Urban Renewal Politics: Slum Clearance in Newark

The research for this study was completed in the summer of 1960. During the subsequent process of writing and revision it was tempting, at various points in the text, to allude to events that have occurred since then. But, since no systematic study of the 1960-63 period proved possible, it was considered more prudent to let this study stand as a survey of the first eleven years in Newark renewal and to add a short postscript. This chapter notes briefly some of the major events of 1960-63 that concerned NHA's program. To reinterview the major participants was not feasible. Thus, in contrast to the preceding chapters, the following comments are based entirely on written records and newspaper accounts. The chapter deals largely with overt events rather than with the status of NHA's informal relations with the other renewal participants. ¹

The 1960-63 period was one of continued progress for NHA and saw the realization of many of its plans. One new project was initiated -- a new, expanded center for the United Hospital Foundation in the downtown area. Most of the ambitious downtown proposals initiated in 1959 proceeded to the execution stage. Clearance began on the college expansion project and on Phase One of the South Broad Street project. Clearance was completed on the Hill Street site. In the other three downtown proposals -- Penn Plaza (renamed Newark Plaza), Seton Hall, and Essex Heights -- blight was declared by CPB, and NHA is awaiting final local and federal approval of the renewal plans.

Of NHA's three earliest projects the North Ward project alone is completed. Its middle-income housing was fully tenanted by the beginning of 1961. In the Central Ward renewal area the two public housing projects are open for occupancy, and clearance has begun on the redevelopment portions. A seven-block area was

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