Residential housing strictly for seniors – one named for former Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver – was approved by Newark officials this week. The approval clears the way for the 48-unit facility in the South Ward.
The five-story Sheila Y. Oliver Senior Housing facility will be located at 117,119-121 Aldine St. and 295-303 Lyons Ave. — on a lot that been vacant for more than two decades.
The Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved the project Thursday night, a day after the Newark City Council approved a 30-year tax abatement under the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency law.
The facility will be entirely affordable.
Of the 48 units, 42 will be rented to seniors who collect 60% Area Median Income, five will be dedicated to seniors with special needs at 20% AMI, and one unit will be occupied by a full-time superintendent.
The facility will include a community room, an outdoor patio and wellness and exercise rooms — in which health services will be offered to residents.
The Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation will offer programs for residents and local residents, including job fairs and financial literacy courses.
Charles Oliver, the nephew of the late lieutenant governor and co-managing member of the Sheila Y. Oliver Senior Housing Community LLC, was thrilled to see the project take a key step to completion.
He was especially pleased that it will be built in the neighborhood in which Oliver grew up.
“This project is in memory of the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver, who cared deeply about the senior population and the production of affordable housing,” he said.
