Mayor Ras J. Baraka
State City 2017 Report
of the
March 2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 3 A SAFER CITY
Reducing Crime to the Lowest Levels in 50 Years 4
A MORE PROSPEROUS CITY
Establishing a National Model to Reduce Unemployment 8
A LEADING CITY
Leading the Way in Revenue Collection and Technology 10
A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED CITY
Providing Residents With a High Quality of Life and Housing 12
A DESTINATION CITY
Attracting Businesses to Improve Neighborhoods and Downtown 14
CITY OF NEWARK Ras J. Baraka, Mayor
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Mildred C. Crump, Council President/Council Member-at-Large Augusto Amador, Council Member, East Ward Carlos M. Gonzalez, Council Member-at-Large John Sharpe James, Council Member, South Ward Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins, Council Member, Central Ward Joseph A. McCallum, Jr., Council Member, West Ward Eddie Osborne, Council Member-at-Large Luis A. Quintana, Council Member-at-Large Anibal Ramos, Jr., Council Member, North Ward
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Message from the Mayor
DEAR NEWARKERS: The news media are beginning to discover what Newarkers already know: Our city is in the midst of an unprecedented transformation. Change is in the air. Everywhere. Not just downtown but throughout our five wards. Newark’s progress is driven by all of us - our community organizations, businesses, parents, students, unions, immigrants, philanthropies, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and government working collectively to chart a new direction. In my third State of the City Address, I focused on three critically important issues: public safety, where crime is down by 13%; jobs, where more than 3,000 additional Newarkers are now employed; and development where we have attracted two billion dollars in new commercial investment this past year. I have created major initiatives to assure that Newark residents in all of our five wards will benefit from the surge in development and investment from creating thousands of jobs for Newarkers, to requiring that developers provide housing that residents can afford, to encouraging major Newark businesses to buy more goods and services from small businesses. I invite you to read this booklet to learn about the many new initiatives through which Newarkers are working together to build a safer, more confident and prosperous future. Thank you very much and God Bless. In solidarity,
Ras J. Baraka Mayor
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March 2017 • State of the City Report
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A SAFER CITY
Reducing Crime to the Lowest Levels in 50 Years CONSISTENTLY HIRING MORE POLICE OFFICERS
44 40
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Jul 2014
Sep 2014
Oct 2015
Mar 2016
May 2016
June-Dec 2016
Mar 2017
Recruits Pending Graduation
Police Officers Graduated
Police Officers Graduated
Number of detectives investigating shootings went up from 8 to 24+
Police Officers Graduated
The city experienced 68 less shootings, resulting in a 10% reduction in homicides
Police Officers Graduated
The shooting clearance rate increased approximately 25%
23
Police Officers Graduated
INCREASING SHOOTING TASK FORCE MEMBERS
23
Special Police Officers Sworn In
50
40
37
35
MOVING OFFICERS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS TO PATROL FUNCTIONS
police officers were moved to patrol functions during 2016
216
For the first time in nearly five (5) years, the Newark Police Division has been increasing the police force by consistently hiring and graduating new recruits from the Essex County Police Academy and the Passaic County Police Academy.
Police Officers Graduated
T
he City of Newark saw a 13 percent overall crime reduction in 2016, the lowest level in 50 years when comparing 2016 to any other year since 1967. On a human level, this means, 1,323 fewer crime victims than 2015. At the end of 2016, the City had 11 percent fewer homicide victims than 2015. Additionally, there has been a 22 percent reduction in non-fatal shooting victims this year. Finally, the number of shooting incidents fell 21 percent in 2016. Some of the factors that contributed to the reduction include:
Aug 2017
During 2016, more than 100 officers graduated the police academy; a second class of 23 officers will graduate in March 2017, and plans call for a third class of 216 new officers—the largest-ever Newark Police Division recruit class—will begin the academy in August, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2017.
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Building Trust Between Police and Community (Left) Deputy Public Safety Director Raul Malave, Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, and Police Chief Darnell Henry.
