Newark: Real Estate, Development, News, & Politics

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Essex County opens Riverfront Park in Newark, a 30-year dream come true

May 30, 2012

By Eunice Lee/The Star-Ledger

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo beamed as he toured the county’s newly completed $17 million park in Newark today.

The only public green space in Newark along a waterfront, Essex County Riverfront Park displays sparkling amenities, including a baseball field, two playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, an open grassy area and a turf soccer field with a huge county logo in the center.


And that’s just the beginning, DiVincenzo says.


"This has been a dream for 30 years," he said today, joined by Gov. Chris Christie, Newark Mayor Cory Booker and more than 150 attendees at the public unveiling of the 12-acre park off Raymond Boulevard.


The City of Newark is working on an adjacent four-acre strip just west of Riverfront Park that’s slated for completion this fall, officials said. The area will serve as a walkway and boat dock. Once completed, the city will turn over its portion, which costs $10 million, to the county, which will connect it to Riverfront Park.


From there, DiVincenzo wants to expand the county park for up to two miles along the Passaic River to Bridge Street. The county is in talks to acquire a vacant two-acre plot owned by the Newark Housing Authority to expand the park to the east.


Plans for a park had been plagued by delays and complications for years while Ironbound residents needed more recreation space, said Joe Della Fave, executive director of the Ironbound Community Corp. ICC has led advocacy efforts for years to create a park that gives public access to the river.
Noah K. Murray/The Star-LedgerNewark Mayor Cory Booker, Gov. Chris Christie and Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo attend today's dedication of Riverfront Park in Newark.



"This is one of the most environmentally burdened and park-deprived communities in the Northeast," he said. "This is not just another park. It is truly a gift and oasis."
On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., the Shabazz Marching Band will lead a procession from City Hall to the park and local groups will host free events there.

[Don31]

May 29. 2012 1:31PM
Newark businesses expect bump from Cup will trump impact of Devils-Rangers

By Katie Eder


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Bars and restaurants near Prudential Center, like Brick City Bar and Grill, expect the momentum of increased business from Devils-Rangers to continue through Devils-Kings.


While the Eastern Conference Finals rival matchup between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers produced record profits for restaurants and bars surrounding the Prudential Center, in Newark, local owners expect business to build throughout the Stanley Cup Finals between the Devils and the Los Angeles Kings, which begins in New Jersey on Wednesday night.

"The Devils-Rangers series was just the beginning of the pendulum," said Carlos Franceschi, general manager ofUber Burger, on Lafayette Street, just outside the Prudential Center. "I think the people that have been holding off coming to the playoff games until the national championship are coming to see the final games. The (Devils-Rangers) rivalry had a very significant impact … but the national spotlight will be fantastic for business."

According to Franceschi, the playoffs as a whole have given Uber Burger "more exposure, and gotten more people to come to the arena who were not familiar with us before."

"We had a number of Rangers fans come in …and now we're looking to advertise in other areas, to entice those people to come back," Franceschi said.

But on a hyper-local level, Franceschi said he will "definitely miss the boost in business" from the watch parties at Prudential Center — which NBC pulled the plug on last week — since Uber Burger "had a few hundred people" during each away game in the series' previous rounds.

Rob Flohr, chief operating officer of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que— which officially opened its doors on May 8, the day of the Devils' first home game in the Philadelphia Flyers second round playoff series — said "the energy from the crowd in the (Prudential Center) plaza transfers right into our space" on Market Street in Newark.

"The crowds seem to be increasing through the series. As we go deeper and deeper into the playoffs, people are coming in earlier to eat earlier," Flohr said. "Maybe we would have approached things differently with our opening if this series happened a year from now, with having our patio open and being outside. But it's exciting, and you want to be a part of everything as quickly as you can be."

For the Devils-Kings matchup, Marc Brummer, co-owner of Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant, on Brandford Place in Newark, said he expects to be "as busy or more so" as he was for the Devils-Rangers series, noting the cup finals will bring in "people from L.A. and executives from the NHL."

"Any of these places (near Prudential Center) are at full capacity. This is my busiest season … and hopefully everyone gets a piece of it," Brummer said. "You want everyone to benefit because it's beneficial for Newark, and what's beneficial for Newark is beneficial for everybody."



taken from njbiz

I'm certainly not a Devils fan, but having the Cup finals here will be good for the city, both in exposure and in business revenue.

[Don31]

Essex County opens Riverfront Park in Newark, a 30-year dream come true

May 30, 2012

By Eunice Lee/The Star-Ledger

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo beamed as he toured the county’s newly completed $17 million park in Newark today.

The only public green space in Newark along a waterfront, Essex County Riverfront Park displays sparkling amenities, including a baseball field, two playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, an open grassy area and a turf soccer field with a huge county logo in the center.


And that’s just the beginning, DiVincenzo says.


"This has been a dream for 30 years," he said today, joined by Gov. Chris Christie, Newark Mayor Cory Booker and more than 150 attendees at the public unveiling of the 12-acre park off Raymond Boulevard.


The City of Newark is working on an adjacent four-acre strip just west of Riverfront Park that’s slated for completion this fall, officials said. The area will serve as a walkway and boat dock. Once completed, the city will turn over its portion, which costs $10 million, to the county, which will connect it to Riverfront Park.


From there, DiVincenzo wants to expand the county park for up to two miles along the Passaic River to Bridge Street. The county is in talks to acquire a vacant two-acre plot owned by the Newark Housing Authority to expand the park to the east.


Plans for a park had been plagued by delays and complications for years while Ironbound residents needed more recreation space, said Joe Della Fave, executive director of the Ironbound Community Corp. ICC has led advocacy efforts for years to create a park that gives public access to the river.
Noah K. Murray/The Star-LedgerNewark Mayor Cory Booker, Gov. Chris Christie and Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo attend today's dedication of Riverfront Park in Newark.



"This is one of the most environmentally burdened and park-deprived communities in the Northeast," he said. "This is not just another park. It is truly a gift and oasis."
On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., the Shabazz Marching Band will lead a procession from City Hall to the park and local groups will host free events there.

Long overdue. The city needs to take better advantage of its riverfront.

[Newarkguy]

Cory Booker will be remembered as the mayor that revitalized all of Newark's forgotten parks. He will also be remembered as the mayor under which Newark gained many more parks. All this with imput from "The Trust for public land"

[Don31]

Cory Booker will be remembered as the mayor that revitalized all of Newark's forgotten parks. He will also be remembered as the mayor under which Newark gained many more parks. All this with imput from "The Trust for public land"

Was it just input, or did they contribute money too. I hear all about their projects in rural areas, but I don't hear much about urban areas. They would be a good resource for cities to take advantage of.

[66nexus]

JACKSON STREET BRIDGE IN LIGHTS by NRRMay 1, 2012, 10:45 am
Filed under: Other river news
As construction continues immediately to the east on two segments of Riverfront Park, the lights shining up on the Jackson Street Bridge have been re-lit, a beacon for the city’s connection to and across the water.

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RIVERFRONT PARKS PROGRESS by NRRApril 30, 2012, 8:50 pm
Filed under: Building Things
From Van Buren to Brill Street, Newark’s riverfront is changing quickly. See the design for the parks under construction here.

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More:
See the design for the parks under construction here

.

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Taken from newarksriver.wordpress.com

[66nexus]

I'm certainly not a Devils fan, but having the Cup finals here will be good for the city, both in exposure and in business revenue.

Exactly. Nj.com had an article about a bunch of folks coming from LA having a good time. More $$ encourages more business to the area.

[66nexus]

Honestly, I really wish city would condemn and redo those projects right next to the park (kind of like Baxter Terrace to Baxter Park). I don't believe in concentrated poverty, there are no advantages to it.

