Newark Apartment Building Is 1st In City With ‘Preference’ For Locals

NEWARK, NJ — There are now 20 more “affordable” apartments in the Brick City, and there’s still time to get your name on the waiting list.

On Tuesday, Newark officials cut the ribbon on a new apartment building at 44 Irvine Turner Boulevard, also known as the Art of Newark. Located in the University Heights section of the city, the building has a total of 155 units – 20 of which are rated as “affordable.” Of these, nine are studio apartments, seven are one-bedroom apartments and the remaining four are two-bedroom apartments.

Here are some more details about the apartments and the building, according to a statement from city officials:

“The Art of Newark also offers a Techno-gym Integrated Fitness Center, an on-site pet washing and outdoor dog run, a secured package room, an interactive intercom system, bicycle and stroller storage, an attached garage parking for rent, a landscaped courtyard with BBQ stations, a game/media room, a lounge room and a kids room. The building is located close to transit lines, parks, restaurants and cafés.”

The best part, officials say? Newark residents have “first dibs” on the affordable apartments.

After an amendment to the inclusionary zoning ordinance (IZO) passed a vote from the city council on Aug. 2, Newark is now allowed to exclusively market new affordable units to local residents for a 90-day period.

The Art of Newark is the first building that – by law – must have a preference for Brick City residents.

To be considered for housing at Art of Newark, applicants must complete a preliminary random selection application by 8 p.m. on Jan 30, 2024. Supporting documents and application fees are not required with preliminary applications. An application can be found online here.

Random selection will take place approximately 14 days after the application deadline. Prospective tenants will be notified about their placement on the waiting list five days afterwards. Applicants will go through income, household composition and asset verification process after they are selected.

Available affordable units at Art of Newark and other buildings will be listed on the city’s searchable database, NewarkHousingSearch.com.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Council President LaMonica McIver was among those cheering for the ribbon cutting on Tuesday.

“It’s a win for the City of Newark and specifically for the Central Ward, as we continue to push Newark forward with economic development and affordable housing,” McIver said.

• See Related: Newark Residents Get 'First Dibs' On Affordable Housing Under IZO

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