Several residential properties under various phases of construction are being showcased today in a walking tour of an East Ward strategic redevelopment area that will be the site of 25 new homes.

 

As the most challenging section of Irvington in terms of social and economic conditions, the East Ward’s rebirth has been deemed critical by Mayor Wayne Smith to the overall future development of the township.

 

The $6.5 million project will convert 20 vacant lots and 5 demolition-ready structures into 22 two- and 3 three-family homes in a target area bounded by Grove Street to the west, 18 th Avenue to the north, the Irvington/Newark border to the east and Springfield Avenue to the south.

 

New Visions Redevelopment Associates, LLC (NVRA), which secured designation as a developer by the township in April 2005, is responsible for the project.

 

“The East Ward has languished for many years due to adverse market and societal forces, in addition to neglect and inaction by prior administrations. Today, however, we can proudly declare there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Mayor Wayne Smith said. “There indeed is a New Vision for the potential and promise in this community and throughout the Township of Irvington,” he added.

 

The lower unit of the two-family homes will feature:

The upper unit of the two-family homes will feature:

The lower level of the three-family homes will feature:

The second and third floors of the three-family homes will feature:

In addition, some properties will have balconies and bay windows; a 1-car and 2-car garage will be attached to the two- and 3-family homes respectively; and all structures will have central air/heating and be wired for cable TV and intercom.

 

“The character and appearance of the neighborhood will be greatly improved by the presence of these new homes that will offer first-rate quality in both materials and construction,” according to Mark Lustbader, a principal of East Ward Redevelopment Assoc., LLC. The firm has partnered with New Visions Development Corporation, headed by Rev. Cornelius Martin and Versey Walker, to form NVRA, LLC.

 

Construction of the 2-family properties began June 2006, work on the 3-family homes should commence at the end of summer, and all structures are expected to be built by Winter 2007.

 

The homes have been fetching market rate prices. One three-family home is still available for $480,000; five of the 2-family properties are available and are priced at $385,000.

 

Project Addresses:

11 – 22 nd St.	9 - 22 nd St.	19 – 22 nd St.	24 – 22 nd St.
26 – 22 nd St.	28 – 22 nd St.	11-13 20 th Ave.	389 – 21 st St.
391 – 21 st St.	273 Ellis Ave.	271 Ellis Ave.	688 Grove St.
296 Ellis Ave.	143 – 22 nd St.	141 – 22 nd St.	139 – 22 nd St.
140 – 19 th Ave.	142 – 19 th Ave.	144 – 19 th Ave.	138 – 22 nd St.
140 – 22 nd St.	141 – 19 th Ave.
302 – 304 21 st St. (3-family)
146 – 148 19 th Ave. (3-family)
123 – 22 nd St. (3-family)

 

New Visions Redevelopment Associates, LLC and its East Ward redevelopment partners:

Mark Lustbader, principal, East Ward Redevelopment Assoc., LLC
Jared Lustbader, principal, East Ward Redevelopment Assoc., LLC
Rev. Cornelius Martin, chairman, New Visions Community Development Corp.
Versey Walker, president, New Visions Community Development Corp.
Mark Kabakow, VP, Wachovia Bank
Pedro Costa, Your Way Construction, Belleville
Autumn Urling, broker, Lev Shetsen, LLC, Newark
Rickey Cooper, broker, Jervae Realtors, Verona

Additional firms in the Township of Irvington East Ward redevelopment plan:

KayGee Development, LLC, ten 2-family homes, $2 million
Risan Development Corp., LLC, five 2-family homes, $1.5 million
Topaz Housing Development Corp., two 2-family homes, $500,000
Maharaj, Inc., franchise of Krauszer’s Food Stores, $500,000
Tri-State Huskies, eight 2-family homes, $1.5 million

 

Township of Irvington redevelopment team:

Mayor Wayne Smith
Wayne Bradley, Team Leader (Business Administrator)
Toni Bennett, Acting Dir., Dept. of Community Development
Judith Deinhardt, Zoning Officer
Cassandra C. Chatman, Acting Coordinator, Urban Enterprise Zone
William Long, Senior Planner
Sheldon Bross, Esq., Chair, Mayor’s Economic Development Committee

 

For information on redevelopment in the Township of Irvington, please call (973) 399-6621.

 

 

Return to news room