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large contributing factor to the 50-year crime reduction is Mayor Baraka’s charge to make Newark “a city where alternative policing strategies become the norm.” So, while policing has improved, community engagement and capacity-building has also contributed to the record low crime. COMMUNITY POLICING UPDATE •• Community Focus Unit Established The Community Focus Unit is a group of patrol personnel that directly address citizen needs in a specific neighborhood, offering residents a friendly and familiar police presence. •• Treating Violence as Public Health Social Workers from the Department of Health and Community Wellness participate in the Newark Community Street Teams initiative and the West Ward Violence Prevention Program. The staff work to train violence mediators and interrupters who develop relationships with youth in high-crime areas of the City in hopes of stopping violence before it can occur.
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•• Newark Street Academy Graduates Two Classes In 2016, the Newark Street Academy graduated two classes of otherwise out-of-school youth. The Newark Street Academy helps at-risk youth to complete their high school education and gain employment. The Academy gives youth an alternative to crime. •• Community COMSTAT Continues The Community COMSTAT meeting allows residents to view up-todate crime information; learn how complaints are tracked and the crime reduction strategies police are utilizing to address quality of life issues in their neighborhoods. Plans call to hold quarterly meetings in 2017. •• Citizen Surveys Coming Soon In 2017, the police division will conduct three citizen surveys and five crime victim surveys per month to help with understanding how citizens view their interactions with the police.
•• Citizen Clergy Academy and Alliance Formed The Newark Police created the Citizen Clergy Academy, a seven-week training program that provides participants with insight into the basic functions and operations of the Police and Fire Divisions and the Office of Emergency Management. Members of the city’s Clergy Alliance from Christians to Muslims join officers in the newly painted yellow and white community police cruisers. •• Cops and Kids Launched Newark police are engaging with children to foster trust and to encourage them to consider careers in public safety and law enforcement. The new Cops and Kids program, in partnership with the All-Stars Protect gives teens and officers the opportunity to get to know each other as real people and not dangerous stereotypes.
A Newark Police Officer gets to know a city youth as part of the “Cops and Kids” initiative.
March 2017 • State of the City Report
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A SAFER CITY
GREEN STREET JAIL RELOCATED TO NEW FACILITY On December 20, 2016, Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced the closing of the Municipal Processing Facility, located at 31 Green Street, and the opening of the new Municipal Arrest Processing Section at 480 Clinton Avenue in the Department of Public Safety Headquarters. The old lockup was known for overcrowding, safety issues, unsanitary conditions and sadly, suicides. TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN FIGHTING CRIME •• Police Cars with INFO-COP The Police Department purchased 47 new cars that give officers greater access to information and tracks vehicle locations, decreases inefficiencies and helps to locate officers in emergencies. •• Body Cameras for Officers A pilot program using new body cameras purchased in 2016 will begin in March in the South Ward and includes 80 body cameras and 15 dashboard cameras, helping to increase accountability and protect both officers and the public. •• Cell Phones for Officers A pilot program will begin in 2017 that equips all police officers with cell phones to help with video surveillance and for conducting record checks. •• Online and telephone reporting Residents may now contact the Police Division’s Telephone Reporting Unit by calling (973) 733-6000 or by visiting www.newarkpdonline.org to report crimes.
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STRENGTHENING FIRE PROTECTION In 2016, the City made significant improvements in its Fire Division also, beginning with the swearing-in of a new Chief in the Fire Division. Chief Rufus L. Jackson is the second African-American Chief in the
10 MAJOR FIRE SAFETY
Hiring of
60+ Recruits – During 2017, the Fire Division will add at least 60 recruits to its ranks.
IMPROVEMENTS
Grand Re-Opening of Park Avenue Firehouse This grand re-opening of a city firehouse is scheduled for May 2017.
Fleet Maintenance and Upgrades Developing an annual maintenance program and fleet purchasing plan for apparatus and vehicles.
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force’s 219-year history. A Newark native and 21-year veteran firefighter, Chief Jackson began his career in 1995, quickly moving up the ranks to become one of
Improving Tech/IT Capabilities Purchase of additional CAD modules to include scheduling, arson training and maintenance of hydrants and apparatus.
Increase Fire Prevention Inspections Increase the supervision and number of firefighters conducting field inspections as well as increasing the number of fire inspections (from 4,627 in 2015 to 8,671 in 2016).
