As one of Newark’s representatives
in Congress, I am pleased that we have been successful in winning another
award for my home city, the designation of Renewal Community by the Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
The city of Newark has already reaped benefits because of our
status as an Enterprise Community, and this new designation will enable
us to build on that success using federal tax incentives, partnerships
with government and for-profit and non-profit entities. With
this step forward, Newark will be able to use a revitalizing business tax
incentive package to provide housing, health care, education, and new infrastructure.
We are proud of the progress Newark has made with major economic
development initiatives, including the world-class Performing Arts Center,
the development of the waterfront, the expansion of the airport, the renewal
of Weequaic Park, and other projects, but it is important that we continue
to focus also on the basic needs of city residents – housing, jobs, health
care and educational opportunities.
I look forward to working with Mayor Sharpe James and HUD officials
to be sure that we maximize the benefits available to Newark as one of
the designated Renewal Communities.
