NEWPORT HOUSING CRISIS: Longtime Jersey City Residents Face an Uncertain Future After Affordable Hou

NEWPORT HOUSING CRISIS: Longtime Jersey City Residents Face an Uncertain Future After Affordable Housing Program Ends

160 affordable apartments affected — residents seek answers after Ordinance 25-126 fails.

JERSEY CITY, NJ — For decades, Newport has been home to hardworking families, seniors, retirees, and longtime residents who helped build this waterfront community. Today, many of those residents are facing an uncertain housing future.

I have lived in Newport for approximately 25 years, and I never imagined that so many of my neighbors would be left wondering whether they could eventually afford to remain in their homes.

What Is Happening?

The Moderate Income Affordable Housing Program affecting 160 apartments at 30 and 40 Newport Parkway has reportedly ended, leaving residents concerned about future rent increases and the possibility of displacement.

Newport Residential Management is offering a one-year transitional lease renewal to qualifying residents who complete income recertification. According to information provided to residents by Jersey City housing officials, eligible households may receive increases of no more than 3.5%, while households exceeding income limits may face higher increases.

I personally received a renewal offer with no rent increase, and I appreciate that. However, the larger question remains:

What happens when these temporary renewals expire?

What Happened to Ordinance 25-126?

In November 2025, the Jersey City Council rejected Ordinance 25-126 by a final vote of 1–6, with one abstention and one absence.

The proposal would have provided a 30-year tax exemption arrangement in exchange for several commitments, including:

• Preserving 160 existing affordable apartments.
• Adding 18 additional affordable apartments.
• Making more apartments available to lower-income households as existing tenants moved out.
• Approximately $30 million in major building improvements.
• Increased annual payments to Jersey City under the proposed agreement.

The ordinance was defeated, and the proposed protections were not established.

The question residents are now asking is simple:

If Ordinance 25-126 was not the right solution, what alternative plan is being developed?

Residents Need More Than Referrals

Many residents have contacted City departments, State agencies, elected representatives, and Newport Management.

Too often, the responses direct residents to another office or explain why a particular agency cannot intervene.

We understand that government agencies have different responsibilities. However, residents deserve a coordinated effort to explore realistic solutions.

A one-year renewal may provide temporary relief, but it does not resolve the long-term uncertainty.

A Call for Action

I am asking Jersey City officials, New Jersey housing agencies, Newport ownership, and our elected representatives to work together and meet with affected residents.

We need a clear discussion about preserving affordable housing, preventing displacement, and identifying what protections or assistance may be available beyond the transitional leases.

This is not simply about rent. It is about families, seniors, neighbors, and people who have spent decades contributing to this community.

To Newport and Hudson County Residents

If you live at 30 or 40 Newport Parkway, have received a renewal notice, or are facing a similar situation in Jersey City or another Hudson County community, I encourage you to share your experience.

We need greater public awareness, open communication, and constructive community participation.

THE ORDINANCE FAILED. THE PROBLEM DID NOT DISAPPEAR. WE ARE STILL HERE. WHAT IS PLAN B?

AMIN BISONO
Newport Resident for Approximately 25 Years
Jersey City, New Jersey

Source: Jersey City Ordinance 25-126 (defeated November 2025), Newport lease-renewal communications, and correspondence from Jersey City housing officials.