Newark Will Pump Up To $6M Into Coronavirus Relief

NEWARK, NJ — The City of Newark is getting ready to pump up to $6 million into the local community in an effort to help residents and businesses cope with the new coronavirus.

On Wednesday, Mayor Ras Baraka announced that Newark is launching six programs that will alleviate some of the “desperate” crush caused by COVID-19.

The programs – which will be rolled out through April 3 – include an emergency grant fund for small businesses, short-term housing for vulnerable residents, homeowner and worker assistance, and emergency funding for arts and cultural organizations.

“COVID-19 has impacted our most vulnerable residents in Newark including our residents without addresses, our working poor and the small businesses,” Baraka said.

According to city officials, the upcoming programs include:

• “Up to $2 million investment in a small business and non-profit emergency fund with grants up to $10,000 for 200 qualified businesses.”
• “Approximately $1 million investment in rapid, short-term rental housing for 300 of the most vulnerable Newark residents, including those without permanent addresses.”
• “Up to $1 million investment in community-based non-profits that serve Newark residents.”
• “A $1 million investment in the “Live Newark” program to provide down payment and rehabilitation funds for up to 100 Newark homeowners.”
• “Up to $750,000 arts initiative investment that will assist up to 30 arts and cultural organizations with operating funds and capital funds.”
• “Mayor Baraka has directed the tax assessor to accept applications from building owners with business tenants who have been negatively affected by COVID-19. The buildings will be reassessed to reduce the taxes owed by the building and the tax savings will be passed along to the small business tenants in form of a rent reduction.”

“The federal bailout will help some, but we need more and we can do more to help our city thrive,” Baraka said. “We need to take action right now, today to help the residents and small businesses weather this health emergency and continue to thrive once we are on the other side of it.”

• See related article: Coronavirus Stimulus Package (5 Things It Means For You)

Earlier this month, Baraka placed a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in Newark for 60 days and provided a 60-day grace period for payments to Newark utilities including water and sewer and taxes.

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