Long-Time Tenants Plead Their Case to Stay in Their Homes, Housing Authority Explores Options

The Terrell Homes Tenant Association invited HUD Region II Regional Administrator Lynne Patton to tour Terrell Homes, a Newark, New Jersey public housing development in deplorable conditions that the Newark Housing Authority is looking to either demolish or turn into a RAD conversion. While many residents have moved from the development, the tenants that organized the tour are requesting to stay because Terrell Homes has been their beloved home for decades.

RA Patton was joined by HUD NJ FOD Maria Maio-Messano, HUD NJ Public Housing Division Director Balu Thumar, and HUD NJ Portfolio Management Specialist Cephas Ward. Newark City Council President Mildred Crump; Councilman and chairperson of NHA Commissioners Board Ed Osborne; Solutions to End Poverty Soon STEPS Director Michael McNeil; and NHA Executive Director Victor Cirillo.

Tenant Association President Rita Fortenberry and Tenant Advocate Bill Good guided RA Patton to see the 11-buildings site, including two apartments belonging to tenants that expressed their desire to stay. The development shows signs of environmental damage, mold conditions; and is located in a flood zone. The Ironbound Community Corporation, a local advocacy group assists the Tenant Association in its efforts to preserve the homes.

The Newark Housing Authority has been working with the tenants and is exploring available options to preserve the units. While demolition is still an option, The Newark Housing Authority has put together a team of professionals that include a professional planner and financial consultant to address the redevelopment of the site.

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