Community Development

Improving Newark for You

The Department of Development is a combination of the Community and Economic Development Departments. The Department provides a range of programs and services designed to strengthen our community by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities. We work with other City Department, the County, and community-based non-profit organizations to improve the quality of life for our citizens.

The Department staff value their interactions with residents, businesses, and institutions in order to promote the best ‘live, work, play’ environment for all people. Our goal is to make this community a place where residents and businesses alike can thrive through our program offerings – from home repair programs to investment incentives and development opportunities.

Development Director

Mark Mauter

Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA’s)

A CRA is an area within the City of Newark “in which real property tax abatement can be granted for any increased property valuation that would result from improvements to the property in the form of new construction or remodeling of existing structures by the property owner.” If you own real property in a CRA, you can remodel structures on that property or build new structures. For existing one- and two-family dwellings, the minimum remodeling is $2500. These improvements are exempt from property taxes for ten years. For existing dwellings of more than two units and existing commercial and industrial structures, the minimum remodeling is $5000. These improvements are exempt for twelve years. New construction is exempt for fifteen years.

CRA Program Overview
CRA Program Summary
CRA Program Pre-1994

Please find below the maps of the current CRA’s within the City of Newark:

If you have recently made improvements to your property and would like to apply for a tax abatement please use the information below to complete your application:

Minority and Women Business Enterprise
Affirmative Marketing and Outreach

The Newark Department of Development encourages minority-owned and women-owned business participation in the City of Newark’s HUD-assisted programs. We embrace the ideals of equal opportunity access and fair treatment in contracting and strive to maximize contracting opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned businesses. City bids are openly advertised to all, and submitted to plans rooms that in turn send the information out to their subscribers.

Emergency Home Repair

Housing initiatives comprise the cornerstone of the Newark Community Development Block Grant program. Owner-occupied rehabilitation and emergency repair aid in the preservation of affordable housing. The City’s down payment assistance program strengthens the opportunity for homeownership. Other housing-related activities include fair housing and clearance/demolition.

Community Development Block Grant

The City of Newark is an entitlement community; therefore the Department of Development receives CDBG funds every year. The CDBG grant dollars fund some of the Department staff in addition to many community and economic development programs.

The Department prepares a 5-Year Consolidated Plan that outlines the goals of how to spend the CDBG funding. Then each year, the Department prepares a 1-Year Action Plan for specific expenditures that must follow the goals of the 5-Year Plan. Some of these expenditures go toward activities that are carried out by the City (e.g. infrastructure projects, development incentives, and housing rehabilitation programs), while other funds go to entities that have applied for funding to support a specific program or initiative.

Neighborhood Revitalization Programs

From diverse housing options, to quality public space, there are a number of variables that go into development and maintaining quality neighborhoods. Providing a range of housing options in safe and comfortable neighborhoods is critical to the overall success of the community, from a workforce and economic development perspective, to socialization and community pride. In simple terms, neighborhoods are the back bone of a community and foundation for how a city operates now and for generations to come.

A neighborhood revitalization program is a targeted strategy that aligns and promotes both financial and human capital to improve the economic, social, and physical elements of a neighborhood. This can work to elevate the quality of Newark’s core neighborhoods. Key goals of a traditional neighborhood revitalization program are to:

  • Enhance neighborhood character by providing resources for current and future residents to improve property conditions and the public realm;
  • Improve the livability of existing housing stock by connecting residents to financial resources for home improvements;
  • Preserve historically significant structures through restoration and preservation of unique characteristics; and
  • Infill core lots and block to eliminate blight and create cohesive neighborhoods and community.

Below is list of community programs that may be able to assist City of Newark residents in meeting these key goals:

  • City of Newark’s Emergency/Minor Home Repair Program is available to assist low to moderate income homeowners with emergency/minor home repairs. Please contact them at (740) 670-7530 for more information and eligibility guidelines.
  • City of Newark’s Sidewalk Replacement Program is available to assist low to moderate income homeowners and landlords with sidewalk replacement.Please contact them at (740)670-7530 for more information and eligibility guidelines.
  • City of Newark’s Lead Hazard Control Program is available to assist low to moderate income homeowner and landlords remediate their houses after an Ohio Department of Health elevated blood lead level investigation. Please contact them at (740)670-7530 for more information and eligibility guidelines.
  • Leads Emergency Home Repair and Handicapped Accessibility Program is available to help residents with emergency home repairs and handicapped accessibility needs.Please call them at (740)345-3133 for more information and eligibility guidelines.
  • Leads Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Emergency Home Repair Program is available to assist seniors with home repairs for handicapped accessibility. Please contact them at (740)345-3133 for more information and eligibility guidelines.
  • Leads Home Weatherization Assistance Program is available to assist low and moderate homeowners with heating and insulation repairs. Please contact them at (740)345-3133 for more information and eligibility guidelines.

Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio Home Repair Program is available to assist low to mid-income level homeowners with repairs. Please contact them at (614)484-1966 for more information and eligibility guidelines. 

Verified by MonsterInsights