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ICC believes as a matter of right that everyone should have access to affordable, decent housing. However, every day, this is getting more challenging in our community.
Since Ironbound has attracted housing development even in the City’s lean years, it has been clear to us that if Newark is to gentrify and displace residents in the process, this will occur in Ironbound first.
Our work on the ground with families, especially with the most vulnerable like recent immigrants and public housing residents, who enter our Centers every day complaining of landlord harassment as well as our constant monitoring of projects at Planning and Zoning Boards has supported this concern. When developers proudly claim at Planning Board meetings that their projects are intended for “men in suits from New York and Hoboken,” the community can easily read the writing on the wall.
This has led us to focus more intensively on housing issues in recent years and to develop policies and actions that put us as far ahead of the gentrification/displacement curve as possible. We strongly believe that these matters are best addressed through multi-pronged strategies that include grassroots organizing, influencing policy at the government level, and many other actions in between. While preventing gentrification and shaping a just transition in Newark’s revitalization is a yeoman’s task, we certainly have had some major successes. Chief among these may simply be that ICC has elevated the issues of gentrification, displacement, and equitable revitalization into the City’s consciousness and public discourse.
Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) has played a pivotal role in advancing housing justice and equitable revitalization in Newark. One of their significant achievements is the successful passage of a strong Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (IZO), initially drafted by ICC in 2016, which mandates 20% affordability for new projects of 30 or more units. This ordinance, closely resembling ICC’s draft, was passed by the City Council and is considered one of the strongest in the nation. Additionally, ICC led the effort to introduce a Right to Counsel (RTC) ordinance, securing free legal services for evicted residents after organizing city-wide support and collaborating with the mayor and local advocates.
ICC has also been instrumental in advocating for the preservation and revitalization of Terrell Homes, a predominantly Black and Brown community facing potential demolition. By reactivating the Tenants Association and rallying allies, ICC helped stop the eviction and demolition plans, and today, they are actively involved in discussions with the Newark Housing Authority on a revitalized future for the community. Through the Homes for All Newark coalition, ICC has also successfully fought for stronger rent control, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable housing opportunities in Newark.
ICC’s work proudly continues today. Contact us to learn more or to get involved.
OFFICE LOCATION: 317 Elm Street, Newark, NJ 07105
For more information, contact us at info@ironboundcc.org or 973.817.7013.