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the youngest Newark Fire Division Deputy Chiefs in the history of the department at the age of 39.
New Foam Engine
New Trucks
Open Houses
The department introduced a new foam engine that can carry
The Fire Division plans to purchase two new ladder trucks and two new engine pumpers in 2017.
The division will continue Open Houses for Newark students at the end of the school year
250 gallons of firefighting foam and handle flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline. The new engine is assigned in the East Ward.
Training Continued operational training for the police and fire divisions, and emergency response teams. Additionally, the department plans to train an additional 100 citizens for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to strengthen community resiliency.
Emergency Operations Modernize the Emergency Operations Center’s video wall through UASI grant
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A MORE PROSPEROUS CITY
stablishing a E National Model to Reduce Unemployment
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ayor Baraka and Newark’s major employers, c olleges and universities, and hospitals will announce in the spring a comprehensive initiative to BUY– by using their enormous purchasing power to buy goods and services from Newark businesses; LIVE– by providing incentives for their employees to live in Newark, and HIRE– by providing job training and connecting residents to living-wage jobs. Anchor institutions such
6 JOB TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS
Mayor Baraka cuts the ribbon with the owners of Halal Guys on opening day.
as Prudential, Rutgers-Newark, PSE&G, RWJBarnabas Health, United Airlines, Audible, NJPAC, the NJ Devils, Port Newark Container Terminal, NJIT, Essex County College and others are committing themselves to hire enough Newark residents by 2020 to cut Newark’s employment rate in half. This effort will completely mobilize the collective financial power in the city in order to connect residents to jobs and create wealth.
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•• Hire Newark Employment-Ready Boot Camp Hire Newark Employment-Ready Boot Camp graduated its first two classes. The unique five-week job readiness program for Newark residents was created by Barnabas Health in coordination with the Centers of Hope initiative. The program provides program graduates with the opportunity to secure and obtain a job, rather than simply preparing them for a hypothetical job. •• New Jobs Upgrading PSE&G Gas Lines The Department of Engineering is working collaboratively with PSE&G to support their efforts to upgrade Newark’s natural gas infrastructure and with the Department of Economic and Housing Development to provide employment opportunities to Newark residents during this critical infrastructure improvement project. •• Stipends for Vocational or Educational Training A new program of the Newark Workforce Development Board (NWDB) offers stipends to help with transportation costs, childcare and educational materials to enable participants to complete training. Through the program, participants have obtained HVAC licensures, High School Equivalency (HSE), computer networking, billing and coding, and web design certifications.
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•• Pre-Apprenticeship Training Utilizing a grant from the NJ State Department of Labor obtained by NWDB, Laborers Local 55 in partnership with Essex County College and the Urban League of Essex facilitates pre-apprenticeship training in the construction trades to prepare residents for a union apprenticeship or construction-related job. In a partnership with Laborers Local 55, Essex County College and the Urban League of Essex County, graduates will work to rehabilitate housing in the West Ward. •• A New Start for the Formerly Incarcerated Since April 2016, the Transitional Work Program has provided temporary employment for 100 Newark residents recently released from incarceration. The program provides employment at a pay rate of $15 per hour with the Sanitation Department Monday-Thursday for six months. On Fridays, participants attend Work Readiness/Life Skills Training at Essex County College under contracts with NWDB. Five out of the first 50 re-entry workers were hired as full time employees with two City vendors in 2016.
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•• In-House Job Readiness Workshops NewarkWORKS has instituted workshops for all job seekers, as well as prep classes for those requiring the TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education). The Prep Courses have assisted in a 12% increase in basic skills proficiency among participants. Passing the test is a requirement for vocational training.
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PREPARING TEENS FOR JOBS NEWARK YOUTH ONE-STOP – 2016 Over
Newark Youth in June 2016 were
1,000 provided Financial Literacy youth were enrolled in the Newark Summer Youth Employment Program
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Enrolled youth in training programs
youth participants hired at Rutgers University, United Food Production, Panasonic, US Department of Treasury, United Postal Services, Retirement Center (Secaucus), Vonda’s Kitchen, and City of Newark.
