Today, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced that the City Council has passed a critical Resolution to designate the City of Trenton as an Area in Need of Rehabilitation, a move aimed at addressing the growing issue of abandoned and vacant properties throughout the capital city. The resolution, which was approved by the City Council, will allow Trenton to take a more direct and efficient action to rehabilitate abandoned properties and revitalize neighborhoods.
This designation will allow the City to bypass the lengthy and often cumbersome property auction process, enabling the City to negotiate directly with prospective buyers. By accelerating the sale and rehabilitation of vacant properties, this resolution seeks to address years of blight and underutilization, improve public safety, and ultimately enhance property values across Trenton.
Mayor Gusciora explained, “This is a game-changer for Trenton. By designating our city as an Area in Need of Rehabilitation, we are clearing the way for the rapid disposal and repurposing of abandoned properties that have long been a drain on our communities. This will bring immediate benefits – creating new economic opportunities, improving property values, and transforming neighborhoods for the better.”
The resolution specifically targets abandoned properties acquired by the City through foreclosure or abandonment. It does not aim to redevelop entire neighborhoods, but rather focuses on revitalizing existing structures to stabilize the community and foster long-term growth.
“I am excited about the passing of Resolution 24-444, this will open the door for more residents to acquire property here in the city, adding to our tax rolls. Also, the tax abatement benefits for current homeowners seeking to have home improvements will also be of great benefit; kudos to Mayor Gusciora and his Administration on this effort, I look forward to positive outcomes resulting from this initiative,” stated Council President Crystal Feliciano.
Key Benefits of the “Area in Need of Rehabilitation” Resolution:
- Faster Property Rehabilitations: By streamlining property transactions, the City can speed up the rehabilitation of vacant properties, enhancing neighborhood stability and public safety.
- Economic Development: Rehabilitating vacant properties will generate new economic activity, raise property values, and create construction and related job opportunities.
- Access to State and Federal Funding: The designation opens the door to additional state and federal resources aimed at supporting the revitalization of distressed communities.
- Improved Aesthetic and Safety Conditions: Addressing abandoned properties will reduce blight and its associated social problems, leading to safer, cleaner neighborhoods for all Trenton residents.
“I think this may be one of the most important resolutions I have had the honor to support. Designating Trenton as an area in need of Rehabilitation will give residents a fair chance to purchase homes, helping them to build generational wealth and stability for their families,” said Councilwoman Jasi Edwards. “This designation eliminates many barriers that homebuyers and small or upcoming local investors faced and provide opportunities and access. I am looking forward to the shift that this will create in strengthening our community, generating vital revenue and driving Trenton forward!”
The Area in Need of Rehabilitation Resolution follows the success of similar initiatives in other municipalities across New Jersey, including cities like Newark, Camden, and Paterson, which have already implemented this designation to tackle vacant properties and improve their urban environments. These cities have seen measurable improvements in neighborhood conditions, property values, and economic activity as a result of their efforts.
“This is a proven strategy that has worked in other New Jersey cities, and it will work in Trenton,” said Mayor Gusciora. “We’re not just tackling vacant properties—we’re laying the groundwork for a thriving, revitalized city.”
The City of Trenton is prepared to take advantage of this new designation and will begin negotiating with potential buyers and developers to breathe new life into these abandoned properties. Mayor Gusciora encourages all residents, investors, and stakeholders to get involved in this exciting new phase of Trenton’s revitalization.
For more information on this initiative, please visit the Department of Housing & Economic Development on the City of Trenton’s official website at Trentonnj.org.
