In the News
(For articles concerning Public Policy please refer to the Public Policy page.)
From Vision to Reality: Irvington, New Jersey's Housing Boom
June 2007, New Jersey Municipalities Magazine -- Good business development strategies go a long way towards revitalizing communities, but Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith knows that housing development needs to keep pace with economic expansion. With the help of a $288,500 loan from LISC, the Township of Irvington partnered with New Visions Redevelopment Associates, LLC, to construct 25 new multi-family homes, spurring the development of surrounding properties throughout the town. The project has generated hope and excitement for a community that's languished for years under adverse market and societal forces.
Going forward, Mayor Smith plans to work with LISC of Greater Newark and Jersey City on future ventures that focus on the development of commercial entities and community facilities, as well as housing. Download the full article (PDF, 4.5 MB)
Newark's Neighborhood Rehab, One House at a Time
December 8, 2006, WBGO 88.3 (www.wbgo.org) -- Andrew Meyer reports on a pilot project in Newark that helps seniors and those on fixed incomes to bring their homes up to code and make much needed repairs. Applicants can qualify for a grant up to $15,000. Funded by LISC, the program is being administered through a partnership with La Casa de Don Pedro. Featured in the interview is Mildred Melendez, home repair grant recipient, Julio Colon La Casa's Economic and Housing Director and Gerard Joab, LISC Senior Program Director. Listen to the complete recording (RAM file)
Fourth Annual LISC New Jersey Neighborhood Achievement Awards
December 2006 -- Positive Community provides a brief overview of the 4th Annual LISC New Jersey Neighborhood Achievement Awards along with a collage of photos of Award recipients and presenters including Elysa Scharf of Wachovia (the event's lead sponsor), Michael Rubinger-LISC CEO/President and Mark Willis, JPMorgan Chase Executive Vice President. Download Positive Community, December Issue (PDF)
November 2006 -- Gerard Joab, LISC Senior Program Director, is interviewed concerning the purpose of the LISC NJ Neighborhood Achievement Awards and LISC's growing role in community development. Download Positive Community, November Issue (PDF)
Building on a new frontier
August 20, 2006, Star Ledger -- Article features LISC's work with New Visions CDC on the Newark/ Irvington borderline with interviews with New Visions' board chairman, Reverend Martin. Download the article (PDF)
One City: Newark, NJ
January/ February 2004 -- National Housing Institute - Shelterforce features Gerard Joab, LISC Sr. Program Director, among other community development professionals, in an article on Newark and CDCs challenges, "One City: Newark, NJ", by Linda Ocasio also offers some insight to how CDCs can move towards making a better Newark. Read the article online
How can community groups revitalize neighborhoods?
January 23, 2004, NY/ NJ WBGO 88.3 -- Gerard Joab, LISC Senior Program Director, and Reese Fayde, CEO of Living Cities, are the featured guests on WBGO Journal, a leading talk news radio program in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Gerard and Reese talks with news director, Doug Doyle, about how community groups can help revitalize neighborhoods, commercial corridor redevelopment, the ongoing effort to create affordable housing and several other topics important to community and economic development overall. Click here to listen to the broadcast. You must have RealPlayer on your system to listen. Tune in and enjoy!