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Out-of-School Youth participants received their High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma
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In-School Youth participants were accepted and enrolled in secondary education
84
participants enrolled in the Newark College Institute summer program with Rutgers
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participants hired by United Airlines for summer work experience program (our 10th year)
HELPING BUSINESSES CREATE WELL-PAYING JOBS Newark CEDC’s Depar tment of Business Development & Entrepreneurship oversees all business support services for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the City of Newark. Achievements since January 2016 include: »»Secured over 1,300 new business clients »»Assisted in the launch of nearly 130 new businesses, which created nearly 400 new jobs »»Secured permits, licenses and Certificates of Occupancy for nearly 100 businesses REDEVELOPMENT PLANS UNDERWAY FOR NEIGHBORHOODS West Ward Model Neighborhood Plan Approved The Municipal Council approved the West Ward Model Neighborhood Initiative Redevelopment Plan in September. This plan will shape future neighborhood development by promoting public safety, increasing the diversity of housing and commercial options, providing new employment opportunities, and better capitalizing on neighborhood assets like West Side Park. This plan, in conjunction with the ongoing West Side Heights development, will establish a health care anchor in the West Ward in order to fill the existing health care gap. South Bergen Street Redevelopment Plan Approved Approved by the Planning Board in November. the plan incorporates innovative sustainability features and preserves community scale and character. Two public meetings were held in 2016 to solicit community input into the planning process.
NewarkWORKS BY THE NUMBERS NewarkWORKS provided supportive services including expungement assistance, job readiness, resume assistance, housing referrals
(homeless), notary, identification, clothing, assessment and counseling to overcome barriers to enroll in training or obtain employment.
Residents Assessed and Serviced Reentry clients: 197 Regular clients: 676 Total: 873
Job Placements Regular clients: 593 Reentry clients: 131 Total: 724
Training Program Participants Regular clients: Reentry clients: Total:
Residents provided Supportive Services Reentry clients: 327
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March 2017 • State of the City Report
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A LEADING CITY
Leading the Way in Revenue Collection and Technology
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he City of Newark had another successful year in collecting a record amount of revenues for 2016, with a property tax collection rate of more than
Newark partnered with Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network to open the NAN Tech World Academy to teach technology skills to city residents, young and old.
96%. Increased revenue was largely due to strong collections for special taxes such as payroll, parking and hotel.
REVENUE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: •• The overall revenue collections for special taxes was $78.7 million, which exceeded the 2016 budget by 1.5 million.
•• Both the water and sewer utilities ran a surplus of more than $5 million.
•• The Electronic Accelerated Tax Sale –held in December 2016—allowed individuals and investors throughout the United States to bid on properties online. The sale generated $8.6 million, which is an increase of $2.6 million from last year.
•• The City received $3 million from its precedent -shattering agreement with UBER in 2016.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS IS IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE The Department of Public Works (DPW) was created to enhance the living standards for Newark residents by providing and managing reliable and cost-effective
services that focus on customer satisfaction. DPW consists of the Sanitation, Motors, Parks and Grounds and Public Buildings departments.
DPW by the Numbers: • Demolished 26 properties that were deemed imminent hazards last year. •
Boarded up and secured 463 properties throughout the city to ensure the safety of the residents.
• Abated 1,111 illegal dumping sites • 84 City Parks Cleaned – 657 times
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• Safe and Cleans – 2,085 • Sites cleaned by re-entry workers – 484 • Thoroughfares cleaned - 140 • Trees pruned – 202 • Trees removed – 724
• Made 1298 street repairs due to potholes, depressions and cuts/patches. • Collected 17,077 tons of recycling materials. • Newark won the 2016 Clean Communities Urban Clean-Up Award for our annual Citywide Clean-Up
• Removed – 93,901.45 tons of garbage throughout the city.
