Hundreds of decaying apartments are slated to meet the wrecking ball.
The Newark Housing Authority has decided to tear down the Baxter Terrace housing complex. Much of the complex has fallen into disrepair, and officials say approximately $67 million worth of renovations would be needed to meet housing standards
"This place is going to the dogs," says 23-year-old Sabrina Spence, who grew up in a cramped Baxter Terrace apartment.
Years of neglect have led to a number of vacancies at the complex, where many apartment are already boarded up. Approximately 350 out of 500 apartments are currently empty. Work crews will clean out the remaining apartments and board them up as well to keep squatters out.
Newark Housing Authority officials say Baxter Terrace's 900 residents will be offered Section 8 vouchers, different public housing or possibly a chance at home ownership. The building's tenants association is working to educate residents about the transition process.
Housing officials plan to begin demolition in the first half of 2008.