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Housing Authority presents plan for NDC campus With over 100 area citizens in attendance, Michael Tonovitz, Executive Director of the Newark Housing Authority, presented a preliminary plan to convert an unused portion of the former Newark Development Center campus into housing. The meeting, held at Newark High School on Monday, was a special village board meeting, with Mayor Blandino stressing that the meeting was an informational forum only. Tonovitz was ready with key facts and figures outlining the authority's reason for additional housing. According to the NHA figures, a waiting list of over 600 households exists, with 90 percent of all applicants for Section 8 and public housing living within 10 miles of the village. Tonovitz stressed that the greatest need is for housing for families needing 3-4 bedrooms, something, according to Tonovitz, area landlords are unable to supply. 'Half of all Section 8 vouchers issued to families with children go unused due to the inability of these families to find an apartment that meets their needs' indicated Tonovitz. The Newark Housing Authority serves 613 households in Wayne County. Why NDC? Tonovitz said that the site was chosen because 1. It is vacant 2. Not attractive to private developers 3. It is not on tax rolls 4. It is zoned properly (will need certain variances). Tonovitz said annual 'payments in lieu of taxes' would be spread among the school district, the village and town. In describing the projected $25 million dollar concept, the NHA outlined plans to upgrade the infrastructure, clean up lead and PCB's, and renovate the existing 14 buildings for multi-use needs. Some 20 new jobs would be created. School board members were in attendance with questions concerning the impact on the school system. It was revealed that the project would result in 30-40 more children in the system, with Tonovitz stressing that when spread out would not have an adverse affect. 'The school buildings are there already and have fixed costs.' The director admitted, however, that a larger number of children with special needs could result from the project. Arcadia Supervisor Joe DeSanto, who toured the site in August, spoke in favor of the project. He would rather see the entire site cleared and new buildings built. Frank Zappia (owner of The Corner) addressed the environmental aspects. 'It's the state's problem. Let them clean it up!' Police Chief Richard Bogan praised the Housing Authority as a good neighbor and responsive to the community. 'I feel that the proposed use is an excellent one' said Bogan who added that the site is already a village police and fire responsibility. The proposed plan will be discussed by members of the village board over the next few weeks as they decide whether to embrace or oppose the project. Copyright
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2003 |
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