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NEWARK CONTINUES TO GROW AS A TECHNOLOGY HUB Expanding the City’s initiatives to encourage innovative ideas and businesses as well as to create spaces for innovation to happen, the City embarked
on some projects in the past year to help main tain its status as a technology center of excellence. Some of the projects in the City include:
•• Women’s Safety Hackathon – launched in November as a #HackNWK competition to create an app that makes Newark safer for women. The Women’s Safety Hackathon gave entrants three months to create a technology that will improve safety for women in Newark. The winning entrant will receive $15,000 to build out their prototype for deployment on June 1, 2017, and then $35,000 to maintain the system for one year.
•• Newark Fiber offers 1 Gb and 10 Gb connections to buildings at the lowest prices in the region. The newly-renovated Hahne’s building is already connected to the service. Find more information at newarkfiber.org. •• NAN Tech World Academy opened at 400 Hawthorne Avenue as a first stop for anyone in the community looking to learn the technology skills of the future. Plans for 2017 call for it to become a home for initiatives including hackathons and 3D printing. •• State of the Art Website launched at newarknj.gov. It has a simpler name, cleaner look, and helps residents find services faster. Additional features include online business licensing and the Mayor’s Data Dashboard.
The “HackNewark” competition challenged web designers to create a smartphone app that will enable women to be safer. This first-in-thenation women’s safety hackathon combined cutting-edge technology with the city’s continuing commitment to public safety.
•• Brand Newark initiative introduced high-tech kiosks and electronic signage throughout the community. Together with partners at NDD, NJIT, and NCEDC we are bringing the community closer together.
BUILDING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY The City of Newark continued to work in collaboration with private, public, and corporate foundations in 2016 to create and continue impactful initiatives in public safety, workforce development, education, and community development. Our local funding partners worked with the Office of the Newark Philanthropic Liaison to support Mayor Baraka’s work to: •• Make the city safer through initiatives such as the Safer Newark Council and Newark Community Street Teams. •• Re-engage youth through the Newark Street Academy •• Prepare young people for the workplace and growing career paths through Newark’s Summer Youth Employment Program •• Chart a path to local control of our school system and build a community school approach through the Mayor’s Office of Comprehensive Community Education •• Ensure that all Newark neighborhoods are thriving and have access to services and activities for families through Centers of Hope, the Summer Fun program, and Newark’s growing arts movement.
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The following Foundations and Corporate Partners provided support: • Audible • Bank of America • Cities for Financial Empowerment • Community Foundation of NJ • Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation • Foundation for Newark’s Future • Greater Newark LISC • Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey • Horizon Foundation • JP Morgan Chase • MCJ Amelior Foundation
• Panasonic • Prudential Foundation • PSE&G Foundation • RWJ Barnabas • The Newark Charter School Fund • The Nicholson Foundation • The Schumann Fund for New Jersey • TD Bank • The Turrell Fund • United Airlines • Victoria Foundation • Wells Fargo
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A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED CITY
Providing Residents with a High Quality of Life and Housing
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ewark’s residents and families are the backbone of what makes Newark a city we can all believe in. Mayor Baraka has made a concentrated effort
With Newark soon regaining control of its school system, Mayor Baraka created a community schools partnership with the Newark Public Schools to bring enhanced services and community involvement to four South Ward grade schools and Malcolm X Shabazz High School.
to ensure that the people and neighborhoods throughout all of Newark have quality programs for enrichment and quality housing and health care.
Youth and education highlights include: •• The Newark Youth Ambassadors Youth Ambassadors participate in Mayor Baraka’s Youth Leadership Development Academy, which provides monthly breakfasts with the Mayor. Youth learn to become community leaders and make an impact on their city, nation and world. A few of their programs include the “Heal Our City. Heal Our Nation” social media campaign, participation in the March on Washington, a regular Vlog, Youth Town Halls, “Newark Kids Rock’” a concert and family event, and a Facebook page.
•• Community Schools Through a major partnership between the Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark, the South Ward Community Schools Initiative (SWCSI) was launched: the SWCSI includes Belmont Runyon, Louis A Spencer, Brick Peshine, and Brick Avon elementary schools, as well as Malcolm X. Shabazz High School.
