be able to live in these high-rises."

Carmelo Garcia, acting deputy mayor for economic and housing development, said zoning changes would give the city more control over new high-rises. The density increases, he said, are coupled with sustainability requirements like creating public spaces in new developments.

"We want to push for a walkable downtown, have more bike paths," he said. "The original master plan would have allowed any developer to build up to 30 stories without any givebacks."

Garcia said the changes mean high-density development will come with green roofs, at least 10 percent public space and meet other sustainability requirements. He added that the city's efforts to engage the community "seemed to be flawed" but that it would correct that moving forward.

'We have to be prepared'

The same residents who railed against the riverfront changes were also core supporters of inclusionary zoning. Garcia said the inclusionary zoning ordinance would apply to the higher density buildings and create more housing opportunities for residents.

The law states that new or substantionally rehabilitated residential developments with 30 or more units that need Zoning Board approval will need to set aside housing for those earning from 40 percent of the area's median income to 80 percent.

"Gentrification is not here yet but it doesn't mean that it's not coming," Baraka said. "That's why we have to be prepared."

Baraka additionally signed changes that would give long-term tax abatements only to developers building affordable housing and requiring they hire Newarkers, partner with a minority or female contractor and contribute to the city's schools.

He also signed controversial proposal to to allow buildings near Penn Station to reach 12 stories, up from eight stories in exchange for the buildings meeting certain environmental standards.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.