Montclair State University and Partners Launch Public Phase of One Square Mile Initiative in Paterson

Community and philanthropic partners joined elected officials and Montclair State University on November 21 for the launch of Phase 2 of One Square Mile (OSM), the hyperlocal, place-based initiative designed to revitalize a designated area of Paterson, New Jersey that began in February 2023.

The second phase of One Square Mile is the result of a yearlong effort to understand the needs of the community through the formation of the Paterson One Square Mile Community Advisory Committee of community leaders in Paterson. The pilot phase of the initiative was made possible through support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

After working to turn Paterson’s Eastside High School into a University-assisted community school, Phase 2 of One Square Mile will focus on creating housing solutions for Paterson residents in the first, fourth and fifth wards of the city over the next five years.

“The Paterson One Square Mile is how big change happens,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “A public-spirited university, committed to making a difference, is working hand-in-hand with creative, energized community partners. Supported by visionary, philanthropic investment, they are altering the trajectory of our communities. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Paterson, and across New Jersey.”

“The community led us to where we are today,” says Transform Consulting Group President Amanda Lopez. “Over 500 Paterson residents helped Paterson One Square Mile identify housing as their top priority and how they want to see housing addressed. The community came together to create a comprehensive plan. We are excited to share this housing action plan and invite others to join in implementing the plan.”

Housing Statistics in Paterson, NJ

Within One Square Mile’s designated area:

• The population has increased by 11% in the last 10 years – more than four times the rate of the rest of Passaic County (2.4%) and nearly twice the rate of the city of Paterson (7.4%)
• Residents have the highest rate (5%) of people living in overcrowded housing
• 58% of OSM residents are “rent-burdened” – which means they are paying more than 30% of their monthly income towards housing costs92% of OSM residents are renters, leaving only 8% as homeowners

One Square Mile Phase Two Goals

After listening to community leaders to identify housing challenges, Montclair State University and Transform Consulting Group assisted in developing five housing goals that will be pursued over the next five years.

1. Expand Housing Affordability: The Community Advisory Committee will look to expand affordable housing opportunities and advocate to create policies to expand opportunities.
2. Increase Supply and Stability: Working with the City of Paterson, the Committee will seek to turn abandoned buildings and underutilized space into affordable housing, as well as create an eviction protection program to increase stability.
3. Improve Housing Quality: The Committee will work to increase energy efficiency for residents and create safe housing in the One Square Mile area.
4. Create Housing and Safe Neighborhoods: Wraparound services will be expanded for residents to help ensure safe neighborhoods and community leader programming will be developed to foster the next generation of community leaders to ensure the area’s continued growth.
5. Build Assets and Wealth: The Committee will create programming to educate residents on the benefits of homeownership as opposed to renting, and how it can create generational wealth for the city.

“The One Square Mile housing plan draws from proven strategies that have successfully created affordable, sustainable housing across New Jersey and the nation,” says Passaic County Habitat for Humanity CEO Scott Millard. ”By implementing evidence-based policies — such as requiring 20% affordable units in new developments and mandating that 60% of units be two-or three-bedroom apartments suitable for families — Paterson can better serve its residents while ensuring responsible development. Together with our partners at Montclair State University and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, we urge the City Administration, Council, and Boards to adopt these recommendations to create lasting positive change for our community.”

Montclair State University and the City of Paterson

The second phase of One Square Mile is the latest achievement in the expanding relationship between Montclair State University and the City of Paterson.

The University opened The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium in April of 2024, which engages audiences in the history of the Negro Leagues and its famous players while creating learning opportunities for both Montclair students and the students of Paterson Public Schools.

“This is a significant milestone in our shared vision for a stronger, more resilient Paterson,” says Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. “Through the One Square Mile Initiative, we are addressing one of the most pressing needs in our community – affordable and stable housing. The partnership with Montclair State University, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and our local leaders exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change. Together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities, ensuring that every family in Paterson has access to safe, quality housing and the resources they need to thrive.”