•• Children’s Cabinet This is an arm of the partnership with Newark Public Schools to advance the Newark Community Schools Initiative. Results of the Children’s Cabinet include: 1. A database to track success and resource deployment by our many partner organizations. 2. A completed asset map of the South Ward. 3. The Safety Sub-committee is creating safe passageways for students before and after school by coordinating with NPD, NPS and NJ Transit. 4. The Newark Police Division, the Newark Public Schools, and The United States Drug Enforcement Administration will begin to conduct joint trauma-in formed trainings for schools this spring.
In Mayor Baraka’s Youth Ambassadors Program, young Newarkers learn to become community leaders.
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DEVELOPING NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING Ensuring that residents of Newark benefit from the surge in development, Mayor Baraka has placed an emphasis on improving the housing that exists in the areas outside of downtown.
Housing Completed in 2016 Lincoln Park Townhomes II: 478 - 480 Washington Street (12 units) The new construction of the second 12-unit building of affordable condominiums. The City provided a HOME grant in the amount of $1.35 million toward this project. 999 Broad Street Phase I: 999 - 1005 Broad Street (88 units) Phase I is an 88-unit five story mixed-use, mixed income, multi-family rental project: 22 one-bedrooms, 52 two-bedrooms and 14 three-bedrooms. 11 are designated as HOME assisted units. Five are designated as permanent supportive housing for former homeless individuals and/ or households with special needs. There will be private and/or on-site parking, laundry facilities, access to an on-site Resident Services Coordinator, case management and wide range of additional supportive services. Cherry Park: 144-170 Sylvan Avenue (96 units) Two three-story buildings containing 96 residential units, 47/49 units in each. 24 one-bedroom, 60 two-bedrooms and 12 three-bedrooms and 96 parking spaces.
Housing That Started Construction in 2016 NJPAC -One Theatre Square: 34-40 Park Place (245 units) A 22-story brick and glass tower consisting of approximately 245 apartments, with groundfloor retail and 285 parking spaces. The cost is approximately $103 million. A Better Life: 101 14th Avenue & Camden Street (24 units) Housing for residents who are chronically homeless with disabilities. Each housing unit will be an efficiency apartment. The project received a five-year Shelter Plus Care Program award. The City provided a $956,592 HOMOE/ CHDO grant. Residence at Symphony Hall: 395 Halsey Street (60 units) A four-story building by Lincoln Park that will be marketed to the performing arts community. 20 one-bedroom and 40 two-bedroom apartments. 15 of the 60 apartments will be set-aside for residents with HIV/AIDS. Nina Simone House: 505 Clinton Avenue (27 units) When rehabilitated, the project will house 27 artist live/ work spaces, a multipurpose galley/performance space, and a poets’ café. Riverside Arms Apartments: 14-16 Chester Street (128 units) Nine three-story buildings totaling 128 low and moderate income units. There will be 10 one-bedroom, 71 two-bedrooms, and 47 three-bedrooms.
The three-story Cherry Park buildings, on Sylvan Avenue comprise 96 residential units and were created by a developer who grew up in this North Ward neighborhood.
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One Riverview at Rector Street: 36-54 Rector Street (169 units) A 23-story residential tower, including 169 apartments with a five story retail base
March 2017 • State of the City Report
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A DESTINATION CITY
Attracting Businesses to Improve Neighborhoods and Downtown
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apping years of advocacy by Mayor Baraka and the Municipal Council, the Port Authority voted in February to fund the extension of PATH to Newark International Airport including a station in the South Ward’s Weequahic-Dayton. This project will also reinforce
Newark Liberty International Airport’s potential as a major source of jobs for Newark and Elizabeth residents. The project will transform the surrounding area, creating economic growth, jobs, new housing and an improved quality of life.
Recent Downtown Area Headlines Include: •• Hahne’s & Co. Building is Reopened After 30 Years The long-vacant building at the site of the former Hahne’s department store recently reopened as a mixed-use space with 160 apartments, City National Bank’s headquarters, and a Rutgers University arts and cultural center and incubator. •• Former Newark Bears Stadium Has Sold With the sale of the site last
October to a private developer, the new space will include residential units, arts and technology anchors, contributing to the continued development of Newark’s downtown and waterfront. •• One Theater Square and Riverview at Rector Broke Ground Both projects broke ground in 2016. When completed, they will include a total of approximately 400 residential units and 20,000 square feet of retail space.
•• Triangle Park Becomes Mulberry Commons Mulberry Commons is the new name for the area formerly known as Triangle Park between the Prudential Center and McCarter Highway. It represents a more than $100-million investment, in public, open space as well as retail establishments, restaurants and commercial spaces, all better connecting the Ironbound and downtown to Newark Penn Station.
DEVELOPMENT IS ATTRACTING AND EXPANDING JOB-CREATING BUSINESSES Audible Expands: This adaptive reuse project of 70,000 sq. ft. former church space on James Street will house the Amazon subsidiary’s engineering and development hub. The development is just a short walk away from Audible’s Washington Street headquarters and will add 350 new tech jobs. Burlington Coming Soon: The addition of this 60,000 square foot national retailer will create 200 new jobs and add an anchor commercial tenant downtown. Construction is to start late 2017 with a store opening planned for 2019.
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Ironbound Distillery Coming Soon: A local entrepreneur is fitting out a space for craft spirit production on Tichenor Street. Expected to be open to the public for tastings and production tours in Summer 2017. Ironside Warehouse Approved: Approvals were secured for the renovation of this historic warehouse in December. The project will include 450,000 square feet of commercial space.
City of Newark • March 2016
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Newark CEDC also takes a lead role in business attraction or expansion efforts. In 2016, the following businesses expanded within or relocated to Newark with Newark CEDC’s support: 1. Cavalinho 2. Manna BBQ 3. VIP Area Boutique 4. Cozinha Velha 5. Pour Abbeys 6. House of Leilans 7. MK Trucking
The historic Hahne’s Building on Broad Street has reopened after 40 years of inactivity. Above, a view of the restored building. Below, Mayor Baraka tours the Whole Foods Market on its opening day.
NCEDC PILOTS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Newark Community Economic Development Corp (NCEDC) launched a Contractor Development Initiative that is helping 15 local contractors, developers and construction companies, through workshops and bonding to help enable them to bid on development projects in the city. Through similar programs, over 90% of the participants completed the training received bonding and became qualified to bid on projects. The pilot program design was launched in December 2016. In a separate initiative, the City is encouraging local contractors to redevelop abandoned buildings and vacant lots.
Hello Fresh to Add 300 Jobs Hello Fresh, a food delivery service, is occupying a 352,000 square foot space at 60 Lister Avenue. The company is expected to add 321 employees in the 352,000 square foot facility. The site is a former brownfield that was remediated via a mixture of public and private sources. Morris Blanchard (Fabuwood) to Bring 400 New Jobs: Following the conversion of a 17-acre former brownfield site, Fabuwood, a premier cabinet assembly company, will bring 400 new jobs to a newly constructed 1 million square-foot facility.
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8. No Pao 9. Toque Final 10. Marbella Lounge 11. Taqueria Mexicana 12. Tortillera Chinantla 13. Halal Guys 14. Redd’s Biergarten
Whole Foods Will Buy Locally Newark CEDC partnered with Whole Foods Market to help identify qualified local food vendors, natural product purveyors and manufacturers interested in selling to Whole Foods. Opened on March 1, Whole Foods has already started to work with local providers to prepare them to be vendors Rewards For Newark Shoppers In partnership with FinCredit and ForwardEver Sustainable Business Alliance (a Newark-based nonprofit committed to strengthening the local retail economy), Newark CEDC helped launch a rewards program that provides a monetary incentive to Newark residents and workers to shop at locally-owned retailers. The more they consume, the larger their annual award/return will be. The program will be implemented in early 2017. It is expected that local businesses will see an increase in traffic (and revenue) as a result of their participation
256 Vanderpool Street Approved for Construction: The City has been overseeing remediation of this long-vacant brownfield site. The developer received approvals for the construction of a 290,063 square foot warehouse building in October. 38-60 Blanchard Street Agreement Reached: A redevelopment agreement that will facilitate the remediation and redevelopment of this former landfill site into an industrial complex that will include a renewable energy Biogas facility and additional employment generating uses was approved by the Municipal Council in November. March 2016 • State of the City Report
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