[Newarkguy]

Those projects need to be destroyed. They are a cancer to the area. Sorry to sound racist,but the homes built less than ten years ago just west of the quick check(on former Ballantine beer property) have had their white picket fence destroyed by continuous kick ins and grafitti saying "spic/porkchop". The property owners are whitehispanic from Europe's Iberia penninsula,mainly Spanish and Portuguese. While the thugs are African American,some Mexicans and Ecuadorians. For Sale signs have gone up for a while. I've also seen grafitti of sad faced and smiling "kings" There all over the city,and I believe its gang art.
Im afraid these savages will destroy that pretty red brick walkway. Unless these ppavers are secured with concrete,which Im sure they are not,judging from the pile of sand. The ghetto savages and their cubs will pull em all out, throw them at people and destroy them. Just as they destroyed the brick floor of the Newly built gazeebo at Branch brook park by Barringer high school. No amount of PC will ever hide the truth.

[Nexis4Jersey]

My Newark pictures from Friday...

Dinner @ Better Bites...Yummy


DSCN5170 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5172 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5171 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

There seem to be alot of Eagles in Newark...


DSCN5176 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Nice Indian designs...


DSCN5177 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

General pix


DSCN5180 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5182 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Panasonic is rising fast...


DSCN5184 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5187 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Newark Penn Station


DSCN5189 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5190 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

More people need to drive into Newark


DSCN5192 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5193 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Devils ...Devils...Devils...


DSCN5196 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5197 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5201 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Whats happening with those abandoned buildings?


DSCN5202 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Indigo Hotel Restoration seems to be going slow?


DSCN5204 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5205 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Marriott Hotel nearing Completed...


DSCN5206 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5207 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Police out in Force


DSCN5212 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Richardson lofts...


DSCN5214 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5215 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5216 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5217 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5222 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

Newark Penn Approach...


DSCN5218 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5219 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr


DSCN5226 by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr

[Newarkguy]

Great pictures,Nexis!
Finaly got to see the progress at Panasonic throu your photos.

[Newarkguy]

Some photos from the Saint Anthony festival on Franklyn Street aka Heller Pwy. In Newark and Belleville's Silver Lake section. (The city limits split the neighborhood,though most of its in Belleville.)

[66nexus]

That hotel is coming along nicely, not sure if I like the red/brown colored portion of the facade.

[66nexus]

Some photos from the Saint Anthony festival on Franklyn Street aka Heller Pwy. In Newark and Belleville's Silver Lake section. (The city limits split the neighborhood,though most of its in Belleville.)

You have pics of it?

[66nexus]

Newark businesses shared goal: luring hockey fans inside


SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY JUNE 3, 2012, 9:09 AM
BY JIM BECKERMAN AND JOHN BRENNAN
STAFF WRITERS
THE RECORD


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More than a few Devils fans who cheered themselves hoarse at Fan Fest — a raucous faux tailgating party at Newark’s Prudential Center on Saturday — also popped in to the newly opened Dinosaur Bar-B-Que next door.

And perhaps one or two of them noticed a mural on the back wall. It’s a stylized representation of Newark’s Market Street as it might ideally be: People dancing, talking, strolling. One man is playing with a dog. Another is strumming an instrument. Everyone is out enjoying the street. No one looks scared.

“This is my vision,” said Scott Kleckner, vice president of operations for the Syracuse-based restaurant company. “This looks like a great place to walk around.”

That’s also the vision of many city planners and corporate people who have invested heavily in a promise of a dazzling Newark-to-be.

Some of that promise has been realized: Prudential Center has brought in sports fans, NJPAC has attracted the arts crowd, and Ironbound remains a destination for foodies. Several new hotels are going up. But the eyes are on the prize, and the prize — as the Dinosaur mural reminds visitors — is the street.

Will out-of-towners lured to Newark for a concert or a sports event remain for a stroll, a beer, a peek into a store or two? Or will they — remembering the riots of the 1960s, the urban decay of the ’70s and ’80s, and the car-theft epidemic of the ’90s — retreat to their cars and high-tail it out of the city once the event lets out?

