A local developer who is looking to fill a significant housing need in the Brick City is hoping to begin construction on her latest development next summer.
Adenah Bayoh, an Irvington native who grew up in public housing, recently sat down with Jersey Digs to discuss her latest Newark project at 654-688 South 11th Street. Bayoh previously developed 280 Park Place and 722 Chancellor in neighboring Irvington before deciding to focus on Newark, where 2021 data shows the affordable housing shortage sat at over 16,000 units.
Bayoh’s five-story development is designed by Collingswood-based Kitchen & Associates and includes 40 units alongside what she describes as market-rate amenities. Apartments at the complex are slated to include in-unit washers/dryers and wifi access for all residents plus a community room, electric vehicle charging stations, and an on-site playground.
“This is not a project that keeps people locked into their apartments,” says Bayoh, who also touts a courtyard and green features that are included in the development.
The future complex, which is fully approved by the city’s boards, will transform an underutilized parcel of land near the corner of Springfield Avenue, a major city roadway. Every unit in the project will be designated as affordable housing and will include units for all levels of qualifiers per the Area Median Income (AMI) requirements.
Bayoh considers the project a bit of a personal homecoming, as she is a product of Newark’s South Ward and attended Weequahic High School. She once lived three blocks from the development site in Fairview Homes along 17th Avenue and will be teaming up with the YMCA as a social service partner for the project, which aims to set aside several units for housing-insecure residents.
The project is 100% women-owned and Bayoh hopes to create more space in the real estate development industry for women. The development is looking to receive a 9% tax credit through New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and hopes to break ground in August 2023.
