A unique agricultural and residential development is in the works for a small group of properties off of Central Avenue in Newark’s West Ward.
The Newark Municipal Council unanimously adopted a resolution earlier this month that will allow for three tracts that are currently owned by the municipal government to be transferred through a private sale to Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc., a local non-profit organization.
Under the resolution, Newark Science and Sustainability is expected to pay $10,479.94 for 3-5 and 7 Fairmount Avenue, which are located south of Central Avenue, and $22,844.52 for 8-12 3rd Street, which is located north of Central Avenue. Work on the development must begin within three months after the ownership change and be completed within a year and a half.
The organization plans to use the parcels to redevelop a hydroponic farm and a four-story mixed-use building, according to the resolution. Should the plans continue to advance, the building would reportedly contain office space, a farmers market, and three “affordable apartments.”
In recent years, while under the ownership of the City of Newark, the properties at 3-5 and 7 Fairmount Avenue have contained Newark Science and Sustainability’s Garden of Hope. Meanwhile, the parcel at nearly 8-12 3rd Street has consisted of a crumbling garage.
