Council Debates $80 Million Tax Abatement Amid Resident Complaints in Morris Avenue Project

The Newark Municipal Council meeting on August 5, 2025, featured heated discussions regarding community concerns and a significant state-funded development project.

One of the primary topics was the $80 million project on Morris Avenue, which is fully funded by the state and includes a request for a 30-year tax abatement. Residents expressed their dissatisfaction during a recent meeting, highlighting ongoing issues in their apartments, such as malfunctioning intercoms and inadequate accessibility features. Concerns were raised about the lack of a community benefit meeting to address these issues, despite the project's substantial funding and the community's opposition to the tax abatement.

Speakers emphasized that the proposed improvements do not adequately address the residents' needs. They called for comprehensive renovations, including wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, rather than minor fixes. The urgency of these improvements was underscored by the residents' inability to use bathtubs due to accessibility issues.

The council's decision on the tax abatement and the future of the development project remains uncertain, as community members continue to advocate for their rights and necessary upgrades to their living conditions. The meeting highlighted the ongoing tension between development interests and community needs in Newark.