AREA 4

By Alberto Torrico

Does an Exclusive Community fit in to Newark?

I will not support, however, the building of an exclusive, executive style community. Newark is currently not in compliance with state standards for our fair share of affordable housing. In fact, we have been non-compliant for several years. In addition, we have lost many of our best and brightest teachers, fire fighters, police officers and other public employees because of the lack of affordable housing. Perhaps more troubling, young people who grow up in Newark cannot afford to buy their first home here.

As a result, I will support any new housing development, including AREA 4, only if it contains provisions requiring the builder to earmark a portion of the homes as "affordable." Priority for purchase of these homes would go to our teachers, police officers, fire fighters and our young first time buyers.