Go to New Jersey’s capital, and we’ll find that upwards of 60% of City residents rent their homes (or their apartments). Whereas, in Mercer County – Trenton is located in Mercer County – as well as in the State of New Jersey, overall, between 30% to 40% of residents rent.
Trenton has thousands of vacant lots, non-performing buildings and vacant homes. How come?
One contributing factor had been the hollowing out of Trenton’s industrial base. Leading to a reduction in property tax receipts for the City – I.e.: less property tax revenue. Culminating in a deterioration of Trenton’s center city housing stock.
This former American industrial manufacturing hub – like many other legacy cities which have been adversely affected by de-industrialization policies – has its share of housing-related challenges. Yet, with thousands of vacant lots, non-performing buildings and vacant homes located within its borders, this former Mid-Atlantic industrial heavyweight also possesses the ingredients – serving as a foundational starting point – to establish processes to transition now non-performing Trenton properties to high-quality affordable community assets. Available, then, to those who call Trenton “home.”
