Developer Gets Tax Break To Build Apartments At Old Stadium In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A developer will get a tax break from Newark to build a massive redevelopment project at the former home of the Newark Bears, but will also pay workers union wages as part of the deal, a report says.

Last week, the Newark City Council approved a property tax abatement for CitiSquare Newark, which will bring thousands of housing units and restaurant/retail space to the place where old Riverfront Stadium stands. The stadium was home to the Newark Bears until the baseball team folded in 2013. Read More: New Owner, New Future For Bears Stadium Site In Newark

The $2 billion project will be built in nine phases, and will see a total of $18 million in assistance spread out over that period. The developer, an affiliate of Accurate Builders & Developers, has agreed to pay union wages to the workers who build it under the agreement, NJ.com reported.

This latter point was a major demand from members of 32BJ SEIU, who pushed for fair pay at the development site in July during a rally at City Hall. Read More: NJ Union Pushes For 'Prevailing Wages' At Newark Bears Stadium Site

“Newark is the largest city in our state,” a union spokesperson previously told Patch. “Most 32BJ members live and work in Newark. While we are happy to see the growth in our city, we need to be certain that this growth and development is happening within living standards, not only for our members, but also for all workers in Newark.”

• See related article: Newark Planning Board Approves Project At Bears Stadium Site

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