CITY OF NEWARK TO JOIN WITH LOCAL DEVELOPERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

TO REVITALIZE BLIGHTED PROPERTIES IN THE WEST WARD

AT 115 SOUTH 9TH STREET, ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, AT 11 A.M.

Project is part of Newark’s Abandoned Properties Pilot Program; City is partnering with local developers to resuscitate 102 vacant and abandoned structures

Newark, NJ - December 19, 2008 - Mayor Cory A. Booker will join with West Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice; Deputy Mayor for Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor; Director of Housing and Real Estate Michael Meyer; The George Group, LLC; representatives from the Greater Newark Housing Partnership; and other local dignitaries; community leaders and residents on Monday, December 22 at 11 a.m. to break ground on a new 12-block-area redevelopment project, located at 115 South 9th Street, as part of the City of Newark’s initiative to revitalize vacant and abandoned properties in the West Ward.

The project, which will include reconstruction of five previously City-owned properties, a health clinic and a community park, is being used as an initial pilot area for Newark’s Abandoned Properties Initiative.

WHO: Mayor Cory A. Booker, West Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice, Deputy Mayor for Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor, Director of Housing and Real Estate Michael Meyer, Master Redeveloper Tate George of The George Group, LLC, representatives from the Greater Newark Housing Partnership, and other local dignitaries, community leaders and residents.

WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for major redevelopment project in Newark’s West Ward.

WHEN: Monday, December 22 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: 115 South 9th Street (Vacant lot)
Newark, NJ

Contact: Newark Press Information Office - (973) 733-8004

***ATTENTION MEDIA: OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOUR OF REDEVELOPMENT SITES AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY ***