Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Municipal Council President Mildred J. Crump, Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Baye Adofo-Wilson, Newark Community Economic Development Corporation EVP & Chief Real Estate Officer Carmelo Garcia and Bergen Street Redevelopment LLC Partner and Founder Kiburi Tucker will break ground for the construction of the Tucker View Apartments today, at 1041 Bergen Street in the city’s South Ward. Newark Community Economic Development Corporation Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer served as Master of Ceremonies.

Created by Newark native and entrepreneur Tucker, Tucker View Apartments will provide 42 units of residential development and commercial space in two new buildings along Bergen Street, in the heart of the South Ward. 1041 Bergen Street will offer 32 residential units over a commercial space, with 14 parking space. 1057 Bergen Street will have 10 residential units and a community center on the ground floor.

“This vitally important new development strengthens the South Ward and its economy and shows our continued commitment to Newark’s neighborhoods and communities,” Mayor Baraka said. “We have always insisted that Newark’s growth and development must fully include our neighborhoods, and not be limited to our downtown. We are turning the shovels to show the proof of our words, and the construction of this complex will show the truth and reality of our commitment to the community. I congratulate the Tucker team and its partners on this development.”

The project received hands-on support and assistance from local community organizations, including the South Ward Special Improvement District and Newark Community Economic Development Corporation. This project was a priority of the community. The district held two Bergen Street Redevelopment Plan meetings for residents to provide their needs and wants for the corridor, and assisted with cleaning surrounding areas of the developed project.

“As it always has, Bergen Street, also known as the commercial heart of the South Ward, serves as a nexus of residential and neighborhood commercial activity.” said Aisha Glover, President & CEO of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation. “This project is a huge milestone for a commercial corridor that has so much potential. With this latest mixed-use project, Bergen Street will be even better positioned to provide new housing options that residents can benefit from and that is the level of investment and contribution we are proud to see happen throughout our city. We were fortunate to play a role in helping to expedite this project.”

“These are exciting times in our city and I feel truly blessed to be a small part of the transformation in the neighborhood where I grew up. Our Mayor continues to challenge us to believe in our city, believe in ourselves and to push forward. When someone ask me why in the South Ward of Newark? My answer is always the same. Why not? If you can’t see past today you’ll never be able to recognize tomorrow,” Mr. Tucker said.