Ivy Hill, Newark, New Jersey

[1] The Ivy Hill area had been part of the South Orange Township known as Maplewood until 1890 when the city of Newark bought this land.

In exchange, the County rehabilitated the tennis courts and allows Seton Hall University use of the park's facilities.

The Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association was formed several decades ago and hosts forums for public debate.

[9] In 2010, concerns voiced by members included issues such as "increased police presence, job creation, failing schools, recreational facilities for children, control of the Newark watershed, and residency requirements for city employees.

[citation needed] The Ivy Hill Park Apartments consists of ten fifteen-story buildings on Mount Vernon Place and Manor Drive.

[11] "Groundbreaking for the Ivy Hill Apartments took place in September 1951, with the first tenants moving in November of the next year.

Newark further facilitated the apartment buildings construction to allow for cheaper reinforced concrete, rather than structural steel.

In 1955, the complex was sold to New York real estate investor and manager Henry Moscowitz, owner of the Argo Corporation.

Due to its walking proximity to Seton Hall University, many undergraduate and graduate students live here too.

The area has been plagued by high rates of crime in the past few decades, with numerous muggings and murders.

[20] In 2007 there was a triple execution-style murder of three college-bound students behind the Mount Vernon school which generated national attention.

[27] There is a report of residents who were "often afraid to approach their own apartments because of the gauntlet of gang members lurking around the doorways of the buildings.

[28] Security guards for the complex, including off-duty Newark police officers, gave "little resistance" to gang activity, according to one report.

"[30] Criminal gangs either lived or robbed there, sometimes who slipped through apartment doors "cracked barely open by frightened residents.