Construction Begins On Senior Housing Project In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A new apartment building is expected to bring dozens of affordable housing units to Newark’s senior population, officials say.

On Monday, city officials and developers gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction on the first phase of the Millard E. Terrell Homes Redevelopment Project at 97 Chapel Street.

Located in the city’s East Ward, the first phase of the project will create 69 “state-of-the art” affordable housing units at the five-story building, specifically designed for seniors 55-years-old and above. The senior housing units will be built above flood elevation levels and have resiliency features to safeguard against severe weather.

Here’s what to expect, according to a statement from the mayor’s office:

“The first floor of the building will have an entrance lobby, a management office, a supportive services office, a generator, compactor and a utility room. The second floor will include 15-one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment. The third floor will include 17 one-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom apartment, common laundry and trash rooms. The fourth floor will include 17 one-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom apartment, and common laundry and trash rooms. The fifth floor will include 17 one-bedroom apartments, common laundry and trash rooms and a small outdoor balcony in the southeast corner of the building.”

The development is Energy Star-certified and an Enterprise Green community, officials said.

The site is owned by the Newark Housing Authority.

The first phase of the project qualified for a $8.9 million award through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Aspire tax credit program, officials noted.

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Mayor Ras Baraka joined Newark Housing Authority Executive Director Leonard Spicer and representatives from The Alpert Group at Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony.

“The first phase of the Terrell Homes project represents our determination to provide comfort and security to the elders of our community,” Baraka said.

Spicer called the groundbreaking a “significant milestone” in the battle to bring more affordable housing to Newark.

“We are grateful for the support of the NJEDA and Aspire program, and we look forward to collaborating with our residents and community partners to bring this transformative vision to life,” Spicer said.

As for the building’s namesake, here’s what to know, officials added:

“An Alabama native and decorated World War II veteran, Mr. Terrell was the first Newark Housing Authority tenant to become one of the authority’s commissioners, holding that post for 13 years until his death in 1986. Fellow tenants held Mr. Terrell in high regard for his hard work and commitment to improving the facilities.”

PHASE TWO

Phase Two of the project will include building a “family housing development.” Details regarding unit configuration are still being negotiated. A project concept with proposed benchmarks and financial pro forma is expected to be drafted in Summer 2024, officials stated.

The complete project will also include retail and community spaces, as well as on-site parking.

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