In the Central Ward of Newark , many people became displaced by the idea of urban renewal .To many , urban renewal was rather referred to as “Negro Removal” , because of the mass amount of people who would be without a home due to this renewal. With more than 150 acres of slums cleared to accommodate what we now know as UMDNJ, highways, and downtown development of Newark became furious at this selfish gesture (Hayden 1968:6). What people couldn't understand is “How could Newark Possibly become a better place while tearing down its people?” With dilapidated housing and less than standard efforts for up-keep, moving business’ in was the only way to remodel the now deteriorating city of Newark. Many buildings such as JFK Recreation Center, UMDNJ and redeveloped townhomes now take the place of what used to be peoples’ homes. A first-hand account was taken of the new city and the change it has gone through "I don't see anything left," says Heard Hackett, former citizen of Newark (NJ.com). Being that the central ward was the starting point of the riots, it was hit the hardest July 14, 1967 , the fury of its citizens could no longer be contained and sparked a new revolution citywide and lead the way for further confrontation.
Housing slowly began to deteriorate after the shortages in housing decreased due to the influx of