Newark: Real Estate, Development, News, & Politics [Archive] - Page 2

Transic

September 8th, 2007, 01:17 AM

I and three other acquaintances of mine went to the Job Fair at NJIT yesterday. It turned out that the position that I wanted to apply for should have been done online. But never mind that.

Anyway, a little report on what went on: We left the big city at around 9:00 am. Since I didn't know much about Newark (only been there three times in my life, all brief stopovers on the way to elsewhere), there wasn't much to go on at the time. So I made time to do a little research on any transportation options that I can use, if any. It turns out that we can easily arrive at NJIT using the Warren St. stop on the City Subway, which is great because otherwise we would have been lost trying to walk from Penn Station to the fair. And since Newark has this bad reputation (unfair or not), I would have been spending too much time worrying about who else were on the streets and making rash judgements based on fear.

OK, so we get inside the campus thinking it would the usual lining up to get the applications, filling them up and then waiting to be group interviewed. It turned out that the waiting took much longer than we expected; make it an entire day as there were at least a thousand people who showed up. The line extended around the campus and towards Lock St.. So while I was at the line, I began to observe what was going on in the surroundings. The first thing I noticed is that the street across from the campus on the Lock St. (?)side looked very depressed. There's a pharmacy and a tiny medical center, most likely tailored for the locals in the area. Toward the background, I saw what appears to be either public housing or some other type of housing complex for the economically depressed. In other words, it looks like your usual ghetto setup. Then I start to notice the people walking down the streets. It appears that hip-hop wear are the only clothes available as I don't see the dudes wearing anything else. ;) There were dudes who showed up in suits and ties but they were few and were on the same line as me. The rest of the men looked like they're gang members, adding to the trepidation that I had. However, there was one dude that really scared me. He walked by wearing denim pants, boots and a T-shirt that showed two flags with Islamic insignia, giving off the impression that he's one of those angry black Muslim dudes or a sympathizer of Islamic extremism. I have not heard of any Muslim presence in Newark, even though I know there's been a massive influx of Muslims into the NY/NJ area in the last two years. So it was interesting seeing at least two black women with the black cloth covering their bodies walking down, although another black woman had a brown covering over her head but did not cover her whole body, wearing jeans and a "Betty" handbag. Her mannerisms suggested that she's a convert from "the hood" and not from a traditionally Muslim area of the world. I also saw Muslim women who are students on campus from Asia but the majority of them simply wore the headscarves with Western-style wear, suggesting a compromise between two disparate cultural norms.

Let me say that I was not impressed with how they handled the line. Either they didn't expect so many to show up or they thought they could handle the load. I did learn that the Prudential Center had about 1,000 openings to be filled (or I may have been mistaken). So I guess that encouraged many more to show up than they would have otherwise. Still, it was frustrated how it was handled. The staff handed out several "fast track" tickets so that some can get to the interview faster. All that resulted is more people going to the "fast track" line, expected to be given tickets. Geez! :rolleyes: Brilliant idea! What made it worse was some made it their business to continue yapping and yapping about how bad it was. Like, do they think that lines can magically move forward? I got the impression that too many Newarkites have a sense of entitlement (something us New Yorkers get accused of from time to time) and that they expect everything to be given to them. Yes, I realize that things economically may not be great but I just will never understand the attitude, at least from many of those who were at the line with me.

And the mayor showed up to give encouragement and advice to the people at the line. It was interesting seeing any major elected official be "down there with the people" and up close to me. However, it didn't impress one woman who was seen speaking to him. Right after, she walked out of the campus telling everyone who would care that she's going to run for mayor in 2010. I thought that was interesting. Well, I did shake Giuliani's hand when he was first campaigning for New York's mayoralty, but that's a whole other story. ;)

My other impressions on my brief stay at Newark:

- Area around Penn Station looks pretty decent but from first look could use a lot more building and economic activity, especially in area considered to be its downtown.

- I could see Newark's importance as a transportation hub, with so many service lines going through one station. I don't know why urban planners haven't taken advantage of the development opportunites a lot sooner. As an aside, I think that land near Penn Station would be a great location for a major league baseball stadium if/when New Jersey ever gets a Major League Baseball franchise. I don't think the Newark Bears ballpark has the space to expand but I could be wrong. In any case, Newark or Elizabeth could be 100x better than the Meadowlands from an access standpoint. I would prefer somewhere in Jersey City if land could be made available. :cool:

- The area of Harrison going towards Newark looks nothing more than industrial wasteland. I know that there's supposed to be a development involving Red Bull but there appears to be so much derelict land that there should be enough land for another massive sporting facility like a major league ballpark.

- I paid $2.70 for two tickets on the light rail and nobody showed up to check my tickets. What the heck is that? :confused:

Overall, I could see that the city can use the improvement. However, I don't think it's fair to make a generalized opinion based on one visit to the city. All I know about the city is based on what I read (you know, the crime problem, the street gangs, etc.).

I have so many questions about Newark now that I have made that longer visit. So I'll just start with a few:

Is it a good idea to walk on the streets if you're new to the area?

What's the general feeling among the different groups?

Why is NJ Transit in control of the public transportation in Newark? I thought Newark's system was separate from the rest of the state.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to economic development in the city?

That's it for now. :)

Marv95

September 8th, 2007, 03:47 AM

Transic I was at the job fair on Thursday. Yes, it was annoying how they handled the line, but 1,000 positions needed to be filled so you should've expected a large crowd. And those Fast-trak tickets were for those who registered with the local unemployment center. That way, they didn't have to wait in the long line. It's only fair. And those guys complaining about the line, it was warm out, and they're urban. Impatience happen EVERYWHERE. Sorry the area sucked across Central Ave, but it is what it is. Try going to Temple in Philly and see how "nice" that area is.

Also:
-There's no room to build a baseball stadium near Penn Station, but they could expand Riverfront Stadium. But I agree that downtown could use more development, esp. luxury housing(i.e. Newport). ik
-The Harrison area by the Path station is scheduled for redevelopment. Hotels, condos, etc. will be there(they also have condos in Harrison across the Passaic from the baseball stadium, NJPAC, etc.)
- The fare to Warren St. (except PM rush hour)is $0.65 each way, not $2.70.There's a "downtown fare" option on the machine. Fare inspectors make random checks during the day; sometimes they show sometimes they don't. It's a proof of payment system. Light-rail systems nationwide have it.

To answer your questions:
-As long as you stay downtown you should be fine; just use common sense. Avoid anything that looks ghetto or sketchy(like any city)
-NJT controls almost ALL of NJ's transit systems. Newark isn't large enough to have its own.
-Fear factor is the biggest obstacle for economic development. Developers have to show some guts and quit relying on the media/hearsay to sway them off. The arena is just a stepping stone...

Transic

September 8th, 2007, 04:55 AM

Marv95

September 8th, 2007, 10:21 AM

Unstamped tickets expire a year after you purchased them. Stamped ones expire an hour after you validate them at the orange boxes, so you have up to an hour to use the stamped ticket before getting another one(if you have get another ticket, duh). You have to stamp them to ride the system(same as the Hudson Bergen Light Rail and River Line), otherwise, you could get fined. The one-way tickets are good anywhere past Warren St. or on the Broad St. Station line. But it's NJT fault for not publicizing the Downtown Fare.

Go a few pages back or search for Harrison on this forum for more info about it. Nice start they have with the River Park Condos.

And they're called Newarkers, not NewarkITES. Jersey folks are called Jerseyans. Would you like it if I called you a New Yorkite?

JCMAN320

September 8th, 2007, 09:09 PM

Transic here is some info to educate you and your fellow NY'ers about Jersey specifically around Newark and Harrison concerning the development. Yes most of the brownfields are spoken for. NJ is an industrial power house and were once even bigger and were proud of it.

http://www.advancerealtygroup.com/harrison_metrocentre/
http://redbullpark.com/
http://redbullpark.com/stadium_community.html

Also the sports team you are referring to is the NY Red Bulls and will be in Harrison, which is extremely rich soccer history, and it will Hudson County's first major league sports team i.e Jersey City.

JCMAN320

September 15th, 2007, 06:33 AM

Verizon to sell Newark headquarters building

by Tom Johnson Friday September 14, 2007, 9:09 PM

Verzion Communications plans to sell its New Jersey headquarters in downtown Newark, a 20-story landmark listed on state and national historic registers, and transfer some 600 jobs out of the city.

The phone company also is putting properties in Madison and Scotch Plains up for sale as part of a plan to consolidate call-center operations at a yet-to-be-determined location in North Jersey. As a result, Madison would lose 850 jobs and Scotch Plains about 150 jobs.

Verizon New Jersey spokesman Rich Young confirmed the consolidation plans today, saying each of the facilities slated for sale is underutilized, with the Newark headquarters only half full.

"The fact is, in many places ... we have too much unused real estate," Young said. "This is part of an effort to streamline our operations and achieve efficiencies by bringing more of our employees together in a single location."

No employees would lose their jobs as part of the consolidation, Young said.

While selling its building at 540 Broad St. in Newark, Verizon would retain its New Jersey headquarters in the state's largest city, at a new location yet to be named. Between 350 and 400 senior executives, including Verizon New Jersey President Dennis Bone, would continue working in Newark.

The Newark building, which at 275 feet high was once the state's tallest building, was the headquarters of New Jersey Bell when it opened in 1929. Verizon declined to say what it expects the building, which has 450,000 square feet of space, to sell for, but claims developers have expressed interest.

Read more in Saturday's Star-Ledger.

JCexpert558

September 15th, 2007, 10:10 AM

IT would be cool if Elizabeth, Irvington and Harrison merged with Newark because You dont see alot of Citys other than MIami New York and AC who have bridges to cross over to another part of a city. Also it would make the city alot better.JCman, didn't you say that some of the swampy parts were going to merge with Newark? or did that not happen:confused:

Dagrecco82

September 15th, 2007, 01:10 PM

66nexus

September 15th, 2007, 03:35 PM

I live in Elizabeth and would be bothered considerably by that. I would hate to lose our identity. Our city dates back further than Newark, Harrison or Irvington and in some instances we are more historic.

Newark is considered a major American city, Elizabeth barely has an identity now. It doesn't share Newark's influence.

Marv95

September 15th, 2007, 05:39 PM

Not to mention it's only the 3rd oldest city in the country.

OmegaNYC

September 15th, 2007, 09:28 PM

As I said before, you just can't go merge cities based on petty arguments as this. Elizebeth is a county seat (Union County). So, county lines would have to be redrawn. Union Cty might have to merge with Essex if anything like this were to happen. Then Elizebeth with be annex into Newark. Besides, Paterson has plenty of bridges that link one side of town to another. It is just based on the geography of the city.

66nexus

September 16th, 2007, 12:02 AM

JCexpert558

September 16th, 2007, 09:54 PM

Has there ever been a time that a city that is part of the metro area becomes bigger than the main city, or equal:confused:

JCexpert558

September 16th, 2007, 10:01 PM

cysthead30

September 17th, 2007, 01:14 AM

Has there ever been a time that a city that is part of the metro area becomes bigger than the main city, or equal:confused:

One that comes to mind is San Jose.....thats part of the San Fran metro area and it has surpassed San Fran in population.

JCexpert558

September 21st, 2007, 10:25 PM

I bet that alot of people are going to be supriced if Newark had a population of 450,000 to 500,000 by the next census bureau. But if not that much, at least in the 300,000s. Also is it possible for a city to gain size:confused:

JCexpert558

September 21st, 2007, 10:28 PM

What are some major headquarters in Newark other than Prudential?

66nexus

September 22nd, 2007, 07:00 PM

What are some major headquarters in Newark other than Prudential?

McCarter & English, PSE&G, Horizon BCBS, IDT. I doubt any of these are larger than Prudential

scrollhectic

September 26th, 2007, 06:16 PM

Story from Globest.com
Pictures on http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?LID=15243873&linkcode=10850&sourcecode=1lww2t006a00001
I tried to attach the pictures, but I don't think this site is compatible with MAC.

It's a lot more attractive than the FBI building, but less attractive than the Two Riverfront Plaza originally proposed back in the 90's. It's also about 10 stories shorter than the original Two Riverfront Plaza.

NEWARK-Matrix Development Group has gotten approval for Two Riverfront Center, a 14-story, 411,000-sf office building in this city's Gateway area. The site is adjacent to the Cranbury-based developer's One Riverfront Center, a 20-story, 411,617-sf office tower also known as the Legal Center.
And Matrix has given the leasing agency for the new tower to Newmark Knight Frank. Besides the new building, that assignment also includes a four-floor, 100,000-sf block of space in the existing Legal Center building. For NKF, the combined assignment is being headed by managing director Hope Brodsky and executive managing director Tim Greiner of the firm's Rutherford office.

"We're hopeful that this appointment will help serve as a catalyst for bringing tenants in from outside the city," says Matrix VP Hilary Budny. "Exciting changes are taking place in this city."

"One Riverfront Center offers some of the most sought-after class A office space in the Northeast, and has consistently enjoyed 100% occupancy rates," says Greiner. "The additional development site at Two Riverfront Center is the only site approved in Newark, and with immediate train access is one of the top new construction sites in New Jersey."
Attached to Newark Penn Station by covered walkway, the normally full One Riverfront Center's current approximate 25% vacancy owes to the departure, earlier this year, of one of its major tenants. As reported by GlobeSt.com, the Gibbons law firm moved across the street to Advance Realty Group's One Gateway Center.

Since that move, Matrix has spent $1.5 million in facilities upgrades at the building, including new HVAC and security systems and a multi-purpose meeting and conference facility. Current tenants include Everest Technology, HDR Engineering and a number of major law firms, and as also reported here, more than 86,000 sf of new, renewed and expanded leases have recently been signed at the building.

66nexus

September 27th, 2007, 11:45 PM

66nexus

September 27th, 2007, 11:58 PM

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1190867754202880.xml&coll=1

Marv95

September 28th, 2007, 12:51 AM

I'm all for new commercial structures but why do they have to be so...shor-...not tall? I'm not even talking a 1200 footer, but at least 500ft(how about 465ft just in case they can't build taller than that). Seriously, how tall can a 14-story structure be? It was already stated that the office space around Newark Penn is much sought after, why not do this right?

There's still plenty of vacant office space downtown even by Penn Station. Therefore, the 14-story building, rather than 25 or 30. Rather have a mid-rise that's half full than a 30-story only 1/3 full.

As far as that Cogswell article, yeah it sucks with the lawsuits, but it also said that "Cogswell is moving ahead with plans to create 600 rental and condominium units and 60,000 square feet of retail at the former Hahne's department store, among other projects." So that's still own the board. But you can't blame the foundation or Prudential for wanting those eyesores out of the way ASAP.

66nexus

September 28th, 2007, 01:03 AM

Agreed^. But the Penn Station market, unlike the Broad St. market, has reallllly low vacancy rates and has had such for a long time:

http://www.gvawilliams.com/x1042.xml

To be honest...I'd rather have the 20-30 story, at least there'd be room to expand.

66nexus

September 28th, 2007, 01:22 AM

4924

4925

JCexpert558

September 28th, 2007, 07:55 AM

Will the talest building in the project be taller than 40 floors:confused:

JCexpert558

September 28th, 2007, 07:57 AM

Also is this project still happening:confused:

66nexus

September 28th, 2007, 02:54 PM

Will the talest building in the project be taller than 40 floors:confused:

It may be, but residential buildings command less ceiling and floor space than commercial ones.
This project is still supposed to happen so I hope the city and Cogswell can work it out

scrollhectic

October 2nd, 2007, 05:14 PM

Will the talest building in the project be taller than 40 floors:confused:

I can't find any info on it, but I heard they're demolishing the former Westinghouse building near broad street station (indeed there are banners on the buidling from a demolition company) and constructing the states tallest building. I don't have any more details than that unfortunately.

Also, Rockefeller Group have had this project on hold for a couple of years. They are waiting to secure a primary tenant. The building will be 22 stories and sandwiched inbetween Penn Station and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Building.

66nexus

October 2nd, 2007, 08:25 PM

I can't find any info on it, but I heard they're demolishing the former Westinghouse building near broad street station (indeed there are banners on the buidling from a demolition company) and constructing the states tallest building. I don't have any more details than that unfortunately.

Constructing NJ's tallest? That'd be nice but are you sure?

NYatKNIGHT

October 4th, 2007, 12:12 PM

Doesn't sound right. Is that lot or block even large enough?

66nexus

October 4th, 2007, 01:39 PM

Doesn't sound right. Is that lot or block even large enough?

I think the spot is definitely large enough (parking spaces around and about)
but I agree it doesn't sound right. I'm sure they could put something there, I just don't know if it'll be the state's tallest:confused:

66nexus

October 4th, 2007, 01:47 PM

At least this development is better than the motel itself...if it happens

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/10/an_aging_newark_motel_once.html

macmini

October 9th, 2007, 12:51 PM

Newark Loses Unwanted Landmark as Lincoln Motel Goes

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/10/08/nyregion/newark600.jpg
The Lincoln Motel, on right, in the V formed by the railroad tracks and Broad Street, was an unwelcome symbol of urban decay.

By ANDREW JACOBS (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/j/andrew_jacobs/index.html?inline=nyt-per)
Published: October 8, 2007
Correction Appended

NEWARK (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/national/usstatesterritoriesandpossessions/newjersey/newark/index.html?inline=nyt-geo), Oct. 5 — St. Louis has its swooping arch, San Francisco its bright red bridge and New York that copper-clad lady who stands sentinel in the harbor.

Since the 1970s, the northern gateway to this city has been graced by a giant, back-lighted profile of Abraham Lincoln (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/l/abraham_lincoln/index.html?inline=nyt-per), or at least a rough approximation of the 16th president, imprinted onto plastic.

But unlike the landmarks gracing entryways to other great American cities, the yellow sign over Broad Street honoring President Lincoln advertised an establishment best known as a hot-sheet motel and an incubator for prodigious amounts of crime.

“A blemished, rat-infested drug-haven eyesore,” is how Marc E. Berson, a local real estate developer, described the building, which sits next to Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, where the minor-league baseball team of which he is a co-owner, the Newark Bears, plays to thin crowds.

The motel, which hugs Interstate 280 and the train tracks that connect New York to a strand of leafy suburbs, also faces New Jersey Transit (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/new_jersey_transit/index.html?inline=nyt-org)’s Broad Street Station and the terminus of a new light rail line that wends through downtown Newark.

On Wednesday, Mr. Berson joined a group of elected officials and neighborhood residents to bid adieu to the Lincoln Motel. Following a rather unflattering eulogy, Mayor Cory A. Booker (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/cory_booker/index.html?inline=nyt-per) climbed into the cab of a giant excavating machine and, after a few misses, ripped a crowd-pleasing gash into the motel’s ashy-white brick facade with the machine’s jaws.
“One small blow for man, one giant blow for Newark,” the mayor said as a plume of dust drifted toward the Passaic River behind him.

Although there are promising signs of revival on the blocks south and west of Broad Street, it remains to be seen whether the demolition of the Lincoln Motel will spark the long-awaited resurgence that officials have been promising for generations. In the decade since city and county officials poured $30 million into the construction of Riverfront Stadium, the sports bars and restaurants conjured up in promotional material and architectural mockups never arrived to replace the parking lots and adult theaters that are there now.

In 2000, Miles Berger, the Lincoln Motel’s longtime owner, closed it for good and announced grand development plans for the site. Since then, the only activity at the moldering motel involved junkies and prostitutes who made use of its rooms. This time, however, things may be different.
The Tucker Development Corporation of Chicago, a builder of shopping centers, has said it is planning a mixed-use project on the four-acre site. Rutgers University (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/r/rutgers_the_state_university/index.html?inline=nyt-org) is building a new $83 million home for its business school one block away. And the Westinghouse factory, an asbestos-drenched beauty that looms over the Broad Street train station, is undergoing decontamination. In its place, city planners envision a high-rise offering market-rate apartments that would appeal to those working in New York, a mere 20-minute train ride away.

The quad, as the area is sometimes called, is also a brief stroll from the Newark Museum (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/newark_museum/index.html?inline=nyt-org), the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/new_jersey_performing_arts_center/index.html?inline=nyt-org), the Newark Library and Washington Park, a gracious 18th-century greensward that adjoins a stretch of restored brownstones known as the James Street Commons Historic District.

For the full article http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/08/nyregion/08newark.html?_r=2&%20ef=nyregion&%20ref=slogin&oref=slogin

NYatKNIGHT

October 9th, 2007, 01:04 PM

Good news. It was so bad it was almost museum worthy.

That photo above also shows the Westinghouse building we were just discussing - the big brick building across from the train station. Looking at it from above it does indeed look large enough for any size building. When I worked on the light rail there I remember it as a Superfund site, or it was treated as one - either way, extrememly toxic.

Radiohead

October 9th, 2007, 02:22 PM

Good riddance.

http://members.aol.com/Schoonmaker2000/BlogPix/LincMStg.jpg

http://members.aol.com/Schoonmaker2000/BlogPix/LincMotl.jpg

macmini

October 10th, 2007, 12:07 PM

Newark: New Trains for Stadium Crowds
By KEN BELSON (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/ken_belson/index.html?inline=nyt-per)
Published: October 10, 2007

New Jersey Transit (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/new_jersey_transit/index.html?inline=nyt-org) will begin running late-evening express trains to accommodate crowds at the new Prudential Center in Newark, which will open this month. Four new westbound express trains will travel on the Northeast Corridor after 9:20 p.m. and stop in Newark on runs between New York and Trenton. Three express trains will be added on the North Jersey Coast Line. New Jersey Transit will also extend the hours of its ticket windows, information booth and waiting room at Newark Penn Station until 11 p.m. nightly and later on nights when there are events at the arena. The Prudential Center, the new home of the New Jersey Devils, is two blocks west of Newark Penn Station.

66nexus

October 19th, 2007, 07:10 PM

1180 lit up again (even more lights). This time I think it's permanent. I suppose that that's a signature Cogswell Realty finish, much the way they lit up 744 Broad (National Newark building...the one with the green roof) when they finished restoring it.

I really hope the city and Cogswell can work out the Hahnes development project because even though it's taking Cogswell a long while, they've proved they can do the job right

21&Invincible

October 19th, 2007, 08:00 PM

Yea 1180 looks really great. Even though Newark hasn't received any notable high-rises recently, at least they are taking care of the ones they have.

This was when they were testing the lights like a week or two ago (excuse the darkness, was trying to fiddle with some settings):
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9028/1001815moduf3.th.jpg (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001815moduf3.jpg)

And this is from tonight, it looks like one of the lights is already out:
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8055/1001826hz7.th.jpg (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001826hz7.jpg)

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8765/1001824up1.th.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001824up1.jpg)

66nexus

October 20th, 2007, 02:54 AM

kevin

October 22nd, 2007, 02:00 PM

1180 lit up again (even more lights). This time I think it's permanent. I suppose that that's a signature Cogswell Realty finish, much the way they lit up 744 Broad (National Newark building...the one with the green roof) when they finished restoring it.

They're not done. They plan to light it from the 6th floor up - they've been installing the fixtures for the last few weeks. If you go past the building, you'll notice black brackets where the lights will be attached. The lighting was a pleasant surprise, but I can't wait to see the finished product. They also plan to remove the scaffolding by the end of October.

JCMAN320

October 22nd, 2007, 03:51 PM

Newark to become a 'burb?

Posted by Paul Mulshine October 21, 2007 10:24AM
Categories: Hot Topics

I set out on the streets of Newark the other day to get an idea of how suburbanites will react when they show up in town to visit the new sports arena.

The initial signs weren't encouraging. When I got to Broad Street a guy tried to sell me a used pair of size 12 Timberland boots. I told him that I already have a used pair of size 12 Timberland boots at home. No problem, he said, he had used sneakers for sale, too.

I soon met up with my old high-school buddy Peter O'Malley, who works in town. We were heading to the pawn shop to look for used guitars. As we walked up Broad Street I told Peter about an old Fender Stratocaster I had bought there a couple of years ago. It cost me a mere $250 but it was worth more than a thousand.

Pete had an even better used-guitar story. It seems that in the late 1960s, he bought a Fender Telecaster from a classmate at Ocean County College. The guy had a funny name: Bruce Springsteen. Unfortunately for Pete, he resold that guitar before "Springsteen" became a household name, thus missing out on a chance to put it on eBay and pay off his mortgage.

We were in a bargain-hunting frame of mind, which is the ideal frame of mind for Broad Street. It's actually quite an interesting place, but something of an acquired taste. You certainly couldn't confuse it with Park Avenue.

Perhaps that's why the new Prudential Center faces away from Broad Street. The glamorous facade with the four-story-high TV screen faces not Newark but Manhattan. Meanwhile the view from the Broad Street side of the arena is of the back of the parking garage.

This eastward-facing orientation was planned from the beginning, says Jeff Horn, who was executive vice president of Newark Sports and Entertainment, the group that planned the arena back in 2002 when the Nets basketball team was still planning to move there.

"The idea was all those commuters who go by on the train every day would change the way they look at Newark," said Horn, who is now with the Somerset County Business Partnership. "The idea was to draw people from the train station. This is the big advantage that Newark has over the Meadowlands, the access to the rail lines."

The theory is that some of the commuters will decide to get off the train and walk around.

"You want to create that interconnection where there are a lot of people on the streets of the Ironbound for dinner and then walk to the arena," said Horn.

James Hughes, who is the dean of the Bloustein Center for Public Policy at Rutgers, has been in the news recently because of his reports on the number of high-income people fleeing New Jersey. A transformation of Newark into a satellite of the Manhattan business community could help reverse that trend, he said.

"In order to afford to live in New Jersey you need high-paying jobs," said Hughes. "If Newark could be an attractive destination for firms priced out of Manhattan, those jobs would keep people here."

Till now, however, Newark's leaders lacked vision in the area of economic development, Hughes said. They continued to think of Newark as the old manufacturing city that it used to be rather than the business and financial center it could become. The city made a mistake in selling potentially valuable real estate along the rail lines for low-density housing.

"We were building the same kind of housing we were building a hundred years ago rather than building high-density townhouses," he said. "You really want density around those high points of access like the train station."

His partner Joe Seneca, meanwhile, points out that Newark has all the transportation links it needs to become a business center.

"It has rail, air, roads and a port all within a very concentrated area," said Seneca.

Newark is thus perfectly positioned to attract businesses that find Manhattan to be too expensive, he said.

"Newark grew and thrived for very, very good economic reasons," said Seneca. "Now that the economy has changed we have to find the new reasons."

As for Broad Street, Hughes was of the opinion that its comeback will lag behind the Gateway Center and the Ironbound.

"Broad Street is only going to change if the purchasing power of the residents changes," he said. "You don't have the purchasing power you had 30 or 40 years ago. That's why the department stores are gone."

On the plus side, that's also why the pawn shop is thriving. If Hughes' analysis is correct, such unconventional businesses will survive on Broad Street for the next few years at least.

That's fine with me. I like quirky little stores. As for the guy selling used shoes, though, perhaps his days are numbered.

66nexus

October 22nd, 2007, 08:17 PM

I think Newark and JC are too business oriented to become a suburb of NYC, I don't even know why they suggest such a thing for Newark. They can be satellite cities, but the fact is that there a numerous business located, and some headquartered, in them.
Also, I honestly think it's more important for the arena LED screen to face Penn Station and 21 rather than Broad St. Broad/Market St. were the main roads back in the day but those times are gone. Rt. 21 is the new Broad St. Hopefully Broad St. could return and perhaps they could do something with the Broad St. entrance for the arena.

People selling 'used' goods can be annoying. And though it may happen in Newark (frequently or not), no one can say that crap never happens in NYC

investordude

October 26th, 2007, 04:21 AM

Here's a great artilcle on Booker's plans for the city: http://www.archpaper.com/features/2007_17_newark.htm

I like a lot of it, especially about utilizing the port and airport better, and updating zoning to allow high end residential downtown.

One thing I am skeptical of though is eliminating the "Bayonne box" in the fringe neighborhoods. I believe Newark should accept a suburban character to its outlying areas - it should stop trying to recapture the glory days of the 20's and become a suburban enclave. Not downtown or near downtown, but in areas that are further away. If this zoning person, who admittedly has an impressive track record in DC and New York, is good - I'm hoping she realizes Newark is not and never will be New York and DC - the two most powerful and important cities in the world.

Still, sounds like good things could be coming to an updated Newark.

21&Invincible

October 26th, 2007, 06:02 AM

Those pictures included in the article are somewhat old. My dorm hasn't been built in them.

JCMAN320

October 29th, 2007, 10:26 AM

Suddenly, a new picture of Newark
Pru Center and NJPAC open what the city hopes is a different era

Monday, October 29, 2007
BY JULIE O'CONNOR AND CLAIRE HEININGER
Star-Ledger Staff

Well-dressed music lovers filtered into the building, lured by a storied symphony orchestra and a juiced-up jazz act. Hours later, a decidedly more jeans-clad crowd assembled a few blocks away, chattering anxiously in line as buzz built for Bon Jovi.

As Newark opened both its major entertainment venues -- the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the days-old Prudential Center -- on the same day for the first time, the scenes yesterday sketched an unfamiliar picture that New Jersey's largest city hopes will become routine.

The shows drew thousands of visitors to downtown Newark by car and mass transit. Although the NJPAC crowd left at roughly the same time Bon Jovi fans started to arrive, the streets around both venues appeared devoid of major traffic snarls or parking woes.

At NJPAC, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic played to a near-sold-out 2,750-seat theater, while jazz group Irvin Mayfield and the Hombres drew about 500 to the center's smaller Victoria Theater, officials said. And at the Prudential Center -- hosting its fourth event since opening Thursday night -- Bon Jovi played the third of 10 shows. It was unclear last night how many people attended the Bon Jovi performance, but the tally stood at 16,132 Thursday and 16,153 Friday, said Joy Gulledge, a spokeswoman for the Prudential Center. A sellout crowd of 17,600 watched the New Jersey Devils hockey team at the arena Saturday night.

Outside both venues and on nearby streets, yesterday's concertgoers largely echoed the experiences of those who attended other shows during the $375 million new arena's opening weekend. Newark has its flaws, they said, but also plenty of potential as a cultural center poised for a rebound.

"If you're not familiar with the city, you tend to not want to stray too far from your destination," said Susan Donohue, 53, of Annandale, who attended the Irvin Mayfield show with husband Timothy and two friends.

More restaurants within walking distance would help keep her group in the city after shows, rather than heading out to Jersey City as is their custom, Donohue said.

"I've watched Newark rise and fall over the past 43 years," she said. "I do see a trend of improvement, and hopefully it keeps up."

Greeting the crowds with approval, NJPAC usher Saundra Cook, 57, predicted Newark will "change dramatically over the next 10 years." She called safety concerns "hype" but acknowledged too few dining options near the performing arts center.

"Most people who approach me, they'd just like to eat after a show," Cook said. "I think if they had restaurants a little bit closer, that would help tremendously. Outside that, everything is cool."

To make sure those drawn by the Prudential Center and NJPAC know what else Newark has to offer, the city has been handing out cards to people arriving at Penn Station that list different restaurant destinations, said Lupe Todd, a spokeswoman for Mayor Cory Booker. Newark also will update its Web site to add the Prudential Center to its list of attractions, which includes NJPAC, Newark Symphony Hall and the Newark Museum.

"As the weeks go on, we've just got to keep everything going," Todd said yesterday. "That's the challenge and I think that our city is up to the challenge."

The confluence of the Philharmonic and Bon Jovi performances didn't require the city to take any different measures with car or pedestrian traffic than it had on the Prudential Center's first three nights, Todd said. But for a concert that draws more Newark residents -- such as R. Kelly's upcoming appearance -- city officials will discuss the possibility of different routes to help smooth the flow of foot traffic, she said.

Many pedestrians attending the Bon Jovi shows have been suburbanites, with mass transit bringing them to and from Newark. NJ Transit has seen a boost of nearly 4,000 riders more than usual passing through Penn Station on the nights since the Prudential Center's debut, with another 500 extra per night traveling through Broad Street Station, spokesman Dan Stessel said. About 2,000 people more than normal took PATH trains out of Newark following the opening night concert between 11 p.m. and midnight Thursday, said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

"That's a very, very respectable market share for a brand new arena," Stessel said, adding there did not appear to be train capacity issues as a result of the NJPAC and Prudential events yesterday. "It's gratifying and we hope to build on it."

Staff writer Alexi Friedman contributed to this report.

investordude

October 30th, 2007, 01:58 AM

Personally, I think its misplaced to build these things in Newark before addressing problems like crime and quality of life issues. The economics of sports stadiums are very dismal for cities.

NYatKNIGHT

October 30th, 2007, 10:09 AM

They have worked in some cities and not in others, there are many factors. Newark needs a lot of things, obviously, but one of the biggest hurdles is getting people to come into the city in the first place. Once they do, keep them safe. So far so good, there has been positive feedback, but it's too early to tell. We'll see if they are still coming a year from now - the jury's still out. I'm optimistic though.

21&Invincible

October 30th, 2007, 11:11 AM

I agree, I believe the effort right now is to slowly turn Newark into a more 24/7 place. It may take a while but I think that's one of the directions that this "renaissance" is trying to achieve. And to make it a more 24/7 place, people need to be drawn in and have their perspectives changed.

66nexus

October 30th, 2007, 12:51 PM

^All agreed. Newark has never attained something of this magnitude. People come to the city to spend money is a good thing. Which will hopefully be followed by downtown housing/development. Cogswell had development in the tubes but now they're stuck in litigation (they still plan to build them though). And the Mulberry St. Promenade would have already been built but some of the owners in the area wanted to keep their property.
In any case, I hope the Courtyard Marriott they're building by the arena is one of those short 2-story structures....what a waste that would be

Dagrecco82

October 31st, 2007, 12:25 PM

I found this information on the Cogswell Realty website:

"Additional Development Projects, Newark, New Jersey: The adjoining former Hahnes department store and former Griffith piano building will be redeveloped as part of CRG’s continued efforts to spur growth in downtown Newark. On the heels of the recent successful development of 1180 Raymond Boulevard, this proposed project will consist of approximately 650 rental and for-sale residential units. In addition to this project, CRG owns approximately 2.6 million square feet of additional developable property in the downtown Newark area, with plans to construct additional commercial, housing and retail product."

66nexus

October 31st, 2007, 04:21 PM

Earlier I meant to say that I hope the Marriott they're building ISN'T one of those 2-story shorts. Decided a new post was better than an edit

JCMAN320

November 8th, 2007, 03:29 AM

Panel approves $235M Newark Museum addition

by Peggy McGlone Wednesday November 07, 2007, 10:52 PM

The Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission tonight unanimously approved a plan by the Newark Museum to demolish two buildings to make way for an "iconic" structure that will double the museum's gallery space.

Shown to the public for the first time, the $235 million effort is slightly smaller in scale and drastically different in design from the original, which was met with fierce opposition from historic preservationists when it was unveiled last year.

The revised plan for the Washington Street site, however, was greeted with enthusiasm and the final vote was met with applause.

"The overall scheme is wonderful. (It) offers variety in scale and materials that accurately reflects the district," commission chairman David Abramson said.

Designed by noted Princeton architect Michael Graves, the 150,000-square-foot addition will feature a vaulted copper roof - described as "the mother of all arches" - and dramatic skylights that will house galleries, offices and a 350-seat auditorium. A smaller wing with an illuminated tower will be built at Central Avenue and Washington Street, and a parking deck will hug the corner of Central and University avenues.

z22

November 8th, 2007, 08:48 PM

Wow! They have $235 million extra cash to spend on a museum while people are still dreaming of having lower property tax in NJ. That's amazing.

kevin

November 8th, 2007, 10:05 PM

Wow! They have $235 million extra cash to spend on a museum while people are still dreaming of having lower property tax in NJ. That's amazing.

Did I miss something in the article? I didn't see any mention of the source of the funding for the museum plan.

I pay about $60 per year for a family membership to the Newark Museum for my wife and I, and I'm sure they receive other donations and endowments. I'm not saying that all of the funding will come from non-state sources, but even if the state paid for everything, I don't think it would be money misspent.

When I first moved to Newark, there was a significant lack of culture in the downtown area, especially on weekends, and going to the museum was one of the things my wife and I enjoyed doing on those days. If you've never been, I encourage you to go before you make a judgment, since the museum is a draw to the city, and such an investment will pay for itself, especially since out-of-towners are coming to Newark for the Prudential Center and seeing that the city isn't what they thought. Families will think about bringing their children to the museum.

I lived in NJ my whole life and didn't know about the museum until I reached adulthood. I brought my parents to the museum not too long ago and they were upset that they didn't know about it (or were afraid to see it) for so long.

Basic point - city rebounds, people from all over the region come to see the museum, then spend $100-200 on a lunch at the local restaurants, which all increase the property values in Newark, which causes the city to pump more money into the state's coffers, which gives the state money to lower property tax for everyone else.

z22

November 10th, 2007, 12:43 AM

kevin

November 10th, 2007, 01:52 AM

Yes, I have visited the Newark museum a couple of time. It is actually a nice museum, no doubt about it. I just have a doubt that the funding comes only from donations. My opinion is $230 million is a whole lot of money to be put into a single thing in Newark especially for enhancing something that is quite good already. It looks to me like they are sitting with excess cash and don’t know what to do with it, so overspending it. If they have to borrow for this project, it is even worst. Not sure if that is the right investment at this time. If we want to invest in Newark, use it to do something else that may have a higher priority.

The commission just gave the go-ahead to demolish the buildings. At issue were the 1859 Polhemus house and the Lyons Farm schoolhouse, which the commission saved from demo and will now be converted into museum buildings.

According to the original article:

With the sanction of the city preservation commission -- a council that had the power to overrule the state's approval -- Price said the museum can now move ahead on the fund-raising campaign, which includes $65 million endowment. Price said she hopes to begin construction by 2009 -- the museum's centennial -- and expects the construction to take three years.
There's no earmarking involved. The construction isn't even set to begin for another year. The Museum has to raise the cash itself. Regardless, the plan doesn't simply enhance an already good thing, it eliminates the decaying old buildings around the museum and makes the surrounding area even nicer,

scrollhectic

November 28th, 2007, 01:38 AM

21&Invincible

November 28th, 2007, 02:02 AM

I hope this moves along. Anyone arriving at Broad Street station gets greeted by that Westinghouse dump. And to be honest, walking past it freaks me out, especially the side on University Ave.

66nexus

November 28th, 2007, 03:55 AM

21&Invincible

November 28th, 2007, 04:25 AM

I didn't notice it the first time, but by the rendering I'm guessing they are trying to emulate some of the architectural details of Broad St. Station into the new building?

Marv95

November 28th, 2007, 01:05 PM

I wish they'd start tomorrow. The rendering does confuse me a little, it seem s that Broad St. cuts straight through the buildings but then again...it's only a rendering. Shame these things take so long

That's actually University Ave., but you are right it does look strange. Maybe they plan to run the street directly under the building? You see in the pic the light rail is probably in the way.

Wicked rendering though. It it wasn't for that stupid mercury at the site Westinghouse would have been demolished by now like the Lincoln Motel.

66nexus

November 28th, 2007, 01:18 PM

That's actually University Ave., but you are right it does look strange. Maybe they plan to run the street directly under the building? You see in the pic the light rail is probably in the way.

Wicked rendering though. It it wasn't for that stupid mercury at the site Westinghouse would have been demolished by now like the Lincoln Motel.

Oh no question, but with as far back as Broad St. Station looks, I'd say Broad St looks as if it runs under the building in the foreground. Hell, now that you mention it, University ave. would have to be tucked under the large building. Relative to the rendering, I can't tell where it's supposed to be situated. If its only the Westinghouse building site than Univ./Broad st. shouldn't be touched.

Marv95

November 28th, 2007, 01:42 PM

The thing is that if you been to the area you will notice is a surface lot just south of the plaza between Orange St. and Lackawanna. Maybe Aetna acquired or is going to acquire that area along with the Westinghouse spot? :confused: Because I think that is where the six-story building will be located. And I think directly in front of the pic is Broad St. since that small blacktop lot where NJT uses it for parking their vehicles is still there in the pic.

Compare that to this and see how the rendering would fit in:
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/10/08/nyregion/newark600.jpg

66nexus

November 28th, 2007, 02:56 PM

^Used to work in that area, haven't been to the quad in recent months. That area is coming back. that pic puts things in perspective(kinda makes me miss the old days). I don't think the rendering is location specific but a general idea. O st. station west and B st. station right next door should make for a nice transit oriented neighborhood

scrollhectic

January 12th, 2008, 04:57 PM

Mixed-Use To Rise on Industrial Site
By Eric Peterson

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_designconcept.jpg
Redevelopment renderings

NEWARK-Aetna Realty acquired the 500,000-sf former Westinghouse manufacturing plant on Orange Street here more than two decades ago for just $2 million. Now, after sitting vacant and fenced-off for most of that period, the circa 1870 brick structure is being demolished by the New York City-based owner.
That demolition is expected to pave the way for a mixed-use redevelopment of the four-acre site. Specific plans have not been released, and neither has a development timeline, but renderings and preliminary data provided by the company show multiple 20-story-plus towers, a mid-rise residential building and a ground-floor retail component.
Officials of the family-owned company, headed by Ivor Braka, say the demolition process should be completed by April. After that, the site will be subjected to a remediation process, and city and state approvals lie ahead. Situated directly across from NJ Transit’s Broad Street Rail Station, the old plant was the first industrial headquarters in the US for Westinghouse when it was built. For Aetna Realty, the site is one of several properties it owns here, including the office building at 560 Broad St. and multiple retail and industrial buildings.

Radiohead

January 12th, 2008, 07:05 PM

Lets see if this will ever happen... There are construction vehicles parked outside of westinghouse waiting for demo permits. I think any project in that area is still 5 years away... if we're lucky.

http://www.aetnarealty.com/properties.asp?property_id=10076&type=summary

Check the date on this article. Is the old plant in such a state of disrepair that it can't be renovated at a reasonable cost? I hate to see 19th century structures with so much history demolished if there is still potential. If it is beyond repair, then it needs to go sooner rather letting it sit and deteriorate furthur.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E0DF1739F935A15751C0A9629482 60&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1

Broad Street Station, with some good shots of Westinghouse. The neglect is evident, but imagine what it would look like renovated (similar to what they did with the power plant Jersey City)

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/outoftown/newjersey/newark/broadstreetstation/index.htm

Laura KC

January 12th, 2008, 11:41 PM

My understanding is that the building wasn't suffering so much from disrepair as it was from hazardous waste, hence the remediation process mentioned in the blurb posted by scrollhectic. I think (though I am not an expert) that the building needs to come down to get at the toxic materials in the ground. It will be a shame to see it go, though; it is a beautiful building.

scrollhectic

January 13th, 2008, 10:09 PM

Check the date on this article. /index.htm (http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/outoftown/newjersey/newark/broadstreetstation/index.htm)

It came out on the 8th on globest.com

Mixed-Use To Rise on Industrial Site (http://www.globest.com/news/1068_1068/newjersey/167267-1.html)
01/08/2008| By Eric Peterson | New Jersey
» 71% relevance

NEWARK-Aetna Realty begins demolition of a long-vacant 500,000-sf former Westinghouse plant on four Downtown acres

http://www.globest.com/news/1068_1068/newjersey/167267-1.html

Radiohead

January 14th, 2008, 12:41 AM

It came out on the 8th on globest.com

Mixed-Use To Rise on Industrial Site (http://www.globest.com/news/1068_1068/newjersey/167267-1.html)
01/08/2008| By Eric Peterson | New Jersey
» 71% relevance

NEWARK-Aetna Realty begins demolition of a long-vacant 500,000-sf former Westinghouse plant on four Downtown acres

http://www.globest.com/news/1068_1068/newjersey/167267-1.html

????

Different article. I was referring to the link below the paragraph. I guess it could be confusing.

DORMANT NEWARK PLANT TO THROB AGAIN

By ANTHONY DEPALMA
Published: February 26, 1984

JCexpert558

January 15th, 2008, 06:46 PM

If Newark wants to have more visiters, it should have more hotels because most of the hotels in Newark are made to stay for transpitational purposes. Like a good hotel spot for Newark would be right on the water front you would have a closer comute to all of Newarks amentities like the NJPAC, Bears Arena, and The Prudential center would be right down the street.

PS:Sorry if I spelled amentities wrong:)

Marv95

January 16th, 2008, 12:40 AM

kevin

January 16th, 2008, 01:07 PM

^^2 hotels are already being planned near the PruCenter, a Sheraton and Residence Inn. As I rode a bus back from Penn Station last week I heard a passenger telling a bus driver that a high-rise hotel will replace the old Lincoln Motel next to the Bears Stadium, although articles say that Miles Berger wants mixed use there, which would be a dumb idea since Westinghouse would be mixed-use in 5 years or so; might as well build a hotel next to the ballpark to cut the redundancy.

What do you mean mixed-use? I was under the impression that the mixed-use property at the Westinghouse transit village would be commercial/residential, whereas the Lincoln Hotel spot would feature mixed-use including a hotel. If that's the case, I don't see any redundancy. More apartments and more stores in Newark would be good, considering that 1180 is doing very well (as far as I can tell).

Marv95

January 16th, 2008, 04:50 PM

What do you mean mixed-use? I was under the impression that the mixed-use property at the Westinghouse transit village would be commercial/residential, whereas the Lincoln Hotel spot would feature mixed-use including a hotel. If that's the case, I don't see any redundancy. More apartments and more stores in Newark would be good, considering that 1180 is doing very well (as far as I can tell).

Ooops, I think I confused the mixed-use term. I meant that Westinghouse and the Motel spot should be different from one another. Westinghouse should be residential/retail while the hotel should be across the street. Those abandoned buildings futher down Broad St. by Raymond Blvd could also be put to good use. BTW, have you heard anything about the Hahne/Griffith building from Cogswell, seeming as how they own both 1180 and HG? Any talks or development?

kevin

January 16th, 2008, 05:53 PM

Ooops, I think I confused the mixed-use term. I meant that Westinghouse and the Motel spot should be different from one another. Westinghouse should be residential/retail while the hotel should be across the street. Those abandoned buildings futher down Broad St. by Raymond Blvd could also be put to good use. BTW, have you heard anything about the Hahne/Griffith building from Cogswell, seeming as how they own both 1180 and HG? Any talks or development?

CRG had their Xmas party at 1180 - and invited all of the residents. So while there, I had a chance to talk to some of the higher-ups about their plans for Newark.

Basically, they practically own all of the Broad Street properties across from Military Park. The plan was to raze all but the Hahnes/Griffith buildings and build mixed-use properties like the Hahnes building (storefront/loft condos). The Kislak building was to become the main focus, as they plan to put a 20-something story high rise on its location. The plan is, for the most part intact, and they'll start on the Military Park project as soon as 1180 is fully complete, as they can only focus on one project at a time right now because of the lenders.

There is one substantial change to the plan, and it's that they don't believe the Griffith can be saved. It's kind of sad, because that place would have made awesome apartments.

I will be excited when they start tearing down S. Klein and the Wiss building. All the empty buildings on Broad Street are simply eyesores, especially now that there's more of a focus on Newark.

I have to say that the funniest thing lately is that people who come to Newark to go to the Arena drive right past free on-street parking spots to pay $20 to park in a lot.

stache

January 18th, 2008, 02:42 AM

By ANDREW JACOBS

NEWARK — An impressive cultural complex in the heart of this down-and-out city? They said it could not be done, but Lawrence P. Goldman, the man behind the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, proved them wrong.

Now, 10 years after he cut the ribbon on the $187 million arts center, Mr. Goldman, its president, is selling another dream: a shimmering tower opposite the arts center that would bring downtown Newark its first new residential construction in at least four decades.

On Thursday, Mr. Goldman and a Philadelphia developer announced plans for a $150 million mixed-use project that would include retail space, indoor parking and up to 300 market-rate rental apartments, 20 percent of them reserved for artists whose rents would be subsidized.

The developer, Dranoff Properties, a company with a reputation for breathing new life into low-end neighborhoods through high-end apartments, says the proposed building, 2 Center Street, would include a lap-swimming pool, wine storage, “private dining salons” and the kind of luxuries that might lure wealthy suburbanites into urban centers.

“If you build it, they will come,” said Carl E. Dranoff, the company’s president, who recently converted a boarded-up RCA factory in Camden into a rental building with 340 apartments, almost all of which are spoken for, he says. “This will not be some run-of-the-mill project,” he said. “It will be highly visible, and when you approach Newark, it will be a vivid icon on the skyline.”

The project still needs bank financing and public subsidies to get started. Also on the drawing board are a hotel, a condominium residential building and a Venetian-style pedestrian plaza that would be built once 2 Center Street proved viable.

But as a recession looms and the subprime crisis spreads, there are some who wonder whether 2 Center Street might have to wait awhile.

“This is an extraordinarily risky time to be engaged in a housing venture,” said James W. Hughes, a professor of planning and public policy at Rutgers University. “While we don’t know the housing slump’s full depths, there is the potential for a major correction that could last several years.”

He added, “On the other hand, by the time a project like this is completed, the housing market could even out.”

For the moment at least, downtown Newark continues to ride a wave of optimism generated by the election of Mayor Cory A. Booker in 2006, the opening of the Prudential Center arena last October and a series of deals that have injected vigor into what for generations was a moribund real estate market.

Arthur Stern, whose company, Cogswell Realty Group, took a leap of faith last year by turning a derelict Art Deco office building into 316 rental apartments, said young professionals continued to come to Newark, a 15-minute train ride from Midtown Manhattan, after finding New York, Jersey City and Hoboken too expensive. As long as New York’s real estate market stays healthy, he and others said, Newark will hold its own.

“There may be dark clouds on the horizon, but right now everyone remains completely bullish in Newark,” said Mr. Stern, whose building, 1180 Raymond Boulevard, is two-thirds rented, and about 80 percent of the tenants are people who commute to New York. “Everyone is still scrambling to get things built.”

For Mr. Goldman, the fact that 12 big-name developers, all but one from out of state, expressed interest in the site shows how far the city has come since the lean years, decades really, when Newark was a no-go zone for real estate investment.

As vice president of Carnegie Hall in the 1980s, Mr. Goldman oversaw an ambitious restoration and expansion effort that was partly financed by a 60-story skyscraper built on a parking lot owned by the music hall. The building, Carnegie Hall Tower, still brings in $200,000 a year for the performance space.

When Mr. Goldman was charged with building the performance center in Newark in 1989, he persuaded the state to acquire 12 acres in and around the site to make sure the center could benefit from its own success.

As part of the deal announced on Thursday, Dranoff Properties will get a 65-year lease on the 1.2-acre site at the corner of Park Place and Center Street. In additional to a lump sum, which neither side would reveal, the developer will pay the arts center an annual rent, a portion of it based on revenue from the commercial and residential tenants.

City and state officials said they were prepared to pitch in with tax abatements and, if necessary, government-backed bonds.

Mr. Dranoff hopes to break ground early next year, but said it was too early to talk about rents or exactly how affordable the so-called affordable units would be. Still, news that a fifth of the apartments would be set aside for working artists was pleasant news for the city’s small but growing cadre of painters and sculptors.

Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company

JCMAN320

January 18th, 2008, 11:09 AM

NJPAC complex will add $200M high-rise apartment tower

by Peggy McGlone /The Star-Ledger
Friday January 18, 2008, 4:29 AM

A Philadelphia developer will help the New Jersey Performing Arts Center mount its next big production -- a high-rise apartment building in downtown Newark.

Dranoff Properties will put its extensive urban development experience to work at Two Center Street, the first major expansion at NJPAC since the facility opened in 1997.

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2008/01/large_rend.JPG
JOHN MUNSON/THE STAR-LEDGER
A model of the NJPAC construction plan.

Rising on a 1.2-acre site directly across from the arts center's entrance, Two Center Street will feature 250 residential units, 15,000 to 30,000 square feet of retail space and a parking deck for up to 750 cars.

Preliminary sketches show the building being 28 stories high. By comparison, the nearby Robert Treat Hotel is 14 stories.

The $200 million project -- the first new apartment building in downtown Newark in 45 years -- represents the arts center's continued effort to revitalize the city, one of its core missions. It will also allow NJPAC to benefit financially from those efforts, from both basic rent and an undetermined percentage of future earnings.

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2008/01/large_xpark.JPG
JOHN MUNSON/THE STAR-LEDGER
The parking lot and short tan building across the street from NJPAC is the site of the first phase of a new construction plan.

NJPAC and Dranoff have reached a preliminary agreement that allows the design stage to begin while the financial negotiations continue, NJPAC President and CEO Lawrence Goldman said.

NJPAC selected Dranoff based on its 10-year track record of imaginative urban projects, Goldman said. Dranoff built a high-rise near the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia and converted the historic RCA Victor factory on the Camden waterfront into luxury loft apartments.

Goldman described the developer as a trendsetter whose passion for urban revitalization is on par with NJPAC.

"Building market-rate housing in a converted factory on the Camden waterfront had about as many believers as building a world-class arts center in Newark had," said Goldman, who said Dranoff was selected from a pool of 12 developers. "He is a pioneer ... and a very good partner for us."

The approximately 500,000-square-foot project is a natural for his company, said Carl Dranoff, founder and CEO. "We like to do large, bold, transformative projects," he said "It's a wonderful site in a city whose time has come."

Past Dranoff projects share critical elements with the NJPAC plan. His firm built the Symphony House high-rise in Philadelphia in 2006, about 100 steps from the Kimmel Center.

And he's not afraid to be a trailblazer. Camden's reputation in 2002 -- as a city with a struggling economy and a high crime rate -- was even more problematic than Newark's is now.

"We took on the impossible and proved the skeptics wrong," he said. "Newark is waiting for this project. Someone has to take that big first step."

Newark Deputy Mayor Stefan Pryor said the city and state have been involved in early discussions about the project.

"This is the leading edge of an important trend in Newark, the development of a 24/7 downtown residential community," Pryor said. "Newark is definitely headed in that direction, and NJPAC is leading the way."

Like Dranoff's Camden project -- which began with the Victor and continues with Radio Lofts, another adaptive project on the waterfront -- Two Center Street is envisioned as the first of a three-phase project on the arts center's 12-acre campus. Two more buildings -- one with high-end condominiums and the other the site of a hotel -- are on the drawing table.

It is too soon to estimate what a rental unit will cost, the partners say, but they agree the price would be less than those in nearby Jersey City and Hoboken. Rents at the upscale loft apartments at the Victor in Camden run from $1,000 to $2,900.

Dranoff said he wants to break ground within 18 months and be on the market in another two or three years. He acknowledged the economic forecast is not strong but said the finish line is years off.

"Even in a down economy, the really top-quality projects, the ones with amenities and attractions, they will be successful," he said.

First, though, the partners must agree on the design and financing of the building. Goldman said NJPAC's architect, Barton Myers, will meet with the developer's team in the next few weeks. The agreement gives the arts center the right to review the design. Myers' participation from the beginning will ensure the partners are on the right track.

That provision is more the exception than the rule, said Dranoff, but he appreciates its motivation. "He wants to make sure we are building a quality product," he said. "We know Barton Myers and Larry, and we feel very comfortable that we can create a world-class building and neighborhood."

kevin

January 18th, 2008, 11:31 AM

It is too soon to estimate what a rental unit will cost, the partners say, but they agree the price would be less than those in nearby Jersey City and Hoboken. Rents at the upscale loft apartments at the Victor in Camden run from $1,000 to $2,900.

It's going to be a lot more than that, considering that 1180 studios *started* between $1400 and 1500 when the building opened In August of '06.

66nexus

January 19th, 2008, 05:05 PM

Nothing major overall, but a nice touch:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/20skylinenj.html?_r=1&ref=nyregionspecial2&oref=slogin

JCMAN320

January 19th, 2008, 06:14 PM

I have always had this desire to be a city planner and go into a field with architecture since I was young, and I remeber from a young age being on the Turnpike with my father and saying that Newark was my favorite skyline. My father every now and then will say "Do you remember when you said Newark was your favorite skyline?". I tell him that is still one of my favorites and always will be.

To me it is a great skyline of once an extremely great city that will be great again in the future; prehaps the very near future. To me that great skylines of this area are NYC, JC, and Newark. Now of course Jersey Ciy has a skyline and it is my favorite, but Newark and it's skyline will always be close to my heart.

Great article by the NYtimes!!:)

scrollhectic

January 21st, 2008, 01:48 AM

Newark's first new high-rise housing in decades rests on a risk-taker

Sunday, January 20, 2008 BY PEGGY McGLONE
Star-Ledger Staff

It took Camden's civic leaders four years to persuade Philadelphia developer Carl Dranoff to visit their city's washed-up waterfront.

They were seeking someone to convert the former headquarters of RCA -- an abandoned historic building along a desolate stretch of the Delaware River -- into market-rate apartments. They wanted a gambler who'd find hope where others saw only risk.

Dranoff finally agreed to check it out. "He looked at the building and saw a lot of beauty in what everyone else saw as a mess," said Anthony Perno, vice president of the Cooper's Ferry Development Association, the nonprofit group charged with spurring residential development on the Camden waterfront.

There was "real concern" that people would reject the idea of living there, Perno said, but "Carl never doubted. And he was right."

Now the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is teaming up with Dranoff on an equally daring project, the first new apartment high-rise in Newark in 45 years.

On Friday NJPAC officials announced a preliminary agreement with Dranoff Properties to build a $200 million building at Two Center Street, directly across the street from the arts center entrance. The building will have 250 apartments, retail space and parking for more than 700 cars.

Dranoff's selection was primarily based on his previous projects in Philadelphia and Camden, NJPAC president and chief executive Lawrence P. Goldman said.
In 10 years, Dranoff Properties has built a portfolio of award-winning -- and often risk-filled -- projects including the Victor in Camden and Symphony House in Philadelphia. The former represented the first market-rate housing built in Camden in four decades; the latter is a high-rise of luxury condominiums near the Kimmel Center, a 6-year-old venue similar to NJPAC.
"The power of combining arts and culture with residential living has proven to be potent," said Dranoff. "I already have the playbook."

The Victor, where factory space was converted into 341 loft units, fetches rents of between $1,000 and $2,900 -- "extremely high-end for Camden," said Perno. About 95 percent of the units have been leased to residents attracted to the high ceilings, big windows, Philadelphia skyline views and open floor plans.

"A lot of people thought he was nuts, frankly, but he did a really good job," said Michael Sencindiver, president of Keating Urban Partners. "He's a very skilled developer."

MAJORING IN THE AMENITIES

The Victor, Symphony House and a half-dozen other Dranoff projects exemplify the "live/work/play" formula critical for urban residential development. Not only are they convenient to residents' offices, they are packed with amenities. The Victor has a two-story fitness center in its tower, a club room for meetings and a media room that seats 30. The 31-story Symphony House, just now being completed, offers a lap pool, fitness center, sun deck and a club room with a Steinway piano. There are three dining salons with a catering kitchen for residents' special events, a wine storage facility and tasting room.

Retail space at the Victor is about 80 percent rented, and includes an Italian restaurant, a pub, a Subway sandwich shop and a dry cleaner. A bank is expected to open in the spring.

The Victor won the Best Adaptive Reuse award from the National Association of Home Builders last year. Its success has led Dranoff to start his second Camden effort, an 86-unit luxury condominium building to be called Radio Lofts.

The 163-unit Symphony House is 80 percent sold, Dranoff said. Its retail space is 100 percent occupied, with two restaurants. It also is home to a 400-seat Philadelphia Theatre Company performance space.

The first new condo building in a city dominated by renovation projects and apartments, Symphony House has been greeted mostly with accolades. Paul Levy, chief executive of Center City District, said it was a significant addition to redevelopment activity that has added 10,000 new residential units in downtown Philly in 10 years. "It is the important next step," he said.
It was not as well-received, however, in terms of appearance, including a broad base featuring cream-colored arches, and a pink-and-off-white tower capped by a deep-red mansard roof.

While Symphony House was good for the city economy, "it was not successful in the critics' mind," John Claypool, executive director of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Architects, said. "It got slammed."

The Philadelphia Inquirer called the design by local firm BLT Architects "a Frankenstein mix of historical elements ... that have been rendered meaningless by modern times, materials and construction methods."
NJPAC's Larry Goldman is not worried about the design of Two Center Street. "NJPAC will have architectural approval rights over everything," he said. "We have re-engaged Barton Myers (the architect for the arts center) to be our adviser in making sure that we have a project that fulfills our urban design goals."

'MEANINGFUL BET'

Early sketches of Two Center Street show a 28-story tower, street-level retail space and a hidden parking garage. The building would be the first phase of a three-stage effort to transform Theater Square into a vibrant urban neighborhood. The next projects -- to be erected closer to the Passaic River -- call for condominiums and a hotel, with more street-level retail space to increase activity.

Kevin Gillen, an economist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, said of Two Center Street: "The fact that it is the first in so long and so high-end is very symbolic. Adding 250 units to a city Newark's size, you wouldn't expect to move the market. But this represents a meaningful bet on the future of Newark."

While design plans are drafted, NJPAC officials and Dranoff will negotiate the financing. As with the Victor, public money will be sought to cover a portion of the construction. NJPAC will receive lease payments and a portion of the revenue.

Dranoff's experience with complex deals was another plus for Goldman, who said the developer's high marks from government and civic partners were critical to his selection. "Given the largely untested market in Newark, and the cost of construction, this is going to require public participation to make it work," said Goldman.

tbal

January 21st, 2008, 11:29 PM

So it looks like we are looking at a mid-2009 start for this one?? I really hope it becomes a reality...

JCMAN320

January 21st, 2008, 11:32 PM

Once can only hope it would be nice to see Newark rebound. Newark has probably without question had the biggest trial and tribulations and stubbling blocks of any American city.

scrollhectic

January 22nd, 2008, 12:05 AM

There's been a surge of commercial activity in Newark this month - Alex. Brown Realty and TreeTop Development just purchased a 293 unit apartment complex in the north ward (http://www.abrealty.com/newsroom/index.html), 9-11 Hill Dr. was just purchased vacant in an all cash deal for $4 million and 972 Broad has just recently been put up for sale by Sunrise Newark Development for $5 million (http://greinermaltz.com/pages/newsStory.asp?Location=newjersey&NewsItem=4).

All the nay sayers and those who doubted the benefit or business sense of the city investing so much for the Prudential Arena are being proven wrong ALREADY. And I'm confident there's more to come.

scrollhectic

January 22nd, 2008, 01:46 AM

BROAD STREET MIXED-USE/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Lot Size: 2 Acres
Description:

This strategically located downtown block fronts Broad Street between Lincoln Park and City Hall and the new Prudential Center Devils Hockey Arena. The new development boasts the following amenities:

• 820,000 SF 400-unit market rate Condominium Development

• 150-seat Restaurant with a large Banquet Facility

• A Large Full-Service Health Club and Retail Shops

• 22-story Residential Tower with open views of New York

• Multi-story Interior Parking Structure for up to 600 cars

• Large Landscaped Courtyard Garden atop the parking in the center of the site.

This residential community provides oversized living-dining rooms and bedrooms and has a variety of unit sizes, from studio to 3-bedrooms, predominantly 2-bedroom units. Many of the units are provided with balconies or full terraces.

Some of the units located along the side street are characteristic of a townhouse motif while portions of the public corridors provide views into the courtyard. The complex rises in tiered steps from five stores on the south to the northwest corner tower, creating a varied and urban character.

Lower floors are brick, reflecting the adjacent historic neighborhood of Lincoln Park. The higher elements of the complex are clad in a beige precast similar to limestone. There is extensive use of glass curtain wall, enhancing occupant views and the external character of the project.

scrollhectic

January 22nd, 2008, 01:59 AM

THE BERGER ORGANIZATION ACQUIRES 60 PARK PLACE IN NEWARK, N.J. - New Owner Plans Additional Enhancements for Landmark Office Tower
http://www.cityfeet.com/Images/Spacer.gif
Evelyn Weiss Francisco (201) 796-7788
http://www.cityfeet.com/Images/Spacer.gif
Robert Treat Center
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 15, 2008 - Newark's Military Park Building at 60 Park Place has been acquired by The Berger Organization, a long-time commercial real estate developer and manager in the city. The historic property was purchased from Kushner Companies by Berger, which had been a minority partner in the 250,000-square-foot office tower.

Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.'s Metropolitan Area Capital Markets Group orchestrated the sale, which brings Berger's interest in 60 Park Place from 15 to 100 percent. "The purchase of 60 Park Place was a natural acquisition for The Berger Organization since we are very familiar with, and maintain an active presence in, the neighborhood," said Miles Berger, chairman and chief executive officer. Berger also owns and manages 10 Park Place, the former Fireman's Insurance Building, and 50 Park Place, The Robert Treat Center office complex and historic Robert Treat Hotel.

A celebrated corporate landmark, 60 Park Place was built in 1925 and is recognized as a classic fixture in the Newark skyline. The 21-story building is situated in the city's central business district, just one block from the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center. It provides commanding views of the surrounding city and New York skyline; overlooks Military Park; and offers proximity to Newark's public transportation system, courts and law schools.

The property underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2001 that included a new front entranceway façade, extensive exterior restoration and new windows, installation of prominent lighting and renovated common areas. In addition, extensive mechanical upgrades and digital fire protection signaling and advanced fire safety equipment were installed.

Berger will launch a new $5 million renovation. Planned improvements include upgrades to the lobby and core building as well as elevators. The new owner also intends to re-open the building's street-level restaurant space.

"Our goal is to further elevate 60 Park Place's physical environment and amenities to meet the sophisticated requirements of today's tenants," explained Berger. "Simultaneously, we are contributing toward the on-going renaissance of this vital city. We look forward to continuing our track record for success by bringing the property to a new first-class level for tenants in 2008."

Currently, 60 Park Place is 75 percent occupied, with contiguous availabilities from 1,000 to 30,000 square feet. Included parking with nearly 1,000 spaces, signage opportunities and on-site property ownership and management are among the many benefits for tenants. Additionally, the property offers easy access to Newark Liberty International Airport and major thoroughfares, and is within walking distance to Penn Station, which provides 20-minute NJ Transit and PATH service to midtown and downtown Manhattan. Nearby transportation options also include the Newark Broad Street Station and new Newark Light Rail.

60 Park Place houses a mix of tenants, including many law firms, government agencies and service organizations. The property's largest tenant, the Worker's Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau, has been located there for more than four decades.

"This building traditionally has attracted tenants from within the city, although we have seen a notable increase in the number of relocations from outside Newark's borders," Berger noted. "We expect this trend to gain momentum in the coming year, especially as more Manhattan-based companies recognize the ease of access to Newark and the extraordinary price differential. They literally can lease back-office space for half the cost of New York."

Berger also cited the on-going progress of Newark as a cultural and recreational hub among the city's major draws. "Today, Newark's residents, business tenants and visitors can enjoy 100 nights of performances each year at NJPAC, 200 nights of events and NJ Devils hockey at the newly opened Prudential Center and minor league baseball at the Newark Bears Stadium," he said. "Newark has truly become a 24/7 city."

The Berger Organization purchased its first Newark property, the Newark Holiday Inn, in 1976. The dated building has recently been demolished, and the three-acre property will be marketed as a major development site for a mixed-use transportation hub complex. In 1986, the company acquired The Robert Treat Hotel and the adjacent, 100,000-square-foot office building at 50 Park Place. Four years later, Berger purchased 10 Park Place, a 160,000-square-foot office property known as the Fireman's Insurance Building. Both office properties are 100 percent leased.

"Our success in this commercial office market gives us great confidence in the potential of our newest addition at 60 Park Place," said Berger. In total, The Berger Organization's portfolio includes more than 1 million square feet of space, half of which is located on Park Place in Newark.

scrollhectic

January 29th, 2008, 06:33 PM

Newark, Private Firms Roll out Housing Program
By Joe Cavaluzzi

January 29, 2008 11:38am
http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_603elizabethave.jpg
603 Elizabeth Ave.
NEWARK-City and state officials yesterday rolled out a work force housing initiative in partnership with New York City-based Apollo Real Estate Advisors and locally based Radiant Property Management, aimed at keeping people who work in the city as residents. Apollo, which acquired nine apartment buildings totaling 724 units and 575,000 sf in the city’s South Ward for $43 million from an undisclosed seller, will invest another $7 million in renovations. Radiant Property Management will add its multifamily management expertise to the mix.
The initiative specifically aims at keeping police, firefighters and teachers who work for Newark as residents. Those city employees will receive a 10% discount on their rent, according to Mayor Cory Booker, who started talking about ways to address the city’s workforce housing problems with Apollo principal James H. Simmons, III two years before his election.
The initiative also aims to make the buildings energy efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable to middle class workers. Rents will run from $600 to $1,100 a month for a studio to three bedrooms in the two- to six-story buildings that range from 25 to 257 apartments.
"We are reclaiming our city’s pride," Booker said at yesterday’s press conference. "Today, we hit so many of our primary values--creating environmentally friendly housing in a city that deals with too much asthma and other health problems."
He continued that "many of our police, firefighters and teachers have chosen to live outside of the city in order to find more affordable housing. This initiative will give them affordability. We can beat the rents they are paying in the towns around us."
Adam Zellner, Gov. Jon Corzine’s director of policy and planning, expects the initiative to serve as a model for the state. "You cannot, in this state, look at affordable housing. It has to be an element of something else. It cannot succeed on its own," Zellner said. "This is the beginning of investment, not only in the right type of housing, but in sustainable housing."
For Apollo, it’s the company’s first investment in Newark. The company is said to be actively pursuing other acquisitions in the city, but Simmons declined to disclose any details of the company’s discussions.
"Newark has all of the things that should make it a world-class city," he said at yesterday’s press conference. "It has great transportation, great parks and a great human culture. What’s important today is not these four walls. What’s important is providing quality housing for the people who work and live here."
Within a month of closing title on the properties Apollo had renovated model units for prospective tenants to tour in the nine buildings, Simmons revealed. He anticipates completing the upgrades to the common areas and 55 apartments in 603 Elizabeth Ave., where the press conference was held, in March, followed by improvements the other eight buildings. All of the buildings currently have tenants.
Booker noted that 603 Elizabeth Ave., on a bus line overlooking Weequahic Park and golf course, was a diamond of upper crust housing in Newark’s heyday, before a decades-long decline that the mayor said “bled away” half the population of the state’s largest city. “When you talk to old-timers, they’ll tell you, you’d made it when you got to Elizabeth Avenue,” the mayor said. “We’re reclaiming our city one block at a time. We’re going to set a national standard.”

scrollhectic

January 29th, 2008, 06:41 PM

Tucker Enters NJ With Deep Pockets

By Eric Peterson
January 23, 2008 11:18am

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_richtucker.jpg
Tucker
NEWARK-Tucker Development Corp. is poised to enter the New Jersey market, and in a very big way. Officials of the Chicago-based company say are prepared to invest as much as $1.5 billion in New Jersey retail, mixed-use and transit-oriented projects and development opportunities, and have established a physical presence with a new regional office here.
“We have opened an office in New Jersey and are prepared to invest in the market,” confirms Richard Tucker, president and CEO of the 12-year-old company, referring to the new location in this city’s Downtown, at 50 Park Place. “We view New Jersey as offering tremendous prospects in urban, transit-oriented and smart-growth development and redevelopment.
“With our organization’s retail and mixed-use expertise, along with our patient capital designed to invest in new development and acquisition opportunities, we expect strong deal flow in the state,” Tucker says. TDC is best known in the Midwest, where it has put together a portfolio of retail and MXD properties topping the four-million-sf mark. Much of that is in the Chicago area, although the company also has holdings in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. And TDC may be looking to partner up in the right situations. “In the current market, where liquidity continues to dry up and many real estate developments have slowed or come to a complete halt, we will consider strategic partnership opportunities,” says Lee Peyser, a principal of TDC who heads the new local office. “Tucker Development has the capital and experience resources in place to move quickly.”

Radiohead

February 3rd, 2008, 06:51 PM

Newark 1968. Interesting footage (and editing). Not sure what point it is trying to make, other than highlighting the racial divide in the city back then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNsduB0YlS8&eurl=http://cityskip.blogspot.com/search/label/Vintage%20Videos

lofter1

February 3rd, 2008, 06:55 PM

Terrific article in the February 4 edition of The New Yorker regarding Newark / Corey Booker.

Unfortunately it's not available on the web.

tophatter

February 5th, 2008, 12:56 AM

Hey gang: Ex-Newarker here (born and raised ) now in Florida. I haven't been to Newark in a few years and have several questions:

1. I used to take City Subway to Broad Street Station (now Military Park station??) and exited at the street level of an office building. Is that building the "1180" project I keep reading about here that has been turned into residential? Is it successful so far? Occupancy rate? Is the subway exit still there or has it been diverted? Any direct access to lobby of 1180 from subway station?

2. Last time I was there, the subway exits at Washington Street had been covered with a canopy, changing the look from a real "NY style" subway to something silly (in my opinion) tho practical. Are all underground-station exits canopied now??

3. I've been reading about the "proposals" to develop the west side of Broad Steet from what sounds like between where the old department store at the NW corner of Raymond Blvd and Broad Street (2 Guys from Harrison??) north to Hahnes or is it the Griffith Building?? Are these buildings already gone?? Is all of the west side of Broad Street from Raymond Blvd north by those 4-5 blocks now leveled???

4. For years, any new buildings downtown have been between12-"20 something stories", which is what I consider more appropriate for suburbia. Let's face it, Newark's skyline has never been much to brag about from any direction...too much space between buildings, not much density, too much "open sky" and no really big buildings. Are there plans anywhere to build something jazzier than a "20-something?"

5. Finally, has NJT or anyone else ever considered extending City Subway beyond Penn Station to the Ironbound to include a few stops in this under-served part of the city. In addition to serving Ironbounders, it would also help get people to/from the restaurant/bar scene there??

Thanks to all of your for this WONDERFUL cite for people like myself so far from home yet still interested in what's going on. Happy New Year to all...Dennis

colux10

February 5th, 2008, 09:22 AM

There is a blog created by a self proclaimed expert concerning all things Newark. newarkusa.blogspot.com. The admin. is little more than a self righteous, pseudo-intellectual wind bag who will bore you to death detailing how someone trampled the flowers his sister planted 4 years ago on Raymong Blvd. The questions you raised about the city are all addressed, it just might taked you the better part of 10 years sifting 'thru' unending diatribes covering such heady topics as 'A Car Blocked My Driveway Today', or "Whatever Happened To The Steam Shovel?'.

Want to ask L. Craig a question? No prob., just shoot him an e-mail. He'll proof read it, critique it, note any syntax and/or grammatical errors you may have included and request that you revise and resubmit. Knowing you recieved any response at all should be satisfaction enough 'tho', it is after all, his area of expertise. HIS site (not yours) was created soley for ones intellectual betterment. If there is anything at all you want to learn from the all mighty "Mr. Newark", it will be delivered on an "as need to know" basis at the ponitiffs own leisure. You might want to take a moment out of your day to just think about how much of an idiot you are for not being aware of the existance of newarkusa.blogspot.com. Once you understand your own inadequacies, L. Craig may grant you a typed word --I can't recommend the site enough.-- Good luck, God Bless.

66nexus

February 5th, 2008, 04:31 PM

^Aw c'mon L. Craig isn't all that bad lol.:D

As far as Newark's concerned: 1180 is residential (and quite beautiful with the redone gold facade)

The skyline: Newark is 'supposed' to get a 28-story NJpac residential high-rise (who knows how tall). I always liked Newark's skyline because even though the buildings aren't super-scrapers they still manage to be collectively identifiable as a distinct skyline, and look good from the NJTnpke.

The Star-Ledger posted the downtown Newark arena master plan late last year and supposedly two hotels are to rise around the arena, but its all preliminary

JCexpert558

February 5th, 2008, 07:00 PM

I wish that Newarks City subway would run all over Newark because then it would be a easier comute for the suburban areas of Newark, and run in a little bit of Harrison.

scrollhectic

February 5th, 2008, 08:49 PM

I wish that Newarks City subway would run all over Newark because then it would be a easier comute for the suburban areas of Newark, and run in a little bit of Harrison.

I agree. A subway line down South Orange avenue (to the train station in South Orange if that "village" would allow it) would be great. I think it would spur more development along South Orange Ave which is, at best, abysmal. Springfield Ave could benefit from a line too... maybe that one can go into Irvington (another abysmal area that could benefit from some transit friendly initiatives) or even to the Maplewood train station. And why is there not a subway line along Broad street (from Lincoln park to broad street station?) Or Ferry Street? And I also think Bloomfield Ave would be a great street to have a subway line (even though the last stop on the newark subway is blocks away from the ave in bloomfield, there are large streches of the street without access.) It would be great if that line ran all the way to Montclair - maybe last stop at the Montclair Art Museum. Maybe overly ambitious, but a line along Broadway, MLK, Clinton, Central, Bergen, 6th and even Elizabeth Ave and Chancellor (again into Irvington - which maybe one day will be annexed by Newark) would make getting around Newark easier and hopefully spur some economic vitality into different neighborhoods. This, of course, would cost billions.

I know that while I lived in LA, the biggest hurdle that city faced with any proposed mass transit lines (aside from earthquakes) was getting other municipalities (West Hollywood, Beverly Hills) to allow the transit lines to pass through at all. Yet and still, in terms of distance, LA's subway is extensive. It goes all the way from Pasadena to Long Beach (that's like going from JC to Morristown)

As transportation is one of Newark's biggest selling points, adding subway lines along populous corridors makes sense. Though the light rail is great, it's always empty and I think that's partially because it doesn't travel along parts of the city where people live, just work. I think there needs to be a balance to maximize the effectiveness of public transportation.

scrollhectic

February 6th, 2008, 02:52 AM

Tax plan paves the way for construction in Newark

Sunday, February 03, 2008 BY JEFFERY C. MAYS
Star-Ledger Staff

Gerald Haizel wasn't sure if his low-income rental project for the formerly homeless would ever get constructed. In order to keep the rent low, the project needed a tax abatement. But he couldn't agree with the city about the guidelines.

"We had quite a few problems. They had to bring in the lawyers," said Haizel, executive director of Episcopal Community Development. "We thought this was not going to happen." But then the city's economic development department began revamping the abatement guidelines and have come up with the city's first written guidelines for tax abatements. Under the plan, to be highlighted at Mayor Cory Booker's State of the City address this week, developers will receive tax abatements based on location, how many minority workers they hire, whether they use union labor or whether they build low- or moderate-income housing.

"The new administration came in and clarified the process and we were able to get it through relatively easily with the new revamped policy," said Haizel, who is building the rental units with the Apostles' House. The abatement will cut $25,000 a year in taxes and keep the rent for a three-bedroom apartment at $600 per month.

"It's a tool to help strategically encourage affordable housing. It makes a lot of projects feasible that may not have been feasible without it," said Haizel.
That's the pitch city officials are making to new developers under the city's first written long-term tax abatement policy.

City officials are characterizing this as another phase of a major push to bring developers to a city that is underdeveloped. An earlier phase began last year when Booker and a delegation of city economic and marketing officials attended the International Council of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas to pitch the city to retailers.

"Newark is gearing up for the kind of development we know our city is ready for. We are creating a development process by explaining the rules of the game and helping developers navigate those rules," said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Stefan Pryor.

Previously, there was no written policy to determine the standards or circumstances for awarding long-term abatements. The abatements, which can save a developer millions of dollars, were proposed by the mayor and awarded by the city council on a case-by-case basis.

With this new policy, said Pryor, the city is targeting several goals, such as increasing the hiring of city residents, the use of union labor, increasing residential projects downtown and adding low-income and affordable housing.
For example, mid- or high-rise commercial retail inside the central business district will be eligible for 30-year abatements that charge 10 percent of the gross revenue generated by the building. About 750,000 square feet of space is allocated for this type of development, and developers who move first will also be eligible for a share of a $3 million incentive pool from the Brick City Development Corp.

To launch the new policies, the city has chosen seven demonstration projects, ranging from a 68-unit condo and retail project on Ferry Street that gives abatements for hiring Newark residents and minorities and for being environmentally friendly, to Haziel's project, which will provide 30 construction jobs in addition to needed transitional housing for homeless families.

Pryor said the city will package the abatements along with discounted city land and other advantages inherent to Newark, such as lower cost rent and employee costs. The city has even developed a pitch in which it argues the city is a better place than Manhattan to build new office space after factoring in the city's incentives.

There are already a few major development projects in the works to which the new rules might apply. Two hotels are planned near the Prudential Center, and Pryor said the new abatement policy will be put to the test with the 28-story Dranoff Properties residential tower planned next to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

That project, said Pryor, will likely have gaps that would prevent it from being financially feasible if not for long-term tax abatements.

The abatements will also work in conjunction with several other policy changes to encourage development. A central business district redevelopment plan will be implemented to make it easier to develop downtown, said Toni Griffin, head of the city's planning department.
Some of the current requirements for parking and side and rear yard space would make downtown residential projects impossible.

"We think this will cut down on the amount of time a developer will have to spend when dealing with adaptive reuses," said Griffin.

The city has also identified 300 abandoned properties that it hopes to have rehabilitated by their owners or other parties. An abandoned property list will be printed later this month. Interested parties will be allowed to place liens on the property to make improvements and the city will assign a redeveloper. Property owners will be able to reclaim their properties by presenting a rehabilitation plan. The city and the county will also start a foreclosure task force to prevent property forfeitures.

But not all of the new abatement and packaging process has been fine-tuned yet. For example, someone has to monitor the percentage of residents or minorities hired to work on a project. The city's affirmative action office has never been staffed well enough to handle all the projects going on in the city. To address the issue, Pryor said he's considering having his office serve as a monitor or possibly hiring an outside firm.

The city still has not completed its Master Plan or fully updated its zoning laws, which means it's still making important changes to its planning process by using redevelopment plans that cover a specific area. Critics say doing so is shortsighted and often leads to long-term development problems -- like residential development creeping into valuable tax and job-producing industrial areas -- because of the lack of a comprehensive approach.
Griffin said the goal is to eventually wrap the changes that would come with a central business district redevelopment plan and the other existing redevelopment plans into the Master Plan and zoning rules.

Pryor said the city will soon tackle the popular, yet problematic, five-year residential tax abatements. Thousands of the abatements have been issued over the last few years, and some revoked because residency requirements were not being followed. The end result, said Joe Ritchie, chief executive officer of the Brick City Development Corp., will be a package of incentives that the city will use to lure developers. The city is already lacking in electronics stores, supermarkets and even restaurants, according to city studies.

"We are being aggressive and talking to the kind of retailers who aren't here," Ritchie said. "Packaging will be done on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to have an adequate toolbox to fit the appropriate situation."

66nexus

February 7th, 2008, 09:49 PM

http://www.nj.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1202432964101470.xml&storylist=jersey

It all seems within reach, and I think Newark can do it but hurdles do remain.

Dagrecco82

February 7th, 2008, 10:43 PM

WEST WARD - NEWARK NJ Redevelopment Project - 90 to 102 Properties, Mix Use Development

Newark, NJ - December 20, 2007 - Mayor Cory A. Booker, West Ward Council Member Ronald Rice, and other municipal leaders, developers, and community activists today announced the launching of a program that will unite community groups, local and minority-based developers, and the City to redevelop up to 102 parcels of land, which consist of City-owned properties and privately-owned abandoned buildings in the West Ward. The program follows the City’s adoption of an Abandoned Property Ordinance earlier this year, based on state legislation which empowers municipalities to take action against residential or mixed-use properties that have been vacant for more than six month and have unpaid taxes or create blighting or unsafe conditions.

http://www.thegeorgegroup.net/images/west_ward.jpg

http://www.thegeorgegroup.net/current_projects.php

Some more...

http://www.thegeorgegroup.net/news.php

scrollhectic

February 8th, 2008, 03:42 PM

February 7, 2008 10:15am
Parkwood Realty Takes 293 Units in $22M Deal

By Eric Peterson

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_parkwoodplacenewark.jpg
Parkwood Place
NEWARK-Parkwood Place Apartments, a seven-building, 293-unit complex in this city’s Branch Brook section, has been sold for $22 million, which factors out to nearly $75,100 per unit. The seller was Cromwell Associates of New York City; the buyer was Parkwood Realty, also New York City. The complex was 96% occupied at the time of sale.

“These buildings form a core part of this neighborhood,” says Joel Schwartz, EVP of Gebroe-Hammer Associates, Livingston, who had the listing exclusive. “There is fierce competition for properties of this caliber in the Newark area.”

Besides Schwartz as exclusive agent, Gebroe-Hammer EVP David Oropeza brought buyer Parkwood Realty to the deal. And Gebroe-Hammer SVP David Jarvis was also involved in the transaction. On the legal side, attorney Harvey Frefeld of Brooklyn, NY represented the seller, and Richard Kelin of Feinstein, Raiss, Kelin and Booker of West Orange represented the buyer.

“The recent surge in Newark’s multifamily market is a vital part of the city’s resurgence, with strong occupancy levels and increasing rents in many neighborhoods,” says Gebroe-Hammer managing director Ken Uranowitz. “This property is unusually strong, and we have sold it twice in the past eight years because of its rapidly appreciating value.” Located at 352-376 Mt. Prospect Ave., each of the complex’s seven buildings rises six stories, and each has an on-site parking garage.

Hamilton

February 17th, 2008, 02:11 PM

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/02/15/no.homicides.ap/

Newark goes 33 days without a murder

NEWARK, New Jersey (AP) -- The billboards have screamed the message at motorists and pedestrians in New Jersey's largest city for more than a year: "HELP WANTED: Stop The Killings In Newark Now!"
For the first time in more than four decades, the killings in Newark have stopped -- for the last month, at least -- and the billboards are coming down. Newark marked its 33rd day Friday without an official homicide, a startling fact for a city that has averaged about two killings a week over the last few years and saw homicides spike 50 percent from 2002 to 2006.
"I said when I saw some reduction, I would begin the process of taking them down," said Newark Teachers Union president Joseph Del Grosso, whose organization paid for the signs. "To belabor the point wouldn't be beneficial to anybody."
The last time the city went more than a month without a killing was a 40-day period in 1963, according to Police Director Garry J. McCarthy, who was hired by Mayor Cory A. Booker in the fall of 2006 after a stint as the chief crime strategist for the New York Police Department.
There was a fatal shooting of a 30-year-old man by an off-duty Newark police officer on February 3. But Newark police spokesman Lt. Todd McClendon said that doesn't count as a homicide under the FBI's reporting guidelines.
McCarthy attributes the drop in homicides to a broader strategy to fighting crime that includes prosecuting petty crimes, like loitering and public drunkenness, as well as more serious ones.
He also credited a recent push to share information and resources with other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, state police and U.S. Marshals Service.
In addition, the city last year began installing a network of more than 120 surveillance cameras in high-crime areas of the city.
"It's not one thing we do, it's everything we do," McCarthy said. "It's a confluence of a lot of strategies and tactics applied in the right way."
All seven categories of violent crime fell last year in Newark compared to 2006, according to statistics provided by the Newark police department. Rapes fell by 42 percent to 56, while aggravated assaults and auto theft were both down 14 percent.

66nexus

February 23rd, 2008, 11:39 PM

Article actually about NJ transit villages with Lincoln-Motel site rendering

Come to Life
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/02/24/realestate/24njzo-600.jpg The Tucker Development Corporation
In Newark, plans for the Lincoln Motel site include a $150 million building with office, retail and hotel space.

By ANTOINETTE MARTIN
Published: February 24, 2008
NINE years after it was officially created, the state’s Transit Village program has been extended to 19 communities eligible for grants and aid to revitalize the deteriorated neighborhoods around train and bus stations.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/02/22/realestate/24njzo-2-190.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:pop_me_up2('http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/02/22/realestate/24njzo2.ready.html', '24njzo2_ready', 'width=720,height=600,scrollbars=yes,toolbars=no,r esizable=yes'))Lessard Group, Inc.
A Transit Village plan for Morristown.

In a number of those communities — notably Hoboken, Jersey City, New Brunswick and Cranford — the program has generated tangible success, with thriving shopping areas and new condominiums and rental apartments enlivening once empty streets.
In other towns, change is clearly in the works. In Montclair, for instance, new housing and retailing is in place beside the downtown train station, and a large mixed-use building is under construction. In a few communities, like Bloomfield and Hamilton, progress has mostly been stalled by local land-use debates.
Right now, though, even as the overall real estate market languishes, developers and analysts report that many Transit Village projects are proceeding and more communities are applying to the program.
Hundreds of residential units at new Transit Villages will be coming on the market around the state within the next 12 months, including those at mixed-use projects in downtown Morristown, Netcong, South Amboy and South Orange.
In addition, a new aspect to the state’s push to encourage transit-related development — a tax-break program for commercial tenants of new buildings near transit centers in larger cities, signed by Gov. Jon S. Corzine (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/jon_s_corzine/index.html?inline=nyt-per) last month — is attracting significant interest, and in the case of Newark, a solid proposal.
The Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit offers companies an income tax credit up to the full amount of their rent for the first 10 years of occupancy in buildings constructed within a mile of transit stations in Camden, East Orange, Elizabeth, Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, New Brunswick, Paterson and Trenton.
The Tucker Development Corporation, based in Highland Park, Ill., and specializing in mixed-use development around transit hubs, said that it had acquired the site in Newark of the former Lincoln Motel, a once inglorious landmark that was demolished last year. The company said it would seek approval to put up a $150 million commercial building that would include office, retail and hotel space.
“The location is outstanding,” said Richard H. Tucker, the company’s chief executive. “It is across the street from the Broad Street train station, and the ramp for I-280 drops literally onto our property.”
The new tax credit program — available for projects involving an investment of $75 million or more, and the creation of at least 250 jobs — made the economics of the project irresistible, Mr. Tucker said.
Last month, his company announced plans to invest up to $1.5 billion in New Jersey (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/classifieds/realestate/locations/newjersey/?inline=nyt-geo) retail, mixed-use and transit-oriented development, citing the state’s dense population and “smart growth” programs as main factors.
Meanwhile, several large development companies based in the Northeast are working on two or even three Transit Village projects.
Woodmont Properties, for instance, is working on projects in Netcong and South Amboy. The company is already building Highlands at Morristown Station, a $70 million project with 219 rental apartments adjacent to the Morristown train station, as a joint venture with Roseland Property and the Morristown parking authority.
Under the Transit Village program, grants and assistance are usually made available directly to the cities and towns that are working with developers to create change in an entire neighborhood.
In some places, the state-financed Transit Village improvements have been relatively modest — commuter bike racks and “traffic calming” medians in Metuchen — and in others, they involve major improvements to infrastructure, as at the Rahway train station and the one in Journal Square in Jersey City.
The Transit Village program, which started in four communities in 1999, during the administration of Gov. Christie Whitman (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/w/christine_todd_whitman/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and expanded over the years, has the stated purpose of reducing pollution and reliance on automobiles in addition to improving local economies.
Only a month ago, a study by the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/r/rutgers_the_state_university/index.html?inline=nyt-org) concluded that New Jersey’s highways were the most congested of any state.
Kris Kolluri, New Jersey’s transportation commissioner, said that in addition to the public benefits of transit-related development, there was a boon for individual households.
“The average cost of a household within proximity of mass transit goes down an average of $12,000 per year,” Mr. Kolluri said. “In cases where not just mass transit is close at hand, but grocery stores and movie theaters and the like, household costs are alleviated further.”
There are a number of transit-related developments under way in nondesignated Transit Village communities, Mr. Kolluri noted. In Red Bank and West Windsor — Mr. Kolluri’s hometown — developers are working with community officials to create what are called “transit related” projects because they are located within about a mile of a transit station.
The enormous Harrison Commons development in Harrison — where 3,000 residences, 90,000 square feet of retail space, pedestrian-friendly streets and several waterfront parks are planned on a 27-acre site within a mile of Pennsylvania Station in Newark — has not yet been designated a Transit Village site, although an application has been made, and preconstruction work has begun.
In addition, in Wood-Ridge, the huge Wesmont Station development on the site of the former Curtiss-Wright aircraft engine factory, where groundbreaking is set within months, will have a new train station at its center. The builder, Somerset Development, said it was planning the development in line with Transit Village policies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/realestate/24njzo.html?_r=2&ref=realestate&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Radiohead

February 25th, 2008, 12:09 AM

Great river view of Newark from 2006.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/320919737_c7579c2c1e_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/320919737_c7579c2c1e.jpg

scrollhectic

February 25th, 2008, 07:12 PM

UPDATE Last updated: February 25, 2008 10:33am
Verizon NJ Sells HQ Building

By Eric Peterson

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_540broad.jpg
540 Broad St.

NEWARK-Verizon New Jersey is under contract to sell its downtown headquarters building here to Accordia Realty Ventures. The landmark 20-story, 450,000-sf art deco building at 540 Broad St., which dates to the late 1920s, was officially put on the market late this past summer as part of a three-building portfolio (http://www.globest.com/news/996_996/newjersey/164186-1.html). The offering was tied to Verizon NJ’s need to restructure its real estate holdings in the Garden State.

Both sides declined to reveal the sale price, but industry sources put the number around $35 million. If correct, that number would factor out to about $78 per sf. In terms of financing, “we’re going to be looking for institutional debt, and we’ve got private equity for the deal,” Accordia partner Joseph Romano tells GlobeSt.com.
“The deal is not complete,” Romano says, noting that it still needs approval by the state Board of Public Utilities, and there are other contingencies. “But we’re excited about it. It’s a phenomenal landmark building.”

The deal also calls for Verizon NJ to stay in the building under the terms of an 18-month lease as it seeks another location within New Jersey. Company officials have also said that they plan to maintain an executive presence at the site, and in Newark, indefinitely.

And the new owners plan major upgrades on the building, which will be largely vacant once Verizon NJ departs with all but its long-term executive presence. “We’re going to be marketing it--we’re looking for tenants,” Romano says. “It’s great in spite of its age. The logistics of the building, the size of the floorplates will accommodate modern uses. The 20,000-sf floorplates are unusual for a building of that age.”

Accordia Realty is a Fairfield-based group headed by partners Romano and Jason Bogart. Since the company’s founding in 2005, it has picked up several other assets, including the 201,000-sf Greenbrook Executive Center in Fairfield, the 84,000-sf River Drive Center II in Elmwood Park and the 57,000-sf GM Building at 9 Sylvan Way in Parsippany.

The two other assets put up for sale by Verizon NJ in September remain on the market. They include 175 Park Ave. in Madison, a 210,000-sf building currently in use as a switching center and for general offices. The other is the 30,000-sf 1000 Cellar St. in Scotch Plains. The operations from the various sites will presumably be consolidated at Verizon NJ’s eventual new location. The 540 Broad St. sale was brokered for Verizon NJ by Matthew Schnurr and John Hoffman of Grubb & Ellis, who continue to market the other two assets. Accordia represented itself.

scrollhectic

February 28th, 2008, 04:21 PM

Contract Awarded for Newark Heliport

By THE NEW YORK TIMES
Published: February 28, 2008

A $10 million contract for the construction of a heliport in Newark (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/national/usstatesterritoriesandpossessions/newjersey/newark/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) has been awarded to Air Pegasus Helicopters, a company that operates heliports in Manhattan and Washington.

The company recently announced that it planned to develop a heliport on Grafton Avenue in Newark, next to a police station house the city is constructing.

Pegasus is led by Steven Trenk, a first cousin of Richard Trenk, a former partner with Mayor Cory A. Booker (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/cory_booker/index.html?inline=nyt-per) of Newark at the law firm Booker, Rabinowitz, Trenk, Lubetkin, Tully, DiPasquale & Webster of West Orange, N.J.

Information about the contract and the Trenks was not immediately available, Esmeralda Diaz Cameron, a spokeswoman for Mr. Booker, said Wednesday night.

According to a news release from Pegasus, financing for the “world-class heliplex” would come from “the Trenk family, institutional financing and governmental sources.”

A Pegasus spokesman said he lacked details about the contract and could not immediately reach Steven Trenk. A message left Wednesday night at Steven Trenk’s home was not returned. Richard Trenk declined to comment on Wednesday night.

According to the news release, the heliport will accommodate the Newark Police Department’s new aviation unit, and also serve corporate and other uses, including businesses in the city and the surrounding region.

“The strategic location of this facility will encourage economic growth and increase employment opportunities in Newark,” Steven Trenk says in the release.

The release hails Mr. Booker’s “laudable crime-reduction initiatives.”

JCMAN320

March 6th, 2008, 06:25 PM

Light rail service affected after debris crushes four cars in Newark

by Joe Ryan and Tom Feeney/The Star-Ledger Thursday March 06, 2008, 3:50 PM

Service on the Newark Light Rail line will remain suspended until further notice at the Broad Street and Washington Park stations because of a building collapse this morning, NJ Transit officials announced.

Riders who normally use the Broad Street Station can instead use the station at Riverfront Stadium, which is only a short walk away, spokesman Dan Stessel said.

And riders who usually use Washington Park should use the Atlantic Street Station or switch to an NJ Transit bus, he said.

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2008/03/large_westinghouse.jpg
NJ.com User/ Carlos Pasols
The Westinghouse building shows the debris that fell off the top of the building onto cars below.

NJ Transit will have employees at the affected stations to help customers.

Minor delays are expected on the section of Newark Light Rail between Riverfront Stadium and Newark Penn stations.

The problems were caused by the partial collapse of the former Westinghouse Building on Orange Street. The four-story building has been partially demolished. Four cars parked on the street beside it were crushed when part of it collapsed at 8:30 a.m., but no one was injured.

"The bricks just came tossing down," said Edith Dinkins, 31, who was walking her children to nearby Burnett Street School at the time of the 8:30 a.m. incident.

scrollhectic

March 8th, 2008, 04:02 AM

Last updated: March 7, 2008 08:53am
Northern New Jersey Faces Challenges in '08

By Brianne Harrison

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_prudentialcenter.jpg
Prudential Center

NEWARK-There was a mixture of grim news and hope for the attendees of the sold-out forecast presented by the Newark Regional Business Partnership here on March 5. While the panelists discussed their efforts to revitalize Newark by bringing in new retail business, the two other speakers showed that northern New Jersey is not as robust as many would hope, and the state could suffer in a recession.

The day began with the panel addressing retail and entertainment opportunities in Newark. Moderator Richard Johnson, SVP and partner with Matrix Development Group, led the discussion with Ron Beit, founding partner and CEO of RBH Group; Cubie Dawson, SVP of Jones Lang LaSalle; Leon Kafele, president of ICP Group; Joe Ritchie, CEO of Brick City Development Corporation; and Michael Saltzman, principal with Newwork LLC.

By and large, the panelists had high hopes for the City of Newark, which has been experiencing a resurgence lately with the opening of the Prudential Center and NJ PAC, venues that bring thousands of people into Newark’s Downtown to attend events. Developing Downtown retail, according to Ritchie, will partly depend on encouraging those event attendees to stay in the city longer, instead of simply arriving to attend the event and then leaving immediately after.

Although Newark has good infrastructure features to bring people into the city--many important roads and a major rail station, the panelists agreed that housing Downtown was lacking, a need that must be addressed. “We need more residential Downtown so we can sell a 24-hour market,” Ritchie said. Saltzman suggested marketing the retail to the surrounding suburban areas until residential real estate in Downtown Newark becomes more widely available.

Besides the lack of residents, Newark faces the same challenge shared by many up-and-coming cities: convincing the retailers to locate in the downtown areas. Dawson, whose company redeveloped the area around Washington, DC’s Union Station, spoke of helping major retailers adapt to urban spaces, which may be smaller or have less parking than suburban locations. JLL’s efforts in DC were very successful.

“The proof of the pudding is in DC,” he reported. “We had 10 million sf of office development around Union Station in the last 20 years” since it was redeveloped.

A possible point in Newark’s favor is the renewed interest many people have begun to show in urban versus suburban areas as spaces to live, work and recreate.

“The retail market is recognizing urban opportunities,” Ritchie said. “The mood of the country is going from suburban to urban. We must continue to reach out to retailers, drive home the population density argument, and encourage them to look outside their usual expectations and requirements.”
Although Newark may be poised for growth, the outlook for North and Central New Jersey isn’t quite as hopeful, as presentations by Phil Lipper, senior managing director of Studley and Rae Rosen, senior economist and assistant VP of the federal reserve bank of New York showed.

“We’ve really had a reversal of fortune over the last couple of years,” Lipper reported, sharing a chart indicating that the state’s available office space passed the national average in 2005. Rents have remained relatively flat since 2001 and dropped below the national average in 2006, while rents in the powerful New York market have risen 72% since 2001. Rosen’s presentation was similarly short on good news, showing slow growth and the high likelihood that unemployment in New Jersey would rise in the coming months due to the unstable economy.
The one bright spot for Northern New Jersey, according to Lipper, is rents for industrial space. Although Central New Jersey trails the national average, Northern New Jersey, helped, no doubt, by the port and proximity to New York, is higher than the average throughout the US.

scrollhectic

March 12th, 2008, 04:17 PM

Last updated: March 12, 2008 11:45am

By Eric Peterson

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_robertreathotel.jpg
Robert Treat

NEWARK-The Robert Treat Hotel, a 169-key property that’s more than 90 years old, is getting a new affiliation and a new name. “Robert Treat” will still be part of that name, but with “Best Western” tacked on in front of it.

The hotel, owned by the Berger Organization affiliate Robert Treat Hotel Inc., has a deal with the Phoenix-based Best Western to become part of that chain. It will continue to operate under its local independent ownership, as do most Best Western properties.

“Best Western International is the largest global hotel brand,” says Berger Org. chairman/COO Miles Berger. “This affiliation enables the hotel to retain complete autonomy and its historic identity while being associated with this widely recognized brand.”

“We welcome the Robert Treat to our chain,” says Mark Williams, VP-North American development for Best Western International. “This hotel offers guests and meeting planners a versatility of choices.”

Completed in 1916 and updated and renovated in recent years, the Downtown property is located near the NJ Performing Arts Center, the Prudential Center arena and the Newark Museum.

scrollhectic

March 12th, 2008, 04:34 PM

66nexus

March 12th, 2008, 05:40 PM

Berger is so tacky. He sat on the the Lincoln Motel for years without doing anything to revitalize that area, only to sell it for large profit to Tucker Development. He sat on the Hahnes and Griffith Building as well - Cogswell Realty (of 744 Broad and Eleven 80) will be the ones to redevelop Hahnes and Griffith. I don't understand how Berger's blatant inactivity as a developper goes unchallenged by city officials. And now Robert Treat will become a Best Western? I just find it a little tacky considering the historical significance of the Robert Treat. Berger recently purchased 60 Park Place (Military Park Building)... lets see what he DOESN'T do to that property to continue his slum lord tactics. Is the building even lit anymore at night?

Couldn't agree with you more. I don't even see how he's still considered a developer. Developers produce, improve, revitalize...those are all verbs that don't apply to him.

I just hope they don't blow the Lincoln Motel site. The one thing I can't stand about announced developments (when concerning ANY city) is when the company puts out beautiful renderings, make the announcement with blaring horns...just to sit on the property.

Yes- I know the credit market is tough, I know the demand for space (commercial or residential) is low. Now, with all that said, why...ooooh why make the announcement in the first place??

Anyone remember 50 Commercial St. that the website still says is slated to be built, for about 4+ years now? If you as a company know the market is rough, FINE. If you're going to sit on property then do so...But why throw plans in the public's face, it only seems worse when the company does nothing. (of course there are a few notable exceptions...but that's not a big list)

scrollhectic

March 17th, 2008, 08:44 PM

Monday, March 17, 2008
BY IAN T. SHEARN
Star-Ledger Staff

Gail Harvey remembers when there were green lawns and benches and rose bushes adorning the courtyards of Baxter Terrace. She also recalls with a broad grin the day she "plucked a rose petal and got a whupping" from her father. And her mother, she says, was the third person to move into the project when it opened in 1941.
Baxter's bloom is long gone now.

Today, when Gail Harvey looks out the third-floor window of one of Newark's oldest public housing projects, she sees only asphalt, squalor and an endless stream of drug deals. And soon, she realizes with mixed emotion, she must leave the only home she has known for 55 years.

The Newark Housing Authority is seeking permission from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to raze the 13-acre "campus of poverty," as NHA Executive Director Keith Kinnard calls it, and build a new neighborhood there in the city's Central Ward. The plan calls for thousands of housing units -- low- and moderate-income, as well as market-rate -- with restaurants, stores and lots of green space.

"If they can pull that rabbit out of their hat, that would be truly, truly amazing," Harvey said. "I'd love to see that."

"New urbanism" is what city planners call it -- a walkable, sustainable community -- which really isn't new at all. It's "how America used to be in the '40s and '50s," explains Morris Warner, NHA assistant chief of asset development.

City Hall officials hope the Baxter redevelopment will set off a chain reaction up and down Orange Street and the surrounding area. So do officials from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers-Newark, which have 19,000 students between them in the neighborhood.

Later this month, Newark officials are expected to put out a "request for expressions of interest," to develop about 40 acres along a half-mile stretch from Baxter Terrace to the Broad Street train station. It will include a seven-acre tract of city land, just north of the housing projects, and two other nearby city lots totaling four more acres. NJIT, Rutgers and Saint Michael's Medical Center also are offering a total of four acres.

COMBINING FORCES

Newark Mayor Cory Booker knows Baxter Terrace as well as anybody in town. The housing project delivered his highest plurality of votes when he first ran for a Central Ward city council seat in 1998. He has watched the campus decay over the past decade, and when the NHA's Kinnard told him last year that it would cost more money to rehabilitate the project than build anew, the wheels started turning.

"I began to see that, if done the right way, this could be the most exciting development project in Newark," he said. "Instead of tearing down and rebuilding with the same density and the same isolation of poverty, I started seeing larger avenues of opportunity that play to the strengths that area offers."

That's when Booker started encouraging the different landowners to work together.

"The biggest problem with urban redevelopment is land assemblage," said Roland Anglin, a public affairs expert at Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. "When you can combine forces ... that's the way you do responsible redevelopment."

According to Stefan Pryor, Booker's deputy in charge of economic development, "There is interest out there. We have been approached by several developers ... from both coasts and in between."

Also referenced in the plan are two city landmarks, now symbols of urban decay -- the former Westinghouse and Lincoln Motel properties.

The Lincoln already has been demolished, and the Westinghouse building is in the process of being razed. A third private tract, along Broad Street, just north of Route 280, also is included in the city's request.

The four-acre site offered by NJIT is part of a larger redevelopment plan that would create a "seamless neighborhood" in-and-around the college campus, according to NJIT President Robert Altenkirch. The idea is to create a "Greek Village" by relocating the school's 15 fraternity houses to new townhouses. The school also wants to add a parking garage and convert the old section of St. Michael's Medical Center, which closed nearly five years ago, into an apartment building with retail space on the ground floor.

There are 10,500 students attending Rutgers-Newark, a number expected to jump to 15,000 over the next decade. And where 1,200 students currently live on campus, that number could quadruple in 10 years.

"We need a place for them to eat, places for them to shop," said Gene Vincenti, Rutgers executive vice provost for administration.

"We're very interested in the potential for student housing," he said.
Vincenti hopes shovels can be in the ground by 2010.

BLIGHT MUST BE ADDRESSED FIRST

As for the Westinghouse site, demolition is well under way, but an environmental cleanup must follow. That means any development there is at least two years off, said Mark Yeager, executive vice president of Mack-Cali Realty Corp., a partner in the four-acre site project.

This is not a mega-development that will happen overnight, Pryor warned. It will happen in phases over the next 10 years or so.

But the linchpin to the plan is Baxter Terrace, which many consider the cancer of the Orange Street neighborhood.

It will be difficult to attract any real development, officials say, until this large chunk of blight, and all the associated problems -- so close to universities, hospitals and downtown Newark -- are demolished.
Kinnard fully expects HUD approval and a designated developer by the end of summer. Relocation could take a another year or more. But demolition, and phased-in construction, could begin within a year, he said.

Facing budget shortfalls for the past five years because of dwindling federal funding, the Newark Housing Authority not only recognizes the social need to put Baxter Terrace to rest, it also needs the money. Developing the property would allow the authority to fill some of its housing needs and claim the land as an asset.

Kinnard has gone through this before, when he was chief of staff for the Pittsburgh Housing Authority, where he worked on the demolition, relocation and redevelopment of a 1,700-unit housing project in the shadows of the University of Pittsburgh. That took seven years to complete.

At Baxter Terrace, home to about 1,000 people, Harvey said she is saddened to see the end coming.

"We had a whole lot of good times at Baxter," she said.

She isn't sure what she'll do, but she'll most likely take a Section 8 voucher (in her case, good for $1,100 per month) and find housing elsewhere. Moving to another housing project in Newark doesn't really appeal to her, even though it's bound to be better than life in Baxter.

"I want to show my grandchildren and great-grandchildren other surroundings. I want them to see what their grandmother didn't see," she said, then paused and corrected herself. "Or I should say, see what I saw as a little girl."

Ian T. Shearn may be reached at ishearn@starledger.com (ishearn@starledger.com) or (973) 392-1671.

scrollhectic

March 19th, 2008, 11:46 AM

Remediated facility located near airport

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 BY CARMEN JURI

Star-Ledger Staff

For years, a nine-acre site near Newark Airport stood mostly unused. The area contained a 27-building pharmaceutical plant with dilapidated buildings.
Two years ago, a San Francisco- based real estate investment trust purchased the site to remediate and create a distribution center. The company, AMB Property Corp., plans to lease the space to a company that needs warehouse storage space.

Yesterday, AMB unveiled the 191,000-square-foot distribution center, called AMB Liberty Logis tics Center. The site features 32 loading docks, two drive-in ramps, 33 spaces of trailer storage, and 130 parking spaces.

Jay Cornforth, the company's senior vice president and managing director for the East Region, said the firm specializes in remediating underutilized properties around the world that are near ports.

"Seaports, airports, high-tech companies, a lot of goods come off ships and planes," Cornforth said.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who spoke of the remediation project during his State of the City address last month, said he is confi dent the port area will continue to prosper.

"I never imagined I would get so excited about a building," Booker said. "It represents something Newark for so long had untapped. It took visionary people to see the spiritual, tangible potential of a building like this."
Booker said the renovation of the structure, which began under his predecessor, is in line with the city's goal to capitalize on underutilized land and stimulate industrial development, as well as create jobs for residents.
"The city needs ratables; the city needs jobs," he said.

The site was previously used by the Penick Corp., a pharmaceutical company that was acquired by Siegfried USA in 2005. Siegfried shuttered the facility and moved all of Penick's manufacturing to Pennsville.

AMB acquired the property for $5.5 million in February 2006 and began removing asbestos in May 2006 prior to the demolition of existing buildings. The firm also constructed a system to cleanup the groundwater, which is contaminated with trichloroethylene, a common industrial solvent.

Cornforth said the company completed the facility using sustainable development practices. For example, recycled steel and crushed brick and concrete were used in its construction, and wooden columns were sold to a major international retailer, which intends to use them in stores.

The fact that companies are investing in the city shows that it is returning to its original glory.

"Newark is going through a very rapid, amazing transformation," Booker said.

Carmen Juri may be reached at cjuri@starledger.com or (973) 392-1853.

ryanov

March 22nd, 2008, 04:02 AM

Baxter is a really unfortunate looking place. When I lived at the Pavilion, I often commuted through it via the 99 bus. Often times there was the "NHA Stabilization Van" sitting there during the day. That's a scary thing that they need that there. There are no through streets, and it's a big bloc of sad. NCC has done some great work in Newark and has some actually successful projects, from what I can tell. These old vestiges of the 70's really need to go -- when you let something like that deteriorate for that long, it really is inhumane to let people continue to live there even if there is nostalgia. Take a look at the housing that was built on MLK on the north side of Broad Street Station. A lot of that is low income, if not all, and it's very charming. People appear to care about their building and lawns, even adorning them with fake flowers (sort of bizarre, but hey). From what I hear, they replaced three absolutely abominable towers where people were afraid to enter their hallways.

ryanov

March 22nd, 2008, 04:07 AM

ryanov

March 22nd, 2008, 04:29 AM

I agree. A subway line down South Orange avenue (to the train station in South Orange if that "village" would allow it) would be great. I think it would spur more development along South Orange Ave which is, at best, abysmal. Springfield Ave could benefit from a line too... maybe that one can go into Irvington (another abysmal area that could benefit from some transit friendly initiatives) or even to the Maplewood train station.You've hit the nail on the head here. I commute on South Orange Avenue to UMDNJ -- there is extreme overcrowding on the 25 and 31 lines. A subway (really, an actual subway, not a light rail line) would be well used on this stretch. The transit midday in Newark is very inefficient on both of these streets. Decent rapid transit on one of them (Springfield needs it worse) would solve the problem. I'd use it, which would keep me off the 21/31/34.

And why is there not a subway line along Broad street (from Lincoln park to broad street station?)Currently unfunded. It was to be part of NERL (Newark-Elizabeth Light Rail) that was to run from Broad Street Station, via Penn Station, to Newark Airport and on to Elizabeth via Mulberry St. in Newark, and I think eventually up to Broad. Look it up, it's an interesting project. Only MOS-1 ever got built (the Newark Light Rail to Broad Street Station).

Or Ferry Street?This I'd never thought of. The biggest obstacle here is probably the lack of space (most sidewalks aren't wide enough for a portal), and the fact that people down there walk from what I see. There really isn't traffic, either, most times. It would probably be a good idea though, if it could be done. Might have to be on Raymond Blvd or Market St, though, instead of Ferry.

And I also think Bloomfield Ave would be a great street to have a subway line (even though the last stop on the newark subway is blocks away from the ave in bloomfield, there are large streches of the street without access.) It would be great if that line ran all the way to Montclair - maybe last stop at the Montclair Art Museum.Bloomfield Ave does have rather comprehensive bus service.

Maybe overly ambitious, but a line along Broadway, MLK, Clinton, Central, Bergen, 6th and even Elizabeth Ave and Chancellor (again into Irvington - which maybe one day will be annexed by Newark) would make getting around Newark easier and hopefully spur some economic vitality into different neighborhoods. This, of course, would cost billions.

You should take a look at this -- there is information about the Newark City subway back in the day, including all of the streetcar lines that fed into it (something like Philadelphia's subway-surface system). Something like that could still work today, keeping bus traffic out of downtown (and keeping downtown traffic out of bus trips).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newark_City_Subway

I personally think what needs to be built is an underground line up Market and then Springfield Ave, MOS-2 of the original NERL proposal, and a line using the tracks that go to Paterson, by way of North Newark and Belleville etc. The Newark Industrial they call this now I believe. Only one of these is very expensive, and I think it would do a lot for the city.

As transportation is one of Newark's biggest selling points, adding subway lines along populous corridors makes sense. Though the light rail is great, it's always empty and I think that's partially because it doesn't travel along parts of the city where people live, just work. I think there needs to be a balance to maximize the effectiveness of public transportation.No offense, but you don't really know what you're talking about if you think the light rail is always empty. At both rush hours, it's standing room only. The traditional rush hour is a little earlier in Newark at both ends, I think, but there definitely is one. Try taking a train at 7:30a and see if you get anywhere near a seat, let alone into one. It's not crowded off hours -- that much is true, but neither is the NYC subway.

ryanov

March 22nd, 2008, 04:36 AM

Oh no question, but with as far back as Broad St. Station looks, I'd say Broad St looks as if it runs under the building in the foreground. Hell, now that you mention it, University ave. would have to be tucked under the large building. Relative to the rendering, I can't tell where it's supposed to be situated. If its only the Westinghouse building site than Univ./Broad st. shouldn't be touched.Broad Street is not in that rendering, it would be off the bottom of that picture. The tree-lined area there with the car in it is between Broad and University, if I'm not mistaken.

I'm really very disappointed they did not save the Westinghouse building. They don't build them like that anymore -- beautiful brick building that could have been dealt with similarly to the Chelsea Market in NYC, but will instead be replaced by a glass and steel mess. Look at the plaza today that abuts the building in between it and the light rail. I pictured a door there with a cafe. Loft housing with big windows. Oh well.

66nexus

March 23rd, 2008, 07:44 PM

Broad Street is not in that rendering, it would be off the bottom of that picture. The tree-lined area there with the car in it is between Broad and University, if I'm not mistaken.

My remark has already been explained

scrollhectic

April 1st, 2008, 02:45 PM

March 28, 2008 10:26am
By Eric Peterson (http://www.globest.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.author.contact.view?client_id=globest&story_id=169444&title=%2410M%20Heliport%20Complex%20In%20Works&author=Eric%20Peterson&address=http%3A//www.globest.com/news/1124%5F1124/newjersey/169444%2D1.html&summary=NEWARK%2DThe%20complex%20is%20proposed%20f or%20five%20riverfront%20acres%20next%20to%20a%20p lanned%20Police%20Department%20precinct%20here.)

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_newarkheliplex.jpg
Heliport complex

NEWARK-Air Pegasus Helicopters has unveiled plans for a $10-million heliport complex for a five-acre site along the Passaic River at Grafton Avenue here. The Newark Housing Authority has agreed to sell the site to the Roseland-based Air Pegasus for a reported $2.6 million. The largely vacant property had been targeted for 75 units of low-income housing, a project that never materialized.

The site is adjacent to three acres that will house a new Police Department precinct, and one of the complex's key tenants will be that department's new aviation unit, which currently has its helicopters stationed at Morristown Municipal Airport. And besides its own helicopters, Air Pegasus will also be the landlord for other public and private helicopter operators, including corporate. Air Pegasus' main helicopter base is currently at W. 30th Street and the Hudson River in New York City.

"This is an important project to bolster Newark's plan to increase public safety and to help reinvigorate economic development in this community," says Steven Trenk, Air Pegasus' managing director. "We're able to take the lead in a project that I know is right for the community."

Besides helipads, the proposed complex would include hangaring and maintenance facilities, space for maintenance personnel and parts storage, pilot briefing areas, office space, locker rooms, conference and training areas and other facilities. Financing would be a combination of private funding from the Trenk family, along with institutional financing and governmental sources, according to Trenk.
The project still requires approves from this city's planning and land use boards; the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, because of the site's earlier designation for housing; and the FAA. Pending those approvals, Air Pegasus hopes to have the facility up and running during the second half of 2009.

66nexus

April 2nd, 2008, 02:07 AM

Bank picks Newark for next corporate site

by Ian T. Shearn/The Star-Ledger Tuesday April 01, 2008, 3:58 PM

London, New York City, Singapore, Dubai ... Newark?
That's right. Newark will soon join the list of corporate locations for Standard Chartered, the international bank with 60,000 employees around the world.
Officials there signed a 10-year lease last week to bring about 300 employees from its Manhattan location to Newark's Gateway 2 building, said Newark Deputy Mayor Stefan Pryor. Standard chose Newark over competitive bids in Princeton, Jersey City, White Plains and Utica, Pryor said, underscoring Newark's efforts to market itself as an international city.

Key to the bank's decision were the successful efforts of Joseph Ritchie, chief executive of Brick City Development, to arrange some state-funded subsidies for the bank, Pryor said.
Specifically, he was able to negotiate a Business Employment Incentive Program, or BEIP, grant. The bank will also be eligible for a sales tax exemption for any materials it purchases toward rennovation efforts in its new 45,000 square foot office space.
Brick City was formed by Mayor Cory Booker to help attract and retain business in Newark and spur real estate development.
After many visits to Newark, Ritchie said, Standard officials liked the city's proximity to air and train travel, as well as the city's emerging downtown attractions. It will operate an unspecified, back-office operation in Newark, while still maintaining its presence in Manhattan.

Taken from nj.com

scrollhectic

April 5th, 2008, 04:37 AM

April 4, 2008 11:24am
Tucker Plans $150M Downtown MXD

By Eric Peterson (http://www.globest.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.author.contact.view?client_id=globest&story_id=169618&title=Tucker%20Plans%20%24150M%20Downtown%20MXD&author=Eric%20Peterson&address=http%3A//www.globest.com/news/1129%5F1129/newjersey/169618%2D1.html&summary=NEWARK%2C%20NJ%2DThe%20company%2C%20which% 20entered%20the%20market%20with%20a%20big%20%241.5 %20billion%20war%20chest%20recently%2C%20is%20unde r%20contract%20to%20buy%203.5%20acres%20here.)

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_422broadstnewark.jpg
422 Broad St.

NEWARK, NJ-The Chicago-based Tucker Development Corp. entered the New Jersey market with a $1.5-billion (http://www.globest.com/news/1078_1078/newjersey/167672-1.html) war chest recently, and the company has now made its first move. Tucker is under contract to buy 3.5-acres of privately owned land adjacent to the Broad Street rail station and an off-ramp of I-280.

And Tucker, which has made a name for itself with MXDs and retail properties, has mixed uses in mind for the site at 422 Broad St. once the sale clears. Part of that plan includes a new class A office building with large floorplates, the first to be built here in more than 15 years. Also part of the plan for the 400,000-sf, 28-story mixed-use are a 200-room hotel and 50,000 sf of retail, including a health spa, on the first two floors. The estimated price tag for all of this is $150 million.

The project will also be eligible for benefits under the state's new Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program, enacted in January (http://www.globest.com/news/1066_1066/newjersey/167184-1.html). For a minimum of 250 employees, eligible companies can realize upwards of $75 million in tax incentives over a 10-year period.

"Corporations relocating to this new generation transit-oriented development can earn tens of millions of dollars in urban tax credits," confirms TDC president and CEO Richard Tucker. "The end result is that a large corporation relocating jobs to our Newark development could virtually operate rent-free for 10 years.

"Given these substantial corporate benefits and that fact that all class A office space in Newark is more than 15 years old, we expect there will be significant demand for this new project," Tucker says. As part of its entry into the New Jersey marketplace, Tucker also recently opened a regional office at 50 Park Place (http://www.globest.com/news/1078_1078/newjersey/167672-1.html) As far as the proposed project for 422 Broad St., the currently vacant site is just 100 feet from the Broad Street Station, and a 10th of a mile from the I-280 ramp.

scrollhectic

April 5th, 2008, 04:46 AM

Also part of the plan for the 400,000-sf, 28-story mixed-use are a 200-room hotel and 50,000 sf of retail, including a health spa, on the first two floors. The estimated price tag for all of this is $150 million.

According to njand.com, the health spa is going to be 25,000 sq. ft.

scrollhectic

April 5th, 2008, 05:04 AM

http://ny.therealdeal.com/images/ny/logo_small.jpg (http://ny.therealdeal.com/front)
04/05/08

Once-blighted city now attracting NYC-based developers

http://s3.amazonaws.com/trd_three/images/18439/Newark_articlebox.jpg (http://ny.therealdeal.com/assets/18439)
Joe Ritchie, who leads Brick City Development Corp., left, and Newark Deputy Mayor Stefan Pryor.

By David Jones

Despite Newark's reputation, formed mainly in the wake of the 1967 riots, as a blighted inner city that investors wouldn't touch, a wave of Manhattan-based developers is now crossing the Hudson River and doing deals.

Since the beginning of 2008, several New York-based investors including Apollo Real Estate Advisors and TreeTop Development have acquired major residential properties in New Jersey's biggest city. The firms plan to erect new apartment and office towers and convert old buildings into luxury rentals.

Apollo, a real estate investment fund manager headquartered at the Time Warner Center, teamed up with Radiant Property Management in January to buy a 724- unit block of rental properties in the city's South Ward for $43 million. The firm is spending $7 million to renovate the nine-building complex.

Apollo partner James Simmons said the company has been eyeing various residential, commercial and retail properties near downtown Newark for the past two years.

"We as a firm always thought Newark had some strategic advantages that were just being overlooked by the market," Simmons said. But, he said, before Cory Booker took over as mayor, "investing in Newark was something that was difficult for us to get our arms around."

Meanwhile, TreeTop, which has new projects in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, is also aggressively buying residential property in Newark.

In January, the firm spent $22 million to buy the 293-unit Parkwood Place apartment complex in the Forest Hill section of Newark. The company is also buying 255 units in the North Ward and a property in the city's Central Ward.

"People sometimes think of Newark as this lower-class neighborhood where people will live in whatever it may be," said TreeTop principal Adam Mermelstein. "I think five years down the road, it's going to be a different place."

Manhattan-based Cogswell Realty Group, which two years ago converted a building on Raymond Boulevard into the first luxury rental in Newark in 40 years, is betting on that too. It's moving forward with a long-discussed plan to redevelop the former Hahne's department store and Griffith Piano building into condo loft apartments.

Industry observers say developers are increasingly looking to inner cities like Newark, where land is cheaper and the payoff can be greater if the neighborhood becomes more desirable.

"There's 40 years of perception problems you're fighting against," said Arthur Stern, a principal at Cogswell Realty. "It's not just from renters and buyers; it's from lenders and the government itself."

One issue that developers may have to face is a backlash from tenants over rising rents and potential displacement. A coalition of tenants' groups voted Mermelstein as the worst landlord in New York City, in part due to alleged harassment of tenants in his Williamsburg apartment building. Mermelstein said that thus far, there has been no resistance from tenants at Parkwood Place.

Newark Deputy Mayor Stefan Pryor, who previously led the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, boasted that the Prudential Center, the sports arena that opened downtown in October, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center are finally putting Newark on the map for positive reasons.

"There is a changing perception justified by the facts of Newark," Pryor said. "We're biased, but we think that Mayor Booker has set a tone that is very receptive to development."

Certainly, Newark is seeing change. While the execution of three college students made national news last year, the city saw a double-digit drop in violent crime in 2007. Until February 2008, Newark went 43 days without a murder, one of its longest stretches without a homicide in decades.

Still, those who have followed Newark through the years note that it will not fully turn the corner until development spreads from stronger neighborhoods to weaker ones.

"Part of what Newark needs to be cognizant of is [that] revitalization doesn't just mean lots of high-wealth people moving into the city and corporations moving into the city," said Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future, a Trenton-based public policy group.

The Booker administration is using tax abatements and other incentives to spur development. It has created the Brick City Development Corp., a nonprofit led by chief executive Joe Ritchie and Pryor, who serves as chairman, to help encourage new investment. The group replaces the old Newark Economic Development Corp., which critics charge was a featherbed for politically linked developers under the previous administration.

It seems that some of the renewal efforts are beginning to pay off: In January, the performing arts center brokered an agreement with Philadelphia-based Dranoff Properties to develop a 250-unit luxury tower, called Two Center Street, which will include 30,000 square feet of street-level retail and 750 parking spaces.

About 20 percent of the units will be set aside for the arts community.

Also, according to Pryor, the Manhattan-based Lam Group and Edison Properties have reached an agreement to develop a business-class hotel downtown, the first major new hotel project in the city in more than 30 years.

The new deals come on the heels of a $150 million agreement announced in December between the Related Companies and Tiki Barber, the retired New York Giants running back, to renovate affordable housing in Newark and elsewhere. Later that month, the Booker administration reached an agreement with former New Jersey Nets player Tate George to redevelop 102 vacant and abandoned properties in the city's West Ward.

While Newark does not have the convenience of coffee shops, banks and pharmacies on every corner, it is a bargain compared to New York.

The city had 6.4 million square feet of Class A office space at the end of 2007. Asking rents were $31.80 per square foot, and there was a 6.4 percent vacancy rate, according to data from Cushman & Wakefield. Last month, in a significant move, American Express Bank Ltd. announced plans to relocate its operations from Lower Manhattan to 50,000 square feet at Two Gateway Center in Newark. The banking division was recently sold off by the credit card giant.

Tim Greiner, executive managing director at Newmark Knight Frank, said his firm is in talks with several law and engineering firms about leasing space at One Riverfront Center, a Class A office building across the street from Newark Penn Station.

Government officials have been trying to use the train station to attract new business. Earlier this year, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signed the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Act to provide 10 years of tax credits on office rent to companies located within a mile of a major transit center.

Meanwhile, by the fall of 2009, Rutgers Business School is scheduled to relocate to One Washington Place, a newly renovated building near the Broad Street train station. Chicago-based shopping center firm Tucker Development, which signed a lease to open its first New Jersey office at 50 Park Place, also made an agreement with the Berger Organization to redevelop a 3-acre site located across the street from the station. The site will be developed into a mixed-use project, while the old Westinghouse plant located next to Broad Street station is being demolished to make way for a new development.

The city has put out a request for proposals for about 40 acres of publicly and privately owned land surrounding the Broad Street station and has put out a request for developers to submit proposals for that property.

"Newark has finally come into its own and begun to see the interest it deserves both on the commercial and residential front," said Miles Berger, chairman of the Berger Organization.

brunfuss

April 5th, 2008, 12:38 PM

great to hear about these new strides in Newark, but it looks like their good neighbor Elizabeth may be growing in the future.

according to Emporis.com, 14 buildings are being proposed for the city by Celadon, 13 are 40 stories tall and 1 is 30! quite surprising if you ask me.

you can even see renderings of the buildings by clicking the Celadon link, do you think these will eventually get off the ground??

66nexus

April 5th, 2008, 02:35 PM

^^Good find, scroll

I know that too many tax abatements may not be too good, but in Newark it could actually help with bringing in other money (residential, restaurant, nightlife, etc.). I think those would help more than commercial property tax

ps: that suit is way too small for Mr. Pryor lmao

scrollhectic

April 5th, 2008, 10:02 PM

Thursday, April 03, 2008
BY KATIE WANG
Star-Ledger Staff

Newark Housing Authority officials said yesterday the future of the Brick Towers redevelopment plan is in jeopardy because the city council put off action on two critical measures.

Central Ward Councilwoman Dana Rone said she did not have enough time to read through a $21 million proposal to build 80 affordable units in her ward. The housing authority proposes to build the apartments at Montgomery Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near Brick Towers.

"I didn't receive the package in time to read it," Rone said. She added, in a statement later, that she wanted to make sure the housing is truly affordable for Newark residents. "It would be irresponsible for me to say I support this when I truly do not know all that this plan entails," Rone said.

But Modia Butler, chairman of the housing authority board of commissioners, said Rone, who also is a commissioner, had sufficient information to vote on a resolution related to the project's financing. Rone also tabled an ordinance change related to rezoning in that area.

"She's been involved in these conversations since the inception of the dialogue around the redevelopment of Brick Towers," Butler said, adding Rone's dual roles offer her the chance to tap resources from the city's economic and housing department and the housing authority.

Keith Kinard, the agency's executive director, called Rone's actions an injustice to the families who were moved out of Brick Towers until the authority built homes to replace the twin towers.

"We don't have time to let bureaucratic or political nonsense get in the way of providing low-income or affordable housing and, as far as I'm concerned, that's what this is," Kinard said. "Whatever the councilwoman's issues are, I hope she gets over them so people can have a roof over their heads."

Rone and Kinard have clashed in the past. Six months ago, Rone was highly critical of a proposed new contract for Kinard.

This dispute revolves around Brick Towers, twin apartment buildings considered jewels when they were built in 1969. Over time, the 16-story buildings fell into disrepair, forcing the housing authority to shut them in October 2006. By then, only a handful of residents were left, including Mayor Cory Booker who called a 16th-floor apartment his home for almost a decade.

The buildings are being razed. Residents were relocated to other homes and given funding until the new Brick Towers is complete.

The authority plans to construct apartments for low-income residents with Section 8 vouchers and those who qualify for public housing. The first phase was to include 80 homes while the second phase would feature 150 more apartments. The second phase would cost $55 million.

To pay for the project, the agency asked the city to apply for $23 million in tax credits through the state's Home Express program, which offers financial subsidies to developers who build affordable rental housing.

Kinard said it was critical for the council to approve the resolution in order to build equity for Brick Towers and future authority projects. He said other funding agreements for this project hinge on the tax credits.

"This is a linchpin development," Kinard said. "If we can't get this off the ground, what does this say about our ability to develop in Newark."

But Rone decided to defer on the resolution and had enough votes to support that. Kinard said if the council does not approve the resolution by next week, then the city will miss an April 28 deadline to submit the application, therefore derailing the project.

Separately, the council was asked to vote on an amendment to change zoning along the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor. Rone tabled that amendment without offering a reason.

Butler said Rone's actions contradict her claims that she is an affordable housing advocate.

"The Central Ward councilwoman who is supposed to look out for the best interests of her residents is jeopardizing one of the best projects that is supposed to take place in the city for decades (and) that will bring immeasurable benefits to the people who she represents," Butler said. "She has turned her back on those people."

Jeffery C. Mays contributed to this report. Katie Wang covers Newark City Hall. She may be reached at kwang@starledger.com (kwang@starledger.com) or (973) 392-1504.

DonJ81

April 6th, 2008, 02:44 PM

smh, newark politicians really know how to shoot themselves in the foot sometimes.

66nexus

April 11th, 2008, 03:10 AM

http://www.newarkrbp.org/pdf/SquarefootSignsNewRestaurant.pdf

For immediate release
April 10, 2008
Contacts:
Marta Person Villa, Principal, Square Foot, LLC; 973-353-0020; marta@squarefoot.com
Libby Heller, Star Parking; 978-868-1394; strparkin@hotmail.com
Izzy Sema, Brick City Bar & Grill; 201.393.0200; izzys@amberskyms.com

Square Foot Signs New Restaurant for Downtown Newark

35 Edison Features Jersey‐based Restaurant and Apartments Above

NEWARK, NJ – Today, Square Foot LLC, a licensed New Jersey real estate brokerage firm based in
Newark, announced the signing of a 6,000 square foot restaurant for the ground and second floors of
35 Edison Place – or “The Isley Building” – directly across the street from the 18,000-seat Prudential
Center Arena.
The restaurant, to be called “Brick City Bar & Grill”, is owned and will be operated by brothers-in-law
Izzy Sema and Brian Karwoski. Since 2001, the building has been owned by Libby Heller of Star
Parking; in 2006, the Newark-based Hanini Group joined Heller as development partner in the fourstory
brick structure.
Sema reports that Brick City Bar & Grill will be an upscale sports bar and steak house with superb
entrees and appetizers that will appeal to the masses as well as those with a diverse palate. “We will be
bringing a new unique flavor that Newark hasn’t seen yet,” he reports. The menu will change to reflect
the events taking place in the arena and also the time of day. The ground floor of the restaurant is
scheduled to open in August.
Four loft-style apartments are currently available for rent above the restaurant, reports 35 Edison
development partner Samer Hanini, “It’s a great place to live especially if you are young and you want
access to Newark’s entertainment venues. Add the galleries and restaurants. Plus, you can literally
walk to work in 3 minutes!” The Hanini Group is currently working on several other similar projects
in downtown Newark.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Brick City Bar & Grill will include 6,000 square feet of space on two separate
floors. Sema expects the second floor, which will have its own bar and kitchen and a decidedly “VIP”
flavor, to be completed by December.
The restaurant is being designed by T&M Architects with construction by Signature Group LLC.
Brick City Executive Chef Roberto Mora Calderon has over 13 years experience in the kitchen. He
recently was featured on three separate occasions on Florida television Fox channel 4 showcasing
some of his signature dishes and culinary techniques. He will be relocating from the Naples area of
Florida to head Brick City’s kitchen operation.
The renovation and rebirth of 35 Edison Place is a quintessentially Newark story. Joint venture partner
Libby Heller of Star Parking purchased the building some seven years ago and was joined by the
Hanini Group (brothers Samer and Thafer Hanini) as a development partner in 2006. Heller said that
the original plan was to demolish the building and expand the parking lot which has been in her family
for 73 years. “But it’s such a lovely building and it has endured so much,” says Heller, that she
underwent a change of heart.
Heller was also inspired by the imminent opening of the arena. “This parking lot has seen the best and
the worst of Newark,” says Heller. Her father, Cecil Friedman ran the lot in the retail heyday of
Hahne’s and S. Klein’s and through the riots and their aftermath. “My father always said that Newark
would come back. He said that he wouldn’t see it and perhaps I wouldn’t see it but that my children
would see a new Newark. And he was right about Newark’s renaissance and I’m glad that I’m here to
see it,” says Heller.
After first gutting the building, Heller and the Hanini Group have fully renovated it, creating the
restaurant space on the lower floors and loft-style apartments above. The building has been renamed
“The Isley Building” after Heller’s granddaughter Isley and her grandmother Ida (Isley is a derivative
of Ida). It turns out that Ida means “hardworking; happy and prosperous”, all three of which could
describe Newark more and more each day.
The charm of the building and its enviable location were not lost on restaurant owners Sema and
Karwoski. “Restaurant success is about location, food and service, but location is number one and you
can’t beat this location!”
Sema further enthuses about the continued renaissance of Newark, “It was amazing the first time I saw
it. I fell in love with the place. We are committed to this project and we want to do right by the city,
the community.”
Sema, a co-founder of a New Jersey-based mortgage banking firm and a former professional soccer
player who spent several years playing in Europe, has years of experience in the restaurant industry
including promoting the former Manhattan Street in Pompton Lakes and South Park in Paramus. Now
a resident of Clifton, Sema knew the time had come to open a restaurant in Newark when he attended
a concert at the Prudential Center last fall. “We saw the amount of people walking around and we
didn’t see any restaurants in the vicinity of the arena.” A friend saw the Square Foot “available”
banner from a window within the Prudential Center and told Sema.
Brian Karwoski, also a co-founder with Sema in the NJ-based mortgage firm, currently resides in
Franklin Lakes. He has over 15 years experience in the restaurant business. Karwoski sees this as an
opportunity to get in ahead of the curve and become a mainstay for patrons of the Arena and
surrounding area. “We know that the area is being developed at an awesome rate, our plan is to get in
early and offer great food, great service in a comfortable upbeat environment to ensure we become a
favorite of people not only attending the Arena events, NJPAC, and River Front Stadium but also
those who work in the professional buildings in the surrounding areas.”
* * *
Square Foot, LLC is a certified NJ WBE and a licensed real estate broker. The firm specializes in
downtown, urban and specialty retail markets. Square Foot utilizes its almost 30 years of combined
private and public sector experience in managing downtown revitalization projects, municipal
operations and redevelopment projects, and leasing retail space for developers to simply market real
estate.
Over the years we coined the term “Revitalization through retail.” We firmly believe that creating a
dynamic retail marketplace can enhance a project and serve as an economic development engine.
Square Foot, LLC provides retail real estate brokerage services in the Newark and Bloomfield real
estate markets. On a national basis, Square Foot provides leasing and merchandising strategies for urban projects.

scrollhectic

April 28th, 2008, 03:33 PM

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/04/26/nyregion/26newark.600.jpg Richard Perry/The New York Times
Hayes Park East is one of 11 parks in Newark that are being refurbished through a new civic initiative called GreenSpaces.

By ELIZABETH DWOSKIN
Published: April 26, 2008

NEWARK (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/national/usstatesterritoriesandpossessions/newjersey/newark/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) — William A. Ackman, the manager of a multibillion-dollar Manhattan hedge fund, has no personal ties to Newark and has visited the city only a few times. But next week Mr. Ackman, 41, plans to write checks from his foundation that total around half a million dollars to buy equipment for the Police Department and to pay for job fairs, block parties, concerts and outdoor movies and other recreational activities during the city’s violence-prone summer months.

He is considering spending the rest of the $1 million that the foundation, Pershing Square, pledged last year to Newark to renovate dilapidated city parks. (In August, after the schoolyard shootings of four young people, three of whom died, Mr. Ackman donated $100,000 to cover funeral costs and otherwise assist the victims’ families.)

For Mr. Ackman, these gifts are a natural follow-up to the thousands of dollars he has given personally and raised from friends and colleagues for the political campaigns of Mayor Cory A. Booker (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/cory_booker/index.html?inline=nyt-per), whom he met six years ago and now considers a friend. He is among a cadre of new benefactors whom Mr. Booker, who turns 39 on Sunday, has aggressively courted to bolster his financially beleaguered city with private capital, often going beyond traditional philanthropic parameters to fulfill basic budgetary needs. Many of them seem as interested in the young mayor’s success as in the urban renaissance on which he has staked his mayoralty.

“I don’t know what else to say — he inspires me,” said Drew A. Katz, 36, who owns a billboard company in Cherry Hill, N.J., and who donated $100,000 when Mr. Booker called after the schoolyard slayings. “He’s got tentacles that reach throughout the country in ways that very few mayors of cities of this size have.”

Mr. Katz was among those people Mr. Booker and his aides recruited within two weeks of the shootings to raise $3.2 million for a high-tech surveillance system. Since December, they have collected $11 million, much of it earmarked for initiatives that include a foundation that purchases police equipment and administers a tip line through which anonymous callers can trade guns for cash. GreenSpaces, a civic initiative to rehabilitate 11 long-neglected public parks, was unveiled in February.

“You go to these parks in Newark, you see drug needles on the ground, prophylactics, abandoned furniture,” said Leon G. Cooperman, 65, the founder of a $3.5 billion Manhattan hedge fund who pledged $5 million in December after Bari J. Mattes, a senior aide to Mr. Booker, took him on a tour of the city’s parks. “That’s not a place to feel good about things.”

In addition, the administration last June helped create a spinoff of the Community Foundation of New Jersey that will devote $21 million to Newark nonprofit groups, arts programs and scholarships. And on Thursday, four national foundations — including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/g/gates_bill_and_melinda_foundation/index.html?inline=nyt-org) — kicked off a new Newark Charter School Fund with $16 million, saying they were drawn by Mr. Booker’s longstanding commitment to the schools.

Peter Frumkin, director of the R.G.K. Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the University of Texas (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/university_of_texas/index.html?inline=nyt-org), said public-private partnerships have become an increasingly common strategy for cash-strapped local governments like Newark’s, which narrowly closed last year’s $180 million budget deficit and faces a gap of more than $160 million this year.

But Mr. Frumkin said the Booker administration’s tack of filling fundamental needs with projects tailored for particular philanthropists — especially those well outside the city limits — is rarer. Donors, he said, often cling to their personal vision, and persuading them to commit to a city where they have no real personal connection requires a compelling argument.

Ms. Mattes — who headed the board of Harvey Milk High School, a public school for gay and lesbian students on the Lower East Side of Manhattan before becoming a fund-raiser for Mr. Booker’s campaign five years ago — said she tells potential donors that their money will make a more direct difference in Newark, with its 40,000 schoolchildren, than in a larger city like New York.

But a number of the city’s new benefactors are wealthy individuals who say they are motivated by the messenger as much as by the message. Mr. Ackman described his first meeting with Mr. Booker as one of the most inspirational of his life. Mr. Katz was charmed by him when they met at a Bruce Springsteen (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/s/bruce_springsteen/index.html?inline=nyt-per) concert six years ago.

“Cory Booker’s charisma allows him to make things happen in a civic community in a way that someone with a lower profile can’t,” said Frederick M. Hess, an expert on philanthropy with the American Enterprise Institute. “It’s the same reason that people will pay more for blue-chip stocks than they will for a seemingly identical stock that’s not known as a blue chip,” Mr. Hess added. “If you’ve heard Cory Booker give a speech or seen an interview with him, or know of other wealthy people who have been inspired by him, that gives you more confidence that you know what you’re getting.”

But experts warn that projects can shrivel if the giving is tied too firmly to one person, if a new administration is uninterested in taking on the work of the previous one, or if the philanthropists themselves change their priorities. “It’s a fact: Philanthropy doesn’t hang around forever, especially aggressive, leverage-oriented philanthropy that by its nature is constantly looking for new projects,” Mr. Frumkin said. “You don’t want to create a culture of never-ending support.”

Irene Cooper-Basch, director of the Victoria Foundation, which for decades has provided about $12 million a year for environmental, education and poverty-fighting projects in Newark, said that in addition to bringing in new donors, Mr. Booker and his aides have been more likely to invite local philanthropists to City Hall and to engage them in public-sector projects than his predecessor, Sharpe James (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/j/sharpe_james/index.html?inline=nyt-per).

Mr. James, who last week was convicted on corruption charges relating to the sale of city land, focused much of his philanthropic efforts on Newark’s cultural life, helping raise $67 million for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/new_jersey_performing_arts_center/index.html?inline=nyt-org), which opened in 1997, and $7 million for the renovation of the century-old Newark Museum (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/newark_museum/index.html?inline=nyt-org) in 1989. Throughout his terms as mayor, Mr. James partnered periodically with Raymond G. Chambers, a philanthropist who donated $20 million in the 1980s and 1990s to pay the college tuition of hundreds of Newark students.

Mr. Cooperman, a longtime benefactor who gave $5 million to help build the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, said the new administration has been able to lure back some donors who may have been reluctant to work closely with a City Hall they had seen as corrupt.

“I can’t imagine them doing this while Sharpe James controlled the parks department,” said Boykin Curry, whose family runs a New York investment firm and donated $1 million to the GreenSpaces initiative. “You’d worry the money would be mismanaged or looted. And when the city was falling apart around it, the park wouldn’t have lasted long anyway.”

Philanthropy experts said a crucial question is whether this new flood of interest can outlast Mr. Booker. It is a particularly salient question for the city’s 13 charter schools. Mr. Booker, who says he envisions Newark as “the Silicon Valley of social entrepreneurship,” has long supported the schools and used his influence to drum up support. He has helped recruit teachers through personal phone calls, steered city property to the schools, and taken donors on tours of Team Academy, a middle school in the city’s struggling South Ward.

At a recent $400,000 fund-raiser for the school, two lunches with Mr. Booker were auctioned for $20,000 each.

“Cities compete for this kind of support, and Newark, quite frankly, has not been competitive for the last half-century,” said Clement Alexander Price, a professor of history at Rutgers University (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/r/rutgers_the_state_university/index.html?inline=nyt-org) who lives in Newark and has been researching the city since 1970. “I am hoping that Cory Booker’s personal magnetism will serve as a seduction, so that when people look at Newark they will see a city, a very challenged old American city, that predates Cory Booker, and that will probably outlive Cory Booker.”

scrollhectic

April 30th, 2008, 04:53 AM

By DONALD WITTKOWSKI Staff Writer, 609-272-7258
Published: Wednesday, March 19, 2008

ATLANTIC CITY - A state agency approved a $1.5 million grant Tuesday for a project that raised constitutional questions and complaints about whether the funding could be better used for economic development.

Seton Hall University will receive the grant from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to help finance an apartment complex in downtown Newark for its law school students.

The authority's board approved the project 14-1, with two abstentions. Daniel Dalton, who cast the dissenting vote, questioned whether the project fit in with the authority's core mission to create economic development.

Another authority board member, Linda M. Kassekert, the chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, said she initially had concerns CRDA funding for Seton Hall, a Catholic university, might violate the constitutional separation of church and state. But she noted that the authority's staff assured her that the CRDA had funded projects at other religious schools without violating the constitutional mandate.

Erik Lillquist, Seton Hall's associate dean for finance and administration, said that despite the college's Catholic affiliation, there would be no religious services in the student apartments funded by the CRDA.

"It's housing," Lillquist said in an interview. "It's not a place for us to do official religious programs."

Seton Hall's law school plans to start construction in the fall on a 239-unit student apartment complex. The entire cost will be about $64 million, with the rest of the funds coming from tax-exempt bonds and the university itself.

Joseph F. Ritchie, executive director of Brick City Development Corp., which helps oversee economic development in Newark, said the apartment complex would help revitalize the downtown district by bringing more foot traffic and spending into the area.

In another vote Tuesday, the CRDA's board reauthorized a $20 million loan to help finance a $283 million downtown Newark condo, retail and parking project that has languished for years.

The project, by Cogswell Realty Group, would replace the blighted former Hahnes department store and old Griffith Piano building with a twin-tower complex of 550 condo units.

CRDA funding for Cogswell was originally approved in 2004, but the authority had to reauthorize the loan after a deadline had lapsed. Arthur Stern, Cogswell's chief executive officer, explained that the project was delayed after plans were changed from renovating the Hahnes and Griffith buildings to demolishing them. Construction is expected to begin in 2009, with completion by 2011.

Marv95

April 30th, 2008, 10:30 AM

Do you know where EXACTLY the new student dorms will be built? I don't think it will be included in the Hahne/Griffith project on Broad/New Sts right? Unless I missed something the location isn't specified here...

kevin

April 30th, 2008, 03:54 PM

The project, by Cogswell Realty Group, would replace the blighted former Hahnes department store and old Griffith Piano building with a twin-tower complex of 550 condo units.

CRDA funding for Cogswell was originally approved in 2004, but the authority had to reauthorize the loan after a deadline had lapsed. Arthur Stern, Cogswell's chief executive officer, explained that the project was delayed after plans were changed from renovating the Hahnes and Griffith buildings to demolishing them. Construction is expected to begin in 2009, with completion by 2011.

That sucks. Those are both beautiful buildings (at least the front of Hahnes). I wonder if building structures are really in that bad of shape, or if it's just that it's easier to tear them down than to deal with the historic building status.

Radiohead

May 17th, 2008, 01:17 PM

View from above

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/2313993972_2e6718e639_b.jpg

Dagrecco82

May 17th, 2008, 04:00 PM

What an amazing photograph!

On the other hand, I really detest those Bayonne Boxes that dot the cityscape. I'm glad they've stopped building them.

scrollhectic

May 20th, 2008, 12:01 AM

Star Ledger
May 18, 2008
BY IAN T. SHEARN STAR-LEDGER STAFF

It’s not on the list of most successful Newark spots, but restaurateur Sean McGovern and Senate President Richard Codey are betting they can make 60 Park Place a go with an upscale sports bar and restaurant.

The two previous restaurants at that address, Arthur’s Downtown and the Savoy Grill, were short-lived at what their owners thought was a sure-win downtown location that would attract patrons of the NJ Performing Arts Center and a long-promised sports arena.

But the arena stalled several times, and the prospects to revive the former Hahne’s Department Store failed. Neither restaurant could overcome the issue of how central city Newark becomes a virtual ghost town after dark.

Now, the Devils have played their first season at the Prudential Center, and Codey and McGovern said they’re hearing a new buzz in development circles: ‘‘If you build it, they gotta eat.’’

The two men, along with Peter Torok, son of lobbyist John Torok and a 10-year veteran of the culinary industry, recently closed on a 10-year lease with Miles Berger to lease 60 Park Place, with a July 1 target opening date, McGovern said last week. A potential fourth partner, described only as an N.Y. Giant to be named later, may soon join the team, said McGovern, who also owns McGovern’s Tavern.

‘‘It’s an investment in Newark,’’ Codey said. ‘‘Being an Irish male, I know nothing about cooking. And breaking the stereotype, I never drank liquor in my life.’’

In addition to the Prudential Center, there are plans under way, again, for major development projects in the neighborhood. The city is in negotiations with Arthur Stern of Cogswell Realty and other private partners with the goal of performing a $4 million upgrade of nearby Military Park, Deputy Mayor Stefan Pryor said Friday.

That could come together in the next six months, he said.

In addition, NJPAC and Cogswell have submitted major residential and retail projects for that area, he said.

‘‘The prospect for at least one of them to happen is good,’’ Pryor said, ‘‘which would make the restaurant site even more attractive.’’

McGovern said his team will invest $300,000 to renovate the space, which will seat 150, with an upstairs that could handle another 100 of overflow and private parties, McGovern said. And while it will boast a full-fledged sports motif, with 15 televisions and sports memorabilia, ‘‘we’re not going to alienate female patrons or people who aren’t interested in sports.’’

Plans for another sports bar, the Brick City Grill, directly across from the Prudential Center on Edison Place, were announced last month.

McGovern said he also is a consultant for a new upscale steakhouse, which will open by summer’s end at 50 Commerce St. The partners in that venture are Matt Mitrow, a partner in the recently opened Scully’s, a block away from the Prudential Center. Other partners are Mitrow’s brother, Mike Mitrow, Mike Nagel and McGovern’s wife, Jennifer.

To open a steakhouse on the caliber of Peter Luger’s, Sparks and the Chophouse, acclaimed New York establishments, McGovern said the team will invest $600,000 to fully gut the former bank building that will seat 140 and include a rooftop tiki bar with an unobstructed view of the Prudential Center. It will have a rich oak and mahogany interior and the best steak in Newark, McGovern vowed.

For the sports bar, McGovern obtained the existing liquor license for that building; for the steakhouse, he purchased a dormant ‘‘pocket license.’’

NYatKNIGHT

May 20th, 2008, 11:42 AM

Good news. Downtown Newark needs more decent restaurants, especially near the arena. I was shocked there was only vacant buildings directly across the street last time I was there. But McGoverns is a great bar, so I trust that these new establishments will be good.

66nexus

June 1st, 2008, 02:35 AM

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2008/05/verizon_to_remain_at_newark_he.html

scrollhectic

June 4th, 2008, 06:27 PM

Last updated: June 4, 2008 10:08am
City Seen Ripe for Downtown Residential

By Brianne Harrison (http://www.globest.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.author.contact.view?client_id=globest&story_id=171291&title=City%20Seen%20Ripe%20for%20Downtown%20Reside ntial&author=Brianne%20Harrison&address=http%3A//www.globest.com/news/1171%5F1171/newjersey/171291%2D1.html&summary=NEWARK%2C%20NJ%2DA%20panel%20sees%20reside ntial%20development%20as%20the%20best%20way%20to%2 0complete%20the%20city%26%23146%3Bs%20ongoing%20re vitalization%20process.)

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_njpac.jpg
NJPAC

NEWARK, NJ-This city has been working at reinventing its downtown as a destination, with the opening of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Prudential Center arena. The next logical step, according to panelists at the Newark Regional Business Partnership’s Insiders Forum here yesterday, is to bring residential development to the downtown, a move seen as having far reaching benefits for the city.

The speakers at the event, titled "Housing in Downtown Newark," were described by Toni Griffin, director of planning and community development for Newark, as "a panel of risk takers" for believing in Newark when few others did. The overarching theme of the talk was the necessity of revitalizing the city by turning its downtown into a 24/7 center of activity. Such a move was seen as necessary to keep Newark and New Jersey economically competitive with the rest of the country and the world.

