Developer Charles Florio is selling his 85 multifamily properties in Paterson to focus on further development in the city, according to the broker handling the sales.
“The portfolio represents a lifetime of strategic investment and community-focused development by Florio, a leader in Paterson’s recent residential boom,” broker Kislak Company Inc., based in Woodbridge, said in the announcement. “Spanning nearly every corner of the city, the portfolio offers a rare and comprehensive cross-section of Paterson’s architectural history, ranging from preserved and renovated pre-war gems to new developments.”
A Jersey Digs interview request to Florio, CEO and founder of ANIA Management, went unanswered.
Florio has been called the “city’s biggest housing developer” by northjersey.com.
The developer, who has bought and renovated vacant and abandoned homes in some of Paterson’s toughest neighborhoods, made national news in 2018 when he offered police officers free apartments if they moved into the neighborhood.
In 2015, Florio offered to purchase all city-owned vacant land, according to nj.com.
“I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is, buy the properties, make a plan on what I’m doing with my properties, and if not, I lose all my money,” he told NJ.com. “I’m kind of calling them out about it.”
Over the years, Florio has forged bonds with some city officials while openly battling others in City Hall. He has been outspoken about Paterson, including taking the school district to task for selling a school to someone else for less than he was willing to pay.
Florio has waged campaigns against drug dealers and, at times, reached out to the community with assistance. In 2020, Florio offered a family displaced by a fire a rent-free apartment.
“By transitioning this portion of their holdings, they are forging ahead with even more ambitious projects that continue to reshape the local skyline,” Kislak Realty said of Florio’s company in its announcement.
