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Neighborhood Development Initiatives
University
Heights Science Park
Through
its leadership and in conjunction with four colleges and universities
in Newark that comprise the Council
for Higher Education in Newark (CHEN)‚ the Department
has been instrumental in the development of the University
Heights area in Newark’s Central Ward. This major revitalization
project has resulted in new homes‚ commercial development‚
and economic opportunities for city residents‚ as well
as an improved image for the city. This historical project
is often referenced as an example of the role institutions
of higher learning can have in urban revitalization and neighborhood
development.
University
Heights Science Park High School
Adjacent
to UMDNJ's Newark campus (corner of Norfolk and Market Streets)is
the construction of Science Park High School, one of the first
beneficiaries of a major state capital program under the auspices
of the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (NJSCC)
to build innovative schools across the state. Developed through
a partnership of Newark Public Schools and Science Park in
response to the concerns of the Council for Higher Education
in Newark (CHEN), whose goal is to develop a scientific and
technical workforce in Newark that can participate effectively
in the global economy.
 At
the heart of the design for Science Park High School will
be an "Academic Village" that will strive to create
a "learning centered" environment for science learning
that facilitates interdisciplinary teaching, in a building
that must also function as a community resource. As
is appropriate for a science magnet high school, engineering
technology is a major component of the building aesthetic.
Graduate
Student Housing Project
 The
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey is quickly
moving forward with plans to build its first housing facility,
which will be located at its Newark campus. The building will
not only provide housing for UMDNJ students, but also expand
current parking capacity and provide retail space for the
use and benefit of the entire UMDNJ community. It will be
an expansion of the UMDNJ parking deck near the corner of
Norfolk and West Market Streets.
The
building will be comprised of 234 residential apartment units
in a 14 story structure (9 stories of housing on top of a
5 story addition to the current parking deck). Housing a total
of 465 students, it will offer a mix of unit types including:
46 studio apartments; 34 one-bedroom apartments; 77 two-bedroom
apartments; and 77 three-bedroom apartments. Each unit will
be adequately equipped with efficient kitchens, accessible
bathrooms, and convenient cable/phone/internet ports.
The
project will add a total of 527 new parking spaces to the
1,525 currently at the Norfolk Street Parking Deck. Although
these parking facilities will be available to students, faculty,
and staff, residents will have secured and direct access from
the parking deck to the lobby of the residential facility.
To ensure security, the parking area will be equipped with
security cameras, "safety" buttons, telephones,
and enhanced lighting.
The
building will also provide a campus fitness center and space
for several retail establishments. Of the project's total
square footage of 450,040, 3% (13,501 square feet) is allocated
for retail, 59% (265,524 square feet) is allocated for residential
and 38% (171,015 square feet) is allocated for parking.
UMDNJ's
Board of Trustees is expected to formally approve the project
in October 2004 and construction will start as early as November
2004. Completion is expected in August 2006 (prior to the
start of the fall semester). Rental rates for the apartments
will be established at the time of Board approval.
Victorian Heights Revitalization Project
 The
Department of Urban and Community Development has identified
an eleven block area west of its main Newark campus in dire
need of revitalization. Replete with vacant‚ trash–strewn
lots and abandoned properties‚ a strategy is in place
to work with various community partners and rebuild the area.
The improvement strategy includes the development of new homes‚
rehabilitation of existing homes‚ neighborhood beautification
initiatives‚ and empowerment of local residents through
community organizing.
With
its implementation‚ the Victorian
Heights neighborhood will be transformed into a community
in which the University and other stakeholders can harmoniously
co–exist and help each other.
Housing
Opportunities
As
part of the Department’s neighborhood redevelopment initiatives‚
the Coordinator
of Housing and Urban Development at UMDNJ
is available to provide information relative to neighborhood
development opportunities. For example, the
Officer Next Door Program sponsored by the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development may of interest
to local law enforcement officers. The purpose of the program
is to make it possible for homes owned by HUD to be purchased
at up to 50% off the established fair market price. To qualify‚
one must be a full–time‚ sworn law enforcement officer
with general powers of arrest.
Additionally‚
the Office of Single Family Housing has also announced the
designation of certain neighborhoods for revitalization. The
goal of the program is to encourage eligible teachers‚
law enforcement officers and approved non–profit organizations
to purchase homes at a price discounted from the fair market
price.
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