As Arthur Stern, CEO of Cogswell Realty Group said, the morning’s discussion transcended housing. Describing New Jersey’s economic model as "dead" and the state’s job growth as "beyond anemic," Stern said that the only way to grow jobs and attract businesses to the state is to revitalize the downtowns. "We can’t lure companies to glass boxes isolated in the suburbs in a high-tax, high-cost state," Stern said. "Globally, people are moving back to cities in huge numbers. We have to create vibrant urban downtowns. If we bring people in, businesses will follow."

According to Laurie Volk, a partner with Zimmerman/Volk Associates, recent trends indicate that downtown Newark is ripe for a housing boom. A study by the Clinton, NJ-based Zimmerman/Volk found that increasing numbers of baby boomers are giving up homes in the suburbs and relocating to urban centers. At the same time, boomers’ children, the so-called millennials, are settling in cities to be near amenities, jobs and mass transit. Boomers now account for 30 to 40% of urban dwellers, and millennials account for 40 to 50%, according to Volk. Zimmerman/Volk’s research shows a surge in demand for urban housing that’s expected to continue for at least the next decade.

"The time is ripe to build housing in downtown Newark," Volk said. "If you build it, they will come."

A few developers have already ventured into residential housing in the city and have found some success. Andrew Cohen, president of Rock Properties and Samer Hanini, co-founder and principal of Hanini Group, both based in Newark, shared redevelopment stories. Cohen stressed the importance of working with area residents when developing a project in order to support the existing neighborhood and create spaces everyone can enjoy. He also suggested making Newark a more pleasant place by supporting community gardens on vacant lots and murals to disguise bare concrete walls.

One of the largest and most ambitious projects currently planned is NJPAC (http://www.globest.com/news/1076_1076/newjersey/167583-1.html)’s mixed-use retail/residential complex. Larry Goldman, president/CEO of NJPAC, declined to reveal many new details of the project, saying it was too early. He did, however, say that it would be more than "just an apartment building," it would be "a big idea," just as NJPAC itself was when first envisioned and built just over 10 years ago.

"Our goal is to do something so transformative that people think of this place in a whole different way," Goldman said. The current NJPAC plan calls for a residential tower with ground floor retail at the corner of Military Park and a mid-rise building across from the existing performing arts center. Altogether, the development will be spread out over three sites and will total 1.5 million sf and will include the first new apartment building in downtown Newark in 45 years.

The company tasked with making this project reality is Dranoff Properties, whose president, Carl Dranoff, also spoke. His company is no stranger to arts-related residential projects: Dranoff developed Symphony House in Philadelphia, near the Kimmel Center.

Dranoff also knows something about economic revitalization—his company redeveloped the Victor in Camden, a conversion of the old RCA Victor plant into condos. The project was termed a major gamble, since Camden was one of the most depressed cities in the country when they bought the property, and almost 50 banks refused to finance the project. Since then, Camden has begun to slowly emerge from the economic gloom, and Dranoff reports that The Victor is leasing well. He is excited to turn to Newark next.

"The potential in Newark is unbelievable," he said. "All the fundamentals are in place—jobs, people, transportation. We think big; we’re here to do a transformational project."

scrollhectic

June 6th, 2008, 04:23 PM

Last updated: June 5, 2008 05:01pm

By Eric Peterson (http://www.globest.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.author.contact.view?client_id=globest&story_id=171343&title=Construction%20Under%20Way%20On%20%2424M%20N onprofit%20HQ&author=Eric%20Peterson&address=http%3A//www.globest.com/news/1173%5F1173/newjersey/171343%2D1.html&summary=NEWARK%2C%20NJ%2DThe%20Leaguers%20Inc.%20w ill%20move%20into%20its%20new%2044%2C000%2Dsf%20tw o%2Dstory%20building%20at%20405%2D425%20University %20Ave.%20in%20about%20a%20year.)

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_leaguersrendering.jpg
405-425 University Ave.

NEWARK, NJ-The Leaguers Inc., a community nonprofit group, will have a new two-story, 44,000-sf headquarters building at 405-425 University Ave. here in about a year. Construction is just under way by North Bergen, NJ-based general contractor Mc Gowan Builders on the facility, which carries a total price tag of $23.5 million. The actual building construction cost is $14 million.

"This marks a new chapter in the Leaguers' six decades of service for the community," says Veronica Ray, executive director and CEO of the children and family services organization, in a statement. "Our new building will provide services to more than 200 Head Start students and to more than 100 children and parents in after-school programs."

Part of this city's redevelopment effort, the new building will house the group's headquarters office, along with a 22,000-sf Head Start and community services facility, commercial office space and an underground parking garage for 75 cars. Features will include seven classrooms, a secure outdoor play area, multi-purpose rooms and a media center.

The project is being financed through the Federal New Market Tax Credit. Participating organizations include Nationwide Insurance Co., a tax credit investor; Stonehenge Community Development LLC, a tax credit allocate; and Boston Community Capital, a leveraged lender. Lender consortium partners include New Jersey Community Capital, Prudential Financial's Social Investment Unit, Partners for the Common Good Inc. and TRF Reinvestment Fund.

Besides general contractor Mc Gowan Builders, the project development team includes architect/engineer EI Associates, architect Wilson Woodridge and the TLM Group. The two-story steel structure will feature a white glazed brick veneer façade with blue-tinted and multi-colored glass accents.

scrollhectic

June 6th, 2008, 04:36 PM

Article about Newark on amny.com.

http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-cityliving0605,0,7702221.story

JCMAN320

June 7th, 2008, 06:23 PM

Study finds Newark has fewest bookstores per capita of large U.S. cities

by The Associated Press Saturday June 07, 2008, 12:17 PM

Want to buy a book? The pickings are scarce in Newark.

Among the nation's 69 largest cities, Newark was last for number of bookstores per capita in 2007, according to a study by Central Connecticut State University President Jack Miller.

The city's largest general-interest bookstore, New Jersey Books, closes at 4 p.m. on weekdays. And some of the best-stocked stores are past the security gate at Newark Liberty International Airport.

For now, according to a report in the New York Times, the state's former poet laureate Amiri Baraka goes book-shopping at the Montclair Book Center nine miles away. Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Steven J. Diner buys online or goes shopping in New York City.

Mayor Cory Booker says he's tried unsuccessfully to get Barnes & Noble to bring a large store to the city.

"Newark needs bookstores," Booker told the Times. "It's a gathering place. They're community-fixers."

66nexus

June 7th, 2008, 06:36 PM

Not as bad as one may think:

And in Dr. Miller’s study of literate cities, which considered factors like education, Internet use and local publications, Newark ranked 49th of 69 over all, helped by the library’s popularity and the circulation of the city’s daily newspaper, The Star-Ledger.

^The article does cite readership in Newark as does the article link below. The library has a strong presence and readership is high which may deem more bookstores a nice plus, not necessarily a strong necessity.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/104-06072008-1545671.html

'Not that Newark is short of readers. More than a million people visited the city library system's 10 branches last year.'

scrollhectic

June 11th, 2008, 05:35 PM

Newark and northeast Jersey have been added to Google's street view mapping option. It was done a little while back as the Westinghouse and Lincoln Motel are still up and Mulberry Street in front of the Rock is still closed to traffic because of construction. You can view street level photos as far west as South Mountain Reservation in West Orange and as far south as New Brunswick. Cool feature... Newark looks... well, like Newark.

scrollhectic

June 17th, 2008, 02:16 PM

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

BY KATIE WANG
Star-Ledger Staff

Community, city and school officials gathered in Newark's Central Ward yesterday to break ground on the construction of Nat Turner Park.

The 9-acre park is scheduled to be complete within a year and will be the city's largest. Neighborhood activists have spent decades pushing for the park.
http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/star_ledger/ne/nex/998032988/StoryAd/NJONLINE/TACODA_REMNANT_NJ01/tacoda_300X250_nj_dlvy.html/30613035303230323437626139343630?_RM_EMPTY_&

"This project began in the 1970s, during a period of change and conscience, when we began to recognize African-American heroes like Nat Turner," said Roger Smythe, a longtime Central Ward community activist.

"This project will also recognize the people who brought about change in the Central Ward during the 1970s and show respect for the ancestors of today's leaders and activists."

The park will feature an amphitheater, a multipurpose athletic field, community event space, pic nic areas and a playground.

The project is part of the Trust for Public Land's Parks for People -- a Newark program that highlights the shortage of green space in the city.

The city, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Victoria Foundation are provid ing most of the funding for the project.

"We are making the dream of a quality, modern park in our Central Ward a reality through the partnership we have built with the Trust for Public Land and the Newark public schools and the creativity and input of the Central Ward community," said Mayor Cory Booker.

66nexus

June 17th, 2008, 06:45 PM

Good find scroll,

Newark definitely needs more green space so this park will only do good for Newark's park/people ratio.

I wonder where in the Central Ward though

scrollhectic

June 20th, 2008, 12:13 AM

Last updated: June 19, 2008 10:39am
By Eric Peterson (http://www.globest.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.author.contact.view?client_id=globest&story_id=171682&title=Regan%20Completes%20%246M%20Apartment%20Reha b&author=Eric%20Peterson&address=http%3A//www.globest.com/news/1182%5F1182/newjersey/171682%2D1.html&summary=NEWARK%2DThe%20long%2Dvacant%20historic%20 Colleoni%20building%20is%20back%20on%20the%20renta l%20market%20as%20part%20of%20the%20city%26%23146% 3Bs%20Lincoln%20Park%20Redevelopment.)

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_lincolnparkredevelopment.jpg
Lincoln Park Redevelopment

NEWARK-The historic Colleoni Apartments building has been vacant for more than a decade, but is now back on the rental market after a massive makeover by Regan Development Corp. The Ardsley, NY-based Regan bought the property from the City of Newark in 2004 and launched the redevelopment, which came in with a price tag of nearly $6 million.

Originally constructed as a grand-style apartment building, Colleoni Apartments was later divided into smaller, lower-quality units before ultimately being shuttered in the mid-'90s. Regan’s rehab has returned the seven-story building to something closer to its original configuration with 29 oversized units. The project is also the first stage of this city’s Lincoln Park Redevelopment Concept Plan.

"The Lincoln Park neighborhood is one rich in heritage and rooted in a tradition of artistic and cultural expression," said Mayor Cory Booker at this week’s formal ribbon-cutting. "The restoration of this structure and redevelopment of Lincoln Park signals an even greater movement to create more affordable housing opportunities and maintain safe and beautiful communities for all residents."

Regan Development president Larry Regan said that "our work, in tandem with the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District will help make this neighborhood a destination spot for new residents and businesses, right here in downtown Newark."

Stefan Pryor, deputy mayor for economic development said that "the opening of this building sets a terrific precedent for future residential development in Newark’s downtown, and in particular, the Lincoln Park neighborhood."

Joe Ritchie, CEO of Brick City Development Corp., Newark’s development arm, said that "we look forward to continuing to assist the Colleoni team in marketing the building to potential tenants." As part of that marketing effort, incentives are being offered for tenants who also work in Newark.

The Colleoni Apartments makeover was completed with the help of a $1.5-million contribution from the state’s Department of Community Affairs as part of the New Jersey Downtown Living Program.

scrollhectic

June 20th, 2008, 12:15 AM

MAYOR BOOKER ATTENDS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY

TO CELEBRATE RESTORATION OF THE COLLEONI APARTMENTS

IN NEWARK’S HISTORIC LINCOLN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

Complex to include 29 market-rate rental units; will offer incentives for tenants

who work in Newark; project is part of the city’s Lincoln Park Redevelopment Plan

Newark, NJ - June 16, 2008 - Mayor Cory A. Booker was joined today by Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor, Rutgers University Professor Dr. Clement Price, Brick City Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Joseph Ritchie, representatives of Regan Development Corporation, and state and local dignitaries at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the restoration of Regan Development Corporation’s historic Colleoni Apartments in Newark’s Lincoln Park district.

The nearly $6 million project is largest development project in the Lincoln Park district to date, and supports the City of Newark, NJDCA, and the Lincoln Park community’s commitment to create a secure and attractive community for the residents of this historic neighborhood.

“The Lincoln Park neighborhood is one rich in heritage and rooted in a tradition of artistic and cultural expression that has long been at the core of Newark’s great legacy,” said Mayor Booker. “The restoration of this historic structure and redevelopment of Lincoln Park signals an even greater movement to create more affordable housing opportunities, and maintain safe and beautiful communities for all residents.”

The Mayor noted that in his 2008 State-of-the-City address, he had said that his administration “must ensure that Newarkers are poised to benefit from our City’s new-found blessings,” and this program, with its partnerships, would help achieve those objectives.

Originally constructed as a grand-style apartment building, the Colleoni Apartments was later divided into smaller, lower-quality units until it was eventually vacated and boarded up. The complex remained vacant for approximately nine years until it was purchased from the city by Regan Development Corporation in 2004. The rehabilitation has breathed new life into this historic building, resulting in 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Ranging in size from 1,095 to 1,400 square feet, each unit includes state-of-the-art kitchens, tile floors, built-in smart technology for computer and internet hook-up, as well as a community room and gym. Incentives will be offered for tenants who work in Newark.

“Regan Development is proud to have assisted the City of Newark and the Lincoln Park neighborhood in bringing this proud, historic building back to life,” said Larry Regan, President of Regan Development Corporation. “Our work, in tandem with the work of Clement and Mary Sue Price in the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District will help make this neighborhood a destination spot for new residents and businesses, right here in downtown Newark.”

The revitalization of the Colleoni Apartments is the first stage of Newark’s Lincoln Park Redevelopment Concept Plan, which is designed to promote downtown living in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and its surrounding area. This plan will include townhouse development, rental and condominium apartments, The Newark Jazz and Music Museum, new neighborhood convenience retail facilities, upgraded public spaces, coordinated signage, and street furniture that will reflect the history of the community.

“The opening of this building sets a terrific precedent for future residential development in Newark’s downtown - and in particular, in our vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood,” said Deputy Mayor Pryor. “Following upon the passage last week of our new downtown plan, which promotes residential life in downtown locations where previously there were vacant and underutilized buildings, this Colleoni complex stands as a strong example of the transformation that can be accomplished in Newark.”

“We look forward to continuing to assist the Colleoni team in marketing the building to potential tenants,” said BCDC CEO Ritchie. “This project presents another opportunity for Brick City Development Corporation to spread the word regarding what’s both already happening and possible in Newark.”

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs contributed $1.5 million to the $5 million project as part of the New Jersey Downtown Living Program, which aims to develop market-rate, middle-income rental housing in urban areas throughout the state. Having already launched similar programs in the cities of Paterson and Bayonne, this program seeks to return the Lincoln Park district to its station as an architecturally distinctive and historic centerpiece of Newark.

“Governor Corzine is committed to ensuring that New Jersey residents have good, affordable housing,” said Commissioner Doria. “Colleoni Apartments is one step closer to reaching that goal. This is a great day for Newark and I commend Mayor Booker and the administration for their continued commitment and dedication to the people they serve.”

Any persons interested in apartment rentals at the Colleoni Building should call (914) 693-3011 for an application or visit the building’s website at www.colleoniapartments.com (http://www.colleoniapartments.com)

scrollhectic

June 20th, 2008, 12:19 AM

By Betsy Kraat

NEWARK-- Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. has been named exclusive marketing agent for the office component at Tucker Development Corporation’s (TDC) newly announced downtown Newark redevelopment project, Liberty Plaza.

The $200 million endeavor – the first mixed-use complex to be built in the city in more than 15 years – will feature a 500,000-sf, 26-story tower with up to 300,000 sf of Class A office space on its lower floors.

A six-person team, headed by James L. Frank and David Stifelman of Cushman & Wakefield’s East Rutherford office, is handling marketing and leasing for the project.

The building will be environmentally responsible and technologically capable, with an abundance of diverse power and an area for tenant-controlled generators for backup power, state-of-the-art telecommunications, and high security. In addition to the office accommodations, it will include a 200-room hotel and 50,000 sf of retail on the first two floors, including a health club, as well as on-site parking.

Located on 3.5 acres adjacent to the NJ Transit Broad Street rail station and I-280, with direct vehicular access to and from McCarter Highway/Route 21, the property sits in the heart of the Newark transportation hub. The Broad Street Station provides service to the Secaucus Transfer Station, Hoboken and Newark Penn Station, all providing service to Manhattan. The site also sits across the street from the new Broad Street Light Rail Station, which provides access to NJPAC and Newark’s Pennsylvania Station.

The site’s location enables potential office tenants to qualify for the state’s new Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit, which offers in excess of $100 million in tax credits over 10 years to companies bringing more than 250 employees to this Transit Hub location. The site is also located within Newark’s Urban Enterprise Zone, which in itself entitles tenants to a host of additional economic incentives.

Cushman & Wakefield
www.cushwake.com (http://www.cushwake.com/)

Marv95

June 20th, 2008, 01:24 PM

Liberty Plaza?? Couldn't they come up with a better name?

OK, maybe I can't for now, but I ain't paid to lol.

As far as Lincoln Park, getting rid of that Halfway House across the street from the park itself needs to be a priority if more future residents are going ot move in.

66nexus

June 20th, 2008, 10:44 PM

DonJ81

June 20th, 2008, 11:34 PM

Can someone list all the development projects that are taking place in Newark? I think Newark needs more office towers as well.

JCexpert558

June 21st, 2008, 04:19 PM

Can someone list all the development projects that are taking place in Newark? I think Newark needs more office towers as well.
I agree, and Newark needs more towers over 500 feet

stache

June 21st, 2008, 06:20 PM

They can't do that because the airport is so close.

66nexus

June 21st, 2008, 07:26 PM

DonJ81

June 22nd, 2008, 03:23 PM

Newark can have taller structures, the planes don't fly over the skyline. The Grant USA tower proposed in the 80s was supposed to be the tallest building in the world.

No one builds tall in Newark because it costs as much to build in Newark as it does in Manhattan, to save costs they build semi-high office towers

Semi high is fine too i guess, my only thing is that compared to JC, we have no projects of their magnitude coming up, not that I know off, I mean, Newark's buildings are so short, JC will be blocking the view of the NYC skyline in a few years.

scrollhectic

June 22nd, 2008, 07:12 PM

Downtown Newark's rental market on the rise

BY JASON SHEFTELL
Thursday, June 19th 2008, 4:09 PM
http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2008/06/20/amd_yh_eleven80.jpg Eleven80

http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2008/06/20/amd_yh_prudential_center.jpg A concert at the Prudential Center

For years real estate developers and government officials thought no one would want to live in downtown Newark (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Newark). Developer Arthur Stern and his Cogswell Group just proved them wrong.

Recent rentals at Eleven80 (1180 Raymond Avenue), Cogswell's 317-unit 35-floor residential building, show 45 rentals in the past six weeks, putting the building at almost 85% rented in just over a year.

"People still don't understand how this revitalization occurred," says Stern, who credits a strong city government, the new Prudential Center Arena (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Prudential+Center), and his company's persistent effort for the turnaround. "It was a six year odyssey of council meetings and presentations to banks to get people to understand that this building and downtown could work."

Drawing renters priced out of Hoboken (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Hoboken), Jersey City (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Jersey+City), and Manhattan (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Manhattan), Eleven80 has been transformed from a rotting downtown commercial building into the city's tallest residential structure. For 21 years, the former Helmsley-owned building lay abandoned. The nationally registered historic landmark is the first market-rate downtown residential building since 1961.

Sitting two blocks from the Prudential Center and at the southern edge of Military Park, Eleven80 is five to ten minute walk from Newark's Penn Station (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Penn+Station) and a 15 minute Path Train ride to downtown Manhattan. Stern thinks location, the building's amenities, gracious apartment sizes and a changing perception of Newark are reasons for this building fast success.
"For years Newark was an easy target for people to poke fun of," he says. "The reality is there are good areas and bad areas. When someone gets killed in East New York (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/East+New+York), it doesn't scare a person in Chelsea. There are areas of Newark with no crime."

Municipal Council Member Carlos M. Gonzalez (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Carlos+Gonzalez) calls the downtown area in Newark one of the city's safest places.

"There is more of a police presence downtown than almost any other Newark neighborhood," says Gonzalez, the Newark North Ward resident who joined the city government two years ago when Cory Booker (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Cory+Booker) became mayor. "We're working now on bringing businesses and residents back to downtown and employing our citizens. Investment in downtown is increasing at a very fast pace."

Renters are 1180 Raymond feel the new downtown energy. This past week alone, Tom Petty (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Tom+Petty), Alicia Keys (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Alicia+Keys), and a McDonalds (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/McDonald's+Corporation)-sponsored Gospel show packed the new Arena, amicably called "The Rock" by locals. New restaurants, the New Jersey Performance Arts Center (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Jersey+Performance+Arts+Center), and symphony add to the list of things to do downtown.

"I decided to take a chance on Newark and all the things happening here," says Tracey Alexander (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Tracey+Alexander), a board member of Newark's Habitat for Humanity (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Habitat+for+Humanity+International+Inc.) who moved from the East Village in January. "It was the best move I ever made. Weekends are quiet but that's nice. The building has a sauna."

Built in the 1930s, the building also has concrete balconies built into its penthouses, a marble lobby, and gold gilded elevator doors. The modern update includes a four-lane bowling alley, an indoor half-court basketball hoop, and a lounge area nicer than any area club. Leather chairs, funky clocks, stainless steel lighting and a wood décor make the second-floor wireless lounge area a frequent amenity choice for residents.

There's a small supermarket and bank across the street from one of the building's two lobby entrances. Valet parking is also available for residents and guests. A media room has an X-Box and Playstation with a Nintendo Wii (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Nintendo+Wii) allegedly on the way.

"Our competition is Jersey City, Hoboken, Williamsburg (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Williamsburg+(Brooklyn)), Long Island City (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Long+Island+City) and any other area trying to offer superior quality and more affordable rental units than Manhattan," says Stern. "In three days last week we had 11 sales. Eight of them came from people previously living in Manhattan."

Rentals in the $130 million project are being handled by The Marketing Directors, Inc. (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Marketing+Directors+Inc.) One-bedrooms rent for $1,695, two-bedrooms for $2,450. A similar apartment rents for $2,850 in Hoboken. Two penthouses with outdoor terraces with Prudential Center, Newark Airport (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Newark+Liberty+International+Airport) and Manhattan skyline views are under renovation.

Last Friday, downtown Newark was beginning to bustle towards rush hour. Street corners and store fronts were crowded with people heading to public transportation for the ride home. A few families played on the grass in Military Park. The circular plaza of PSE&G's world headquarters saw one person enjoying the built-in modern waterfall.

"I saw an unbelievable transformation during the 14 months spent on the job," says William Gilbane III, Business Development Manager for the Gilbane Building Company, the construction company who built the Prudential Center Arena. "Newark grows more into a 24-hour thriving city each time a new development is announced and a new apartment is rented or sold."

66nexus

June 22nd, 2008, 07:57 PM

Semi high is fine too i guess, my only thing is that compared to JC, we have no projects of their magnitude coming up, not that I know off, I mean, Newark's buildings are so short, JC will be blocking the view of the NYC skyline in a few years.

I look at it this way: even with the upcoming Newark development, it certainly does not compare to JC.

BUT, a lot of cities of JC's size don't compare to its development.

Look at Orlando, a major city for certain, but its skyline is even shorter than Newark's. So is Oakland's. I guess what I'm saying is this, JC isn't the norm...its development is unlike cities of its size in such a small window of time.

66nexus

June 22nd, 2008, 08:00 PM

scroll, excellent find. I figured the eleven80 was doing good, but I didn't know it was that good.

DonJ81

June 22nd, 2008, 11:30 PM

Yeah, good article scroll, i didnt even know the 1180 had penthouses:o

@nexus, yeah ur right, i gotta look at it from that context, i mean, being right across the river from manhattan helps a lot!

scrollhectic

June 23rd, 2008, 03:03 PM

by Ted Sherman (tsherman@starledger.com)
The Star-Ledger Monday June 23, 2008, 1:00 PM

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2008/06/medium_aasuperfund.jpgTony Kurdzuk/The Star-LedgerA part of the Diamond Shamrock site can be seen from the Passaic River in this 2003 photo.

Federal officials today outlined a massive, $80 million cleanup of the Passaic River that will remove hundreds of tons of dioxin-laden sediment contaminating the river along a notorious Superfund site in downtown Newark.

In an agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the companies that inherited the liability for the heavily polluted site, 200,000 cubic yards of poisonous sediment will be removed from hot spots in front of the former Diamond Shamrock Chemical Co., which had manufactured pesticides -- including DDT and Agent Orange -- the deadly Vietnam-era defoliant -- at the site.

"This removal of contaminated sediment from the Passaic is a real down payment on the river's future," said Alan Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator. "Today's agreement allows us to get the worst contaminants out of the river so it will never haunt the environment again."

Jeff Tittel, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, said the cleanup has been a long time in coming.

"After 20 years of talk, this is the first step towards doing something, but there's a lot more that needs to be done," said Tittel. "What happened to Newark and the Passaic River has been a nightmare."

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the plant discharged dioxin, among the deadliest chemicals ever created, directly into the lower Passaic.

Under the agreement announced today, Occidential Chemical and Tierra Solutions, which are responsible for the cleanup, will remove sediment in two phases by using sheet piling to divert water from the hot spots and removing sediment with conventional earth-moving equipment. The first phase is expected to take two and a half years to complete.

Officials said the work will be done in concert with a comprehensive study assessing the lower 17 miles of the river.

DonJ81

June 23rd, 2008, 06:15 PM

great article scroll, everytime I ride the path I see that dump off a river, i think i heard a rumor awhile back that they were gonna make the river deeper as well.

