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

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

Officials announced the launch during a press conference on July 1. They said the goal is to create housing, economic and employment opportunities, increase access to improved public spaces and build connections to neighboring communities for additional opportunities.

The Coalport neighborhood in Trenton's North Ward was once a thriving industrial center. When factors like redlining drew away investment, it fell into disrepute, resulting in abandoned buildings and an underserved community.

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

“This initiative is an important step in transforming our Coalport neighborhood into a thriving, vibrant community,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.

The program features include:

• Resource assessment, potential remediation strategies, 3D physical models of the area and a detailed remediation plan;
• Teams from the Watson Institute and the School of Public Architecture will work with local residents to gather community input to guide the development of the revitalization plan.
• Partnering with The Practice of Democracy (TPD), which provides Kean with a detailed analysis of the project site and real estate market conditions, mapping of local resources, review of regional and local factors, and reports on existing land use/zoning to support revitalization planning.

Investing in the community

U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th District, New Jersey) played a key role in securing funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, whose district includes Trenton.

“The Coalport Revitalization Planning Project is an investment shaped by the vision of the residents of the historic Trenton neighborhood. This project places an emphasis on community involvement, historical context and social justice – and I am proud to support it,” said Watson Coleman, who was present at the opening. “As the sole grantee of New Jersey's congressional delegation, I want to ensure that New Jerseyans' tax dollars go directly back and make a difference in our communities.”

The Coalport Revitalization Planning Project is an investment shaped by the vision of the residents of the historic Trenton neighborhood.
– US Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman

David Mohney, dean of Michael Graves College, called the project a major step forward for the School of Public Architecture's mission to engage with New Jersey communities, adding that 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,” Mohney said. “We believe this planning grant will lead to a series of building projects that will positively impact the lives of the people of Trenton – creating a better, healthier environment with better opportunities to live and work.”

Gusciora added, “By actively engaging our residents in developing community visions, conducting careful resource assessments and developing innovative development strategies, we ensure that Coalport’s future is shaped by those who know it best – its residents.”