During his tenure, the governor has also doubled the rate of Newark’s affordable housing program. By way of example, there were previously 100 abandoned properties within a 10-block radius in the city’s West Ward. The Booker Administration has subsequently refurbished these buildings and filled nearly all of them. Pryor also talked about the city’s “Clean and Green” initiative, which places parks across from Newark schools and, more broadly, cleans up the city’s streets and empty lots.

But the major moves the city has been making can be exemplified in several mixed-use projects. For starters, RBH Group’s Teachers Village, which was developed by Ron Beit and will be designed by renowned architect Richard Meyer, is set to break ground in the next few months. The project will take nearly a block worth of vacant properties and revamp them into 224 units of workforce (specifically, teachers) housing, as well as retail space and several charter schools. “Too often people work in Newark but they don’t’ live here,” said Pryor. “This project is really working to change that.”

In addition, Dranoff Properties is also planning a Theater Square, which will complement NJPAC. “The vision was always to create a new neighborhood around the theater,” Pryor said. “Now, that vision will become a reality.” He added that the public space in front of NJPAC will be developed, and the area is also slated to house Newark’s largest building in the form of an apartment asset, which will include 20% artists housing.

But it’s not just mixed-use projects that are gaining ground in Newark. The city is also making a huge hotel push. “Newark actually has a great track record when it comes to hotel occupancy, with the Hilton and Robert Treat Hotel both posting occupancy rates in the 80% to 90% and above range,” said Pryor. “But, to be honest, we are seriously lacking when it comes to hotels.” Until now, that is. Recently, Tucker announced that it will roll out a Courtyard by Marriott in the city--Newark’s first hotel in 39 years. It is scheduled to rise near the Prudential Center. Although he could not go into detail, Pryor said that there is another solid hotel deal in the works, and the property will also be located near the arena.

On the industrial front, the city is working to improve its distribution centers. To that end, AMB Corp. recently took 191,000 square feet of space, which was all built on spec despite the fact that there were no tenants signed. Since then, the property has attracted Mimeo.com and Pitney Bowes, both of which have taken some serious square feet. Pryor also noted that there are two distribution center deals that could be signed soon.

In addition, Newark is also in the business of lending. In fact, the city has given out 11 small business loans to date, totaling $5 million and creating over 100 jobs. Pryor also highlighted the state’s Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program, which provides funds to areas that are near public transportation, including most of Newark. There is also the Business Employment Incentive program, which the city also takes advantage of. Thanks to these programs, and more, Newark has attracted businesses such as Audible.com and Standard Chartered Bank, which is set to move another 100 employees of its already large employee base here. Also, Pryor revealed that Newark could become home to Panasonic’s North American operations. While the deal is far from done, the company is seriously considering heading to Newark.

In short, said Pryor, “the Booker Administration has worked very hard to bring new businesses to Newark and to change the perception people have of the city. In addition, we are working to streamline our operations and make it easier for business owners to come here.”