Kean project to transform Trenton’s Coalport neighborhood

In an effort to revitalize a once-thriving neighborhood in Trenton, Kean University announced the Coalport Neighborhood Revitalization Planning Project.

The project is funded via a two-year, $750,000 federal grant. It is led by Kean’s John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research and its Michael Graves College School of Public Architecture .

Officials announced the launch during a July 1 press conference. They said the aim is to address housing, economic and employment opportunities as well increase access to improved public spaces and building connections to adjacent communities for additional opportunities.

Located in Trenton’s North Ward, the Coalport neighborhood was a one-time thriving manufacturing hub. As factors such as redlining drove investment away, it became distressed, leading to abandoned buildings and an underserved community.

“This project will create the blueprint for the transformation of the Coalport neighborhood, with engaged professionals from the Watson Institute and the School of Public Architecture working directly with community residents,” said Kean University President Lamont . “As the state’s urban research university, we are proud to play a pivotal role in the future of the Coalport neighborhood.”

“This initiative marks a significant step toward transforming our Coalport neighborhood into a thriving, vibrant community,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.

Some features of program include:

• Resource assessment, potential strategies for redevelopment, physical 3D models of the area and a detailed redevelopment plan;



• Teams from the Watson Institute and School of Public Architecture will engage with local residents to gather community input to guide the revitalization plan development;



• Working with The Practice of Democracy (TPD), which will provide Kean a detailed analysis of the project site and real estate market conditions, local resource mapping, a review of regional and local factors, and existing land use/zoning reports in support of revitalization planning.

 

Community investment

U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-NJ 12th District, played a pivotal role in securing the funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Her district includes Trenton.

“The Coalport Revitalization Planning Project is an investment shaped by the vision of those who live in the historic Trenton Neighborhood. This project prioritizes community input, historical context, and social equity and I am proud to support it,” said Watson Coleman, who was on hand for the launch. “As the only appropriator from the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, I want to make sure that New Jerseyans’ tax dollars come right back to make a difference in our communities.”

The Coalport Revitalization Planning Project is an investment shaped by the vision of those who live in the historic Trenton Neighborhood.

U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

Michael Graves College Dean David Mohney described the project as a major step forward for the School of Public Architecture’s mission of engaging with New Jersey communities. He added the program will provide research opportunities for students.

“Our students and faculty believe that architecture can improve the public environment for everyone. Thanks to the partnership with the Watson Institute, we now have the opportunity to do that,” said Mohney. “We believe that this planning grant will lead to a series of built project that affect the lives of the people of Trenton positively creating a better, healthier environment with better opportunities for housing and work.”

Gusciora added, “By actively engaging our residents through community visioning, conducting thorough resource assessments, and developing innovative strategies for development, we are ensuring that the future of Coalport is shaped by those who know it best its residents.”

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