Cheers In Newark As Demolition At Seth Boyden Complex Begins

NEWARK, NJ — A new future has officially begun for the first public housing complex in the city of Newark.

When it was built in 1939 – just after the Great Depression – the 15-acre Seth Boyden Court served as a home to generations of children and families. But after years of service, the 530 apartment units, which spanned 12 buildings, were closed due to high maintenance costs and public safety issues in 2015.

Since then, the property at 164 Dayton Street has remained abandoned. And after six years of “sitting idle,” it has now become a public health and safety risk, city officials say.

Demolish it and start anew? That plan has been in the works for a while, officials added.

The complex received demolition approval in 2014. However, due to the lack of funding, it has been standing empty. But the situation recently took a turn for the better, city officials said:

“Recognizing that the Newark Housing Authority had begun discussion on the redevelopment of the complex and Dayton Street neighborhood, Mayor Baraka and the City of Newark stepped in and offered to extend $4 million towards the demolition in the form of a loan to be repaid from redevelopment proceeds. The Housing Authority Board of Commissioners accepted the proposal, and a shared services agreement was born.”

The Housing Authority has named Boraie Development as the developer of a mixed-income residential complex. In addition, it is considering options for a commercial component at the site, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Dayton Street neighborhood has been declared “an area in need of rehabilitation,” and education, health and public safety options are “all on the table” for the neighborhood, officials said.

Perdomo of New York will undertake the demolition, and the Housing Authority will be working with the state of New Jersey to assist with the financing of the environmental components. The Housing Authority is also anticipating a New Jersey Economic Development Authority partnership through the newly created Aspire program, city officials said.

Mayor Ras Baraka, U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. and other stakeholders marked the beginning of the demolition process on Thursday, taking a symbolic ride on the crane that began the construction work.

“We’re here today because we want to revitalize, repurpose and transform this whole neighborhood,” Baraka said. “It’s not just about this project, it’s about this entire community, the history of it, and the future of what it’s going to be.”

Baraka said that future includes affordable and market housing, commercial development and even the possibility of a film studio.

“This site will be an example of what we have the authority and power to do when we work together to make it happen,” the mayor said.

Payne, who represents the 10th District including Newark, was also at Thursday’s news conference.

“The revitalization that will happen here will enhance the quality of life for all the people in this area,” Payne said, crediting Baraka for putting affordable housing at the “top of his priorities.”

“We will keep the federal government interested in these projects and make sure that we continue the revitalization of Newark,” the congressman said.

The project also got a big thumbs up from Newark Housing Authority Executive Director Victor Cirilo and Deputy Mayor for Economic and Housing Development Allison Ladd.

“We are ecstatic for the Dayton Street neighborhood and the city at large not only for the anchor redevelopment at this site, but also the vision for the entire neighborhood,” Cirilo said.

“The Dayton area is on its way to become an exciting mixed-use neighborhood,” Ladd agreed. “Blight will be replaced by wonderful places for people of all incomes to live, and such commercial uses as business incubators, live performance theaters, film studios, and research and development.”

“With the convenience of a new PATH station being built in that neighborhood and the beauty and recreation activities of Weequahic Park, this neighborhood will carry out Mayor Baraka’s vision of equitable growth and become a gem of the South Ward,” Ladd added.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.