The Fan Fest at Prudential’s Championship Plaza took place in the hours before Saturday’s Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. It was more than just a loving attempt to recreate — even outdo — a Meadowlands-style tailgate party, complete with red, white and black balloons, a sandy “beach” for lounging, food vendors and a live band.
It was also a calculated attempt to get visitors accustomed to the Newark streets. NJPAC has been doing something similar for years, with a series of outdoor concerts.

“It’s an enticing, cool kind of thing to do outside,” said Bob Sommer, a Prudential Center spokesman. “Once they’re there, they see things like the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and the restaurants on Edison Place.”

Still, it may take more than a couple of street fairs to turn Newark’s reputation around, at least among suburbanites.

Fears haven’t been eased by much-reported incidents like the muggings of patrons leaving last month’s Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at the arena. One man was left unconscious and another wound up with a fractured eye socket, police said. Three teens were arrested a few days later. In 2009, a gay couple was attacked after a Britney Spears concert — the only other major crime against arena patrons on record since the arena opened.

Such crimes, Newark’s defenders say, are rare and could have easily happened in another arena, another city. But in a world where perception is everything, Newark has its work cut out.

“When you come to Newark, you really know your boundaries,” said Max Hyland, 22, of Ridgefield Park, who had come to cheer the Devils. “You don’t want to be seen as an easy target. ... There’s this fear of urban areas that’s ingrained in suburban kids.”

Those fears are not limited to kids. Just 10 days after the Devils played their first game in Newark in 2007, hockey television analyst Barry Melrose told the ESPN audience: “Don’t go outside if you have a wallet or anything else, because the area around the arena is just horrible.”

Melrose soon apologized, admitting that at that point he hadn’t even been to Newark to see the arena.

Others, who have, give the area a mixed report.

“At the train station, you see homeless people, beggars, people peeing,” said Laszlo Attila, 34, aRidgefield native. “That’s not friendly. You feel the poverty. Right there” — he pointed to a seemingly abandoned four-story structure on Edison Place — “is a boarded-up building.”

Precisely, says Brian Jarwoski of Franklin Lakes, the owner of Brick City Bar and Grill on Edison Place. A perfect example of Newark in transition. In a few months, that boarded-up building is going to be his next venture: Eisenflucht Biergarten, a drinking establishment with 48 residential apartments above. And starting this summer, Edison Place itself will be closed weekdays to create a pedestrian mall.

“This is a destination kind of place now,” Jarwoski said. “You’re going to see a Hoboken kind of feel, where there’s something happening every night of the week.”
The several downtown blocks bounded by the Prudential Center to the south, NJPAC to the north, Ironbound to the east and Broad Street to the west — with Penn Station right in the middle — are the lynchpin of Newark’s revitalization efforts, Jarwoski and other say.

If visitors who are drawn to Newark by the big events can be persuaded to leave the arena to enjoy the city’s food and shopping and if their comfort zone can be slowly expanded, then perhaps Newark can be reclaimed, street by street, in the name of tourist dollars.

Outside the comfort zone, some are more skeptical. A block over from Prudential Center, where Shorty Long & the Jersey Horns were rocking Devils fans with “Walking on Sunshine,” another kind of music was blaring out of a homemade sound system powered by a car battery.

It was the sound of the Newark that Newark residents know: a house mix by DJ Chill X coming from the pushcart of Sharif Amenhotep. His selection of handbags, shoes, and mix CDs has been a fixture on Broad Street for seven years. In all his time there, he’s never seen a Prudential customer come west to shop on Broad Street.

“No one in a Devils jersey has ever stopped here to buy anything,” said Amenhotep, a city resident. “They spend all their money in the arena.”
Email: beckerman@northjersey.com
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thanks to guys on njdevs for finding (who themselves got it from hfboards lol)

Article from northjersey.com