NYC4Life

June 30th, 2008, 06:39 PM

From: Metro New York

http://ny.metro.us/metro/sports/article/Booker_attempts_to_woo_newlook_Nets/12802.html

Booker attempts to woo new-look Nets

by joe brescia / metro new york
JUN 30, 2008

http://s3.amazonaws.com/trd_three/images/41055/booker_articlebox.jpg

NBA. When Newark Mayor Cory Booker welcomed Bruce Springsteen, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Yogi Berra and others into the New Jersey Hall of Fame weeks before the NBA draft, Booker said he hoped to welcome another group of athletes to town in the near future: the Nets.

Booker is trying to help Jeffrey Vanderbeek, the owner of the Devils, assemble investors to purchase the team.

Bruce Ratner, the Nets’ principal owner, has denied reports that he is interested in selling the team or moving it to Newark. Booker, though, says otherwise.

“I’m going to work very hard to make it happen,” Booker says. If the deal were to go through, the team would play at the Prudential Center, the newly built Devils’ home arena. Both teams played at the Izod Center, the former Continental Arena, in East Rutherford, N.J., before the Devils moved to the new facility in Newark last season.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a fight,” Mr. Booker said. “I think it’s going to be settled in an amicable way.”

He sees the Nets as a centerpiece to the continued revitalization of the city.

“The Nets were made for Newark,” he said. “It’s the comeback city. And I think the Nets will be the comeback team in the NBA, and they should do it here.”

Construction on the proposed new home for the Nets in Brooklyn, Barclays Center, is supposed to start at the end of the year. However, the project, part of the Atlantic Yards complex, might be subject to construction delays.

The Nets shook up their roster Thursday by selecting Stanford center Brook Lopez in the draft and trading Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for 2007 first-round pick Yi Jianlian.

“I thought they were moving to Brooklyn,” Lopez said.

“Wherever we are, we’ve made moves to be contenders.”

DonJ81

June 30th, 2008, 08:10 PM

Great article, I really hope Booker is successful, Newark is the perfect fit for the Nets and they should be at the rock. But if we dont get the Nets, would NJ be able to support another NBA team?

66nexus

June 30th, 2008, 10:22 PM

:(
Great article, I really hope Booker is successful, Newark is the perfect fit for the Nets and they should be at the rock. But if we dont get the Nets, would NJ be able to support another NBA team?

I think NJ could support another team. People said we couldn't support a team in the past but look what we dealt with. The Nets were horrific for yeeears and years, and to top it off they were at East Rutherford.

MSG always seemed to be a better experience (though I certainly wasn't a Knick) because it was in a city and it seemed that you didn't have to go just because of the game. Hanging out after a game is an unknown concept when concerning swamp NBA. (NFL's a different story)

66nexus

July 1st, 2008, 10:27 PM

Newark development emerging along Passaic River

7/1/2008, 6:56 p.m. EDT By JEFFREY GOLD
The Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A crew on Tuesday cleared overgrown brush from a chain-link fence, topped with razor wire, that now keeps pedestrians a few football fields away from the Passaic River as it snakes alongside New Jersey's largest city.
The Passaic was once the backbone of commerce in Newark's industrial heyday, but the 18-mile river became isolated in recent decades as factories closed and water pollution became evident.
As new office towers and a new professional hockey arena glitter downtown, Newark's riverfront is another sign of hope in a city that is trying to shake its reputation as a hotbed of high crime and poverty. An ambitious project to create a park with a 2.2-mile riverside walkway connecting the vibrant Ironbound section to downtown's towers and arts center is again under way, and planners envision an accompanying private development that includes housing, shopping and offices.
[/URL] (http://ads.advance.net/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/ap/nj/n/732246068/StoryAd/NJONLINE/TACODA_REMNANT_NJ01/tacoda_300X250_nj_dlvy.html/30613035303230323438366164373130?732246068) http://www.nj.com/images/spacer.gif
http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/ap/nj/n/732246068/StoryAd/NJONLINE/TACODA_REMNANT_NJ01/tacoda_300X250_nj_dlvy.html/30613035303230323438366164373130?_RM_EMPTY_&
http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/ap/nj/n/6030/@StoryAd?x (http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/click_nx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/ap/nj/n/6030/@StoryAd?x)Construction equipment has returned, bolstering the river's shore with steel bulkheading to prevent erosion. Officials are to gather Wednesday at the site to celebrate the ongoing work, but the project — first authorized in 1990 — will continue to struggle amid uncertain funding, and no one can say when riverfront strolls might begin.

The waterfront is just steps from a bustling rail and bus hub, Penn Station, and would be readily accessible to thousands of office workers as well as residents of the Ironbound, a Brazilian and Portuguese enclave.
Despite having obtained about $24 million in federal money to date, the first phase will require at least $13 million more to complete, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the project. As in the past, the latest budget submitted by President Bush contains no money for the work, and lawmakers say they will fight for funding.
"By securing this money and redeveloping our waterfront, we can spur development and our economy, and provide Newark's families with a beautiful park to enjoy. I'll continue fighting for resources we need to revitalize the Newark waterfront," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J.
The entire park and walkway project includes riverbank and wetlands restoration and is now projected to cost nearly $80 million. About 75 percent would come from federal funds, 19 percent from the state, and 6 percent from Newark, the city has said.
The work is separate from a cleanup of the Passaic River, whose entire 18 miles are heavily polluted and designated a federal Superfund site. Environmental officials last month announced that $80 million will be spent to remove mud contaminated with a Vietnam-era pollutant from a small portion of the river in Newark, with studies continuing on other sections.
Parks are scarce in New Jersey's largest city. It has just 3.1 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, about half the amount found in other high-density cities, according to the Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit conservation group.

"I have great ambitions for that park," Mayor Cory A. Booker said Tuesday. The project got $2.95 million in federal funds for the fiscal year that ends in September.
"For us to get the federal support is very exciting," said Booker, halfway through his first term, who made Newark's redevelopment a centerpiece of his campaign.
Booker also made crime reduction one of his priorities, and murders declined in 2007 and are currently below last year's pace. Yet the first anniversary of a gruesome triple homicide of three college students will be in August, and that event gave Newark unwanted notoriety.

The groundbreaking for the riverfront park — formally called the Joseph G. Minish Passaic River Waterfront and Historic Area — took place in 1999 under Booker's predecessor, Mayor Sharpe James.

Now facing a federal prison term following a corruption conviction, James remade much of the city's skyline during his 20 years as mayor. High-rise housing towers that were often hubs of gang activity were razed in favor of new townhomes. Office towers sprouted downtown, along with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Seton Hall School of Law. An arena for the NHL's New Jersey Devils opened in the fall.
But only modest progress has been made for Minish park, named for a former congressman, mostly hundreds of yards of steel bulkheading to prevent erosion when the river runs high.
Booker will be joined along the river Wednesday by Lautenberg and Rep. Albio Sires, another Democratic lawmaker who supports the project.
The private portion of the redevelopment is being handled by the Matrix Development Group, of Cranbury. The company has "solid interest" from potential tenants of a 14-story building planned for part of its eight acres, said leasing manager Felicia Arias. No groundbreaking has been scheduled.
New Jersey's largest law firm, McCarter & English, had planned to move several blocks to that building but has since decided to stay in its current offices, firm spokesman Fred Rackmil said Tuesday.
A park seemed appealing to city worker Dwayne Freeman, 49, who was raking the cut foliage at the site Tuesday.
"Yeah, it would help Newark," he said.
___
Associated Press writer David Porter in Newark contributed to this story

[URL]http://www.nj.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-32/1214946577250290.xml&storylist=jersey

DonJ81

July 2nd, 2008, 11:07 AM

NYatKNIGHT

July 2nd, 2008, 11:22 AM

...does anyone have any news on the soccer arena in Harrison?Not heard anything in a while. Here's the thread: Red Bull Park (http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3760&page=6).

JCexpert558

July 2nd, 2008, 12:21 PM

I think it would be cool if there was a ferry going from downtown, to the ironbound, so people can see how much Newark is Rebuilding, and so people can travel through parts of Newark. Also are there any fish in the river, or is the river that polluted?:confused:

66nexus

July 2nd, 2008, 02:52 PM

Great article nex, the passaic river has been underdeveloped for years, I can see some condos and office towers being built along the bank. Also does anyone have any news on the soccer arena in Harrison?

Most definitely (underdeveloped). Also, they'd be wise to promote development along the Passaic with extreme emphasis because Red Bull Park is on the way on the opposite end. (though I really wish they'd change the name to Red Bull Hudson or something...sorry, but the NY thing just gets old. Bergen county is one thing, but Red Bull NY playing in the metros of NJ's two largest most influential cities just makes me go::confused:)

DonJ81

July 2nd, 2008, 03:46 PM

Most definitely (underdeveloped). Also, they'd be wise to promote development along the Passaic with extreme emphasis because Red Bull Park is on the way on the opposite end. (though I really wish they'd change the name to Red Bull Hudson or something...sorry, but the NY thing just gets old. Bergen county is one thing, but Red Bull NY playing in the metros of NJ's two largest most influential cities just makes me go::confused:)

Exactly...my problem is that Red Bull hasnt really been promoted as a "Jersey" thing, they're obviously going for the NY market, which I have no problem and actually makes sense, but I'm tired of that business practice compromising Jersey pride. But yeah, development should be moving along quicker then it actually is.

@ JCexpert, A ferry service is a wonderful idea! Bold too! I think that would do wonders.

Also, who else thinks that the northern new jersey area should look into building a movie/tv studio? NJ could really cash in on NYC's movie industry.

JCMAN320

July 3rd, 2008, 12:44 AM

Well let me update everybody on some news.

Pillings and steel are going up in Red Bull Park so it is on schedule for late 09/10.

In regards to the Izod Center, after the Nets go to Brooklyn, Newark, Mars,??..... wherever my boys wind up, officials are already looking into converting the Izod Center onces its empty to turn it into a massive movie/tv prodcution place. To help de-polarize NYC and share more of the wealth and it's toys with Jersey. I read this in the Star-Ledger.

scrollhectic

July 3rd, 2008, 01:08 AM

By Michael Pagan (http://www.politickernj.com/user/paganm)

Release Date: Jul 2 2008
LAUTENBERG, SIRES, BOOKER ANNOUNCE NEARLY $3 MILLION IN NEW FEDERAL FUNDS TO HELP REVITALIZE MINISH PARK
Redevelopment Will Continue Rebirth of Newark’s Waterfront,
City’s Effort to Reconnect Residents with Passaic River

NEWARK, NJ – Today, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ-13) and Newark Mayor Cory Booker announced $2.9 million dollars in new federal funding to continue the revitalization of Minish Park. The funding will be used to build a two-mile riverfront with open space and mixed-use development and reconnect Newark residents and the city’s downtown to the Passaic River. Lautenberg, Sires and Booker were joined by Deputy Commander Kenneth McDonald from the Army Corps of Engineers.

“By securing this money and redeveloping our waterfront, we can spur development and our economy, and provide Newark’s families with a beautiful park to enjoy. I’ll continue fighting for resources we need to revitalize the Newark waterfront,” Senator Lautenberg said.

“I believe that this project is a key example of the revitalization of Newark. I assure you that I will do my part in the U.S. House of Representatives to support this project and look forward to its completion,” Congressman Sires said.

“The redevelopment of Minish Park is a key element in Newark’s revitalization efforts, and to improving the quality of life for all residents,” Mayor Booker said. “This new federal funding affords the opportunity to reconnect Newarkers of every generation with the beauty of the Passaic River and restore our waterfront to its original grandeur.”

“Working in and around the communities we live in can be very rewarding,” Colonel Nello Tortora, New York District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said. “The work we’re performing right here in Newark is especially rewarding because this mixed use development provides a win-win situation for the both the environment and the people of Newark.”

The new federal money will help finance the construction of approximately 9,000 feet riverfront walkway for Newark residents and visitors, large park areas, an educational center, a boathouse, and will enable the construction of a residential, retail and commercial buildings. The funding will also pay for 6,000 feet of bulkhead replacement to prevent further erosion and 3,200 feet of wetlands restoration. The current phase of the Minish Park project is expected to be complete in Spring 2009. For more information and images, visit: http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/business/prjlinks/flooding/minish/index.htm (http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/business/prjlinks/flooding/minish/index.htm).

Today’s $2.9 million in new funding comes in addition to more than $22.4 million in funding for the project secured by several members of Congress, including Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez, and Congressmen Payne and Sires.

The redevelopment of Minish Park is part of the larger Newark Riverfront Project, which is vital to the City of Newark’s rebirth. Once complete, the Riverfront will be a thriving center of new commerce and mixed-use development, and will link the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Penn Station and the city’s downtown.
###

66nexus

July 3rd, 2008, 03:01 AM

It's about time! lol. I hope they do the park right and from the timeline it seems all the greenery will be open by the time the Red Bull Park opens. Where the Red Bull *cough*-Hudson-*cough* team plays

DonJ81

July 3rd, 2008, 11:50 AM

This is great news for Newark! The waterfront, along with Red Bull stadium will turn the city into a powerhouse. JCman thanks for the news about the IZOD, the only reason I ask is because Im a budding movie producer and writer and would love to make NJ into a hollywood east.

JCexpert558

July 3rd, 2008, 12:32 PM

I think that there should be some thing like time sguare over on the intersection of market, and Broad. I could imagine TRL, A large Macys store like there used to be, lots of restuarants, A few hotels there and there. AC is going in a big revalization trying to be the next Las Vegas, and its doing a good job, why doesn't Newark try to follow in New Yorks steps and become the next new York, or at least some close to that.

JCexpert558

July 3rd, 2008, 12:45 PM

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/07/newark_airport_expansion_costs.html

DonJ81

July 3rd, 2008, 08:53 PM

scrollhectic

July 8th, 2008, 08:47 PM

http://www.prweb.com/prfiles/2008/07/07/283073/gI_MLKPortfolio.JPG.jpg

New York, NY (PRWEB (http://www.prweb.com/)) July 8, 2008 -- Armed with an aggressive approach to strengthen its presence in the Newark, N.J. housing market, TreeTop Development (http://www.treetopdev.com/main.html) has expanded into the Essex County City's downtown district and opened a new office facility at 550 Broad Street.

http://www.prweb.com/images_v4/quote_left.gif While the buildings are in very good condition, we made key renovations to create a significantly better living environment (http://www.cahncommunications.com/) http://www.prweb.com/images_v4/quote_right.gif

The Manhattan-based real estate developer made its initial foray into Newark early this year with the $22 million purchase of Parkwood Place -- a 293-unit rental apartment complex located on Mt. Prospect Ave. in the Forest Hills section -- and is expected to build upon its portfolio with the acquisition of two additional portfolios in the City later this year. Once the acquisitions are complete, TreeTop will own more than 800 rental apartments within the City of Newark.

"The resurgence of Newark as a residential destination is well underway and there's a significant need for quality rental apartments that serve both the luxury market and the City's local middle-class residents," says Adam Mermelstein, a TreeTop (http://www.treetopdev.com/main.html) principal. "As a result, we are actively pursuing opportunities that will be valuable additions to our existing residential portfolio of for sale and rental properties.

"We've already purchased one property and anticipate the acquisition of two more rental complexes by year's end. Thus, it was a logical move to establish an office within the City which allows us to remain close to our Newark portfolio, monitor market conditions and offer housing products that address community needs and enhance surrounding neighborhoods."
TreeTop has recently competed more than $1 million in renovations for Parkwood Place -- a gated complex in the Forest hills section of north Newark. -- including upgraded building systems, common areas, unit interiors and site landscaping.

"While the buildings are in very good condition, we made key renovations to create a significantly better living environment," adds Azi Mandel, another TreeTop principal. "These included capital improvements such as landscaping, new entry doors, new elevators, restored original terrazzo floors and remodeled lobbies, vestibules and corridors.

"Inside the apartments, we refinished hardwood floors, upgrade bathrooms, install ceramic tile in kitchens and replace kitchen countertops and appliances as needed. The end result is rental homes that give people more than they can afford and improve their quality of life."

TreeTop (http://www.treetopdev.com/main.html) also recently complete the acquisition of the MLK Portfolio, 256 rental apartments which encompass an entire full city block along Martin Luther King Boulevard. The purchase will serve as a significant step in the revitalization of Martin Luther King Boulevard leading from University Heights to the Lincoln Park Arts District.

"The MLK Portfolio is noteworthy in the ongoing rehabilitation of the neighborhood -- where 3,000 subsidized apartments and new market rate townhomes are either being built or restored," says Mr. Mermelstein. "The buildings are currently 30% vacant and in need of interior and exterior upgrades to bring it inline with the progress being made on the surrounding blocks.

"Without the MLK Portfolio, the revitalization leading up to the City Courthouse could not be completed. It will also provide much needed housing for nearby Universities."

The developer purchased the property with investor Kenneth Pasternak and plans up to $5 million in large scale renovations, including updated bathrooms, new hardwood flooring, new kitchens and new landscaping and site work.

"The MLK Portfolio will offer a viable alternative by providing a higher quality residential product that is complete with the latest in amenities and appliances and offered at monthly rental rates Newark's middle-class employees can afford," Mr. Mermelstein points out. "It will be an ideal destination for government officials, civil servants and more."

Scott Assouline of Meridian Capital Group placed the loans for two of the buildings -- 777 MLK and 775 MLK -- with Joe Fingerman and John Ziernan of Signature Bank. Financing for the remaining buildings was arranged by Mr. Assouline through Charles Baker of New York Community Bank.

In addition to Parkwood Place and the MLK Portfolio, TreeTop (http://www.treetopdev.com/main.html) is expected to purchase a portfolio of nine rental buildings in north Newark bordering Branch Brook Park. The developer will also conduct extensive renovations to the buildings and property.

"The goal at each of these portfolios is to improve the overall housing stock in Newark," Mr. Mandel indicates. "We want to provide rental apartments residents are proud of in City they take pride in calling home."
Dave Oropeza and Joel Schwartz of Gebroe-Hammer are serving as brokers in the both transactions.

For additional information on TreeTop Development, please call 212-400-8860 or visit www.treetopdev.com (http://www.treetopdev.com/).

About TreeTop Development, LLC:
Led by General Partners Azi Mandel and Adam Mermelstein, Manhattan-based TreeTop Development, LLC is a multi-faceted real estate concern with a focus on developing luxury condominium buildings in key urban centers throughout the New York Metropolitan area. The company also actively acquires existing rental properties in the region with an eye towards modernizing living spaces, common areas and building systems before returning them to market.

66nexus

July 9th, 2008, 06:39 PM

Au Bon Pain coming to Newark Penn station

by Carly Wednesday July 09, 2008, 12:51 PM

http://blog.nj.com/hobokennow_impact/2008/07/large_atpennstation.jpgAP Photo/Mike DererYou'll soon be able to grab some "upscale" coffee, soup and sandwiches at Newark Penn station.
Lots of people in Hoboken frequently travel in and out of Newark Penn station for either work or travel. And here's some good news for you folks:
Tasty yuppie-haven Au Bon Pain (http://www.aubonpain.com/) will be moving into the train station's main waiting room, offering a bakery cafe with a restaurant seating area. NJ Transit says the Au Bon Pain will be open at the station in the next six to eight months.
Yum! Wonder when an Au Bon Pain'll come to Hoboken? It's only a matter of time...
According to a press release sent out today, the NJ Transit Board of Directors authorized a five-year lease with ABP Corporation -- the corporate operator of Au Bon Pain stores -- for approximately 2,700 square feet of retail space in Newark Penn Station's main waiting room at an initial annual base rent of $222,750.
"The new restaurant will be a welcome addition to the improvements we have already made at Newark Penn Station in recent years," said NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles in the press release. "This cafe has been popular in Washington's Union Station and Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, and we are pleased to partner with a business that will make investments to complement this historic station."

taken from nj.com

stache

July 9th, 2008, 07:35 PM

Sticking a French name on a cafe does not make it upscale.

NYC4Life

July 10th, 2008, 01:43 AM

Would not make it upscale being located on a railroad station.

66nexus

July 10th, 2008, 05:51 PM

Au bon pain isn't upscale because of the name, it's upscale because of its food-offerings. It's not exactly a local bread shop...but like the airport, it's for commuters (good for Newark though)

DonJ81

July 10th, 2008, 06:44 PM

This is great, I like Au Bon Pain, people call it upscale because of its high class look and the friendly people that work there. The ironic thing is that I dont really see their food all that expensive. Now Newark needs a panera bread and a real book store like BnN or Borders. They also need another family restaurant like a friendly's or a TGI right in downtown.

Marv95

July 11th, 2008, 11:46 AM

block944

July 13th, 2008, 01:20 PM

^^^The problem is a couple of stores you mentioned won't move into an area below a certain income level ie Whole Foods(at least that is what I heard). And downtown doesn't have a large enough housing stock to warrant that income, even with Eleven80, Rennisance Towers & Clinton Lofts.

They should put something similar to this in that empty space underneath Eleven80 next to TD Banknorth. Chock Full of Nuts or some clothing store outlet.

I would love to have a Panera on raymond Blvd, I would be there everyday! Its the only thing I hate about living in 1180, no good fast foods. Bring a taco bell and Panera and wait a few years for and bring in Barnes and Noble and Newark will be on its way. I would put the bookstore somewhere between 1180 and Njit so theres a mix of students from Seton Hall, UMDNJ, Rutgers and NJIT. As well as people living in the area in 1180 and other housing units and as well as people from work at Horizon, PSEG, NJtransit, Verizon, IDT etc... the potential is there.

stache

July 13th, 2008, 06:57 PM

944, I recently noticed that a nice looking deli has opened in your building, on Commerce. Are the hours good?

block944

July 14th, 2008, 09:41 AM

JCexpert558

July 14th, 2008, 01:52 PM

DonJ81

July 14th, 2008, 02:15 PM

In my opnion I don't think this Au bon will do alot of good because Look at New York Penn, it has all these nice restaurants but it doesn't give it a better character. all it does is help people eat while they are there. Also If they put a Au bon in there they should put restuarants like that there because there are so much bad places to eat in there. Maybe they should rebuild the station like they did with Union station in Washington.

I think Au Bon will do well there, however, I do agree that Newark Penn needs a little renovating. Not too much, just make it more pleasurable I guess. More size wouldnt hurt. Even with Au Bon Pain, theres still not enough restaurants at that station. A Dunkin Dounuts would do well there IMO.

kevin

July 14th, 2008, 06:23 PM

Yeah its step in the right directions for a quick run for Milk,juice,soda or bread otherwise nothing really special. I wish they would open a Panera on the otherside facing military park. That would kill as all the business people sit in the park for lunch anyway and it would be dead center to Horizon and the IDT and university ave.

I don't think the space in 1180 is big enough for a Panera. I do know that they've been doing a lot of work on the new place where Savoy used to be, but the guy who owns Airle said that he doesn't think they're going through with the Steakhouse on Commerce.

I'm not sure the downtown population is large enough to support these ventures, seeing as though we can't even get that frickin' pub on Clinton to open up on weekends when there's no event at the Arena.

When Cogswell does their military park project and the whole Westinghouse thing is done, then I think you'll see the influx of stores in downtown.

66nexus

July 16th, 2008, 02:08 PM

We need more of this:
Luxury condos coming to Newark

$19.8M Ironbound project adds jobs

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 BY CARMEN JURI

Star-Ledger Staff
Hoping to lure young professionals wanting to live in Newark's Ironbound, officials broke ground yesterday on a luxury condo complex that will join the landscape of two-family houses that dominate the area.

Calling it the trailblazer Newark needs to move ahead, the $19.8 million residential and commercial structure on Ferry and Magazine streets will offer 67 residential units, 12 retail units and 77 parking spaces. "The Continental" is slated to be constructed by next summer.

"The beauty of this project is also the fact that it's located in the neighborhood that needs this type of development," said East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador. "It's in an area that has been, to a certain extent, forgotten and now be ginning to be attractive."
The four-story structure -- a mixed use urban infill project -- will feature a roof garden, private balconies and a state-of-the-art exercise room, said Dean Marchetto, the project's architect and designer.

Locals hope the high-end building will attract professionals who normally commute to the city. They said talks are in the works for shuttle buses to offer transportation to and from Penn Station and other key downtown spots. The condo complex is one mile from Penn Station.

"Some 50,000 people commute to the downtown to companies, colleges, universities. We have to get them to stay here," said Emilio Farina, principal at Vision Downtown Urban Renewal LLC.
Farina was the developer behind the Mulberry Street Project that was halted after a Superior Court judge threw out plans for the 2,000-condo project after a four- year legal battle.
Despite harsh economic realities nationwide, city officials said Newark is going ahead with construction projects, a sign that developers have faith in the city.

"No matter what naysayers say about the economic climate and market, we're here in Newark building," said Stefan Pryor, deputy mayor of economic and housing development.
Pryor said commercial tenants are required to conduct "first source" interviewing and hiring of Newark residents for any permanent jobs created. The project also received a long-term tax abatement from the city, which will be passed on to the condominium purchasers, in addition to a sales tax exemption from the Urban Enterprise Zone.

Amador said the investment is a reflection of the commitment and confidence the investment community has in Newark, and specifically the Ironbound.
Marchetto said his Hoboken- based firm specializes in modulating modern buildings to fit in within an existing urban context. The structure's facade, for example, has alternating colors of brick so it appears smaller.

"So this is particularly appropriate," Marchetto said. "Most of the buildings are two-family. It's a welcome alternative and signals a new urban approach."

He said the brick has a 90-year lifespan and the copper-toned balance is made of pre-finished metal panels that last 60 years, rather than a less durable material like stucco.
The project site is the former home of the Continental Electric Co., a manufacturer of electric motors, generators and alternators. The complex is called "Continental" after the company.
"This project embodies all the values, ideals that is Newark," said Mayor Cory Booker. "It's a vanguard for what is happening and what will happen."

http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-5/121618293737120.xml&coll=1

JCexpert558

July 16th, 2008, 05:25 PM

Has newarks Population grown since 2006. Hopefully it's gone to the 300,000s by now

scrollhectic

July 16th, 2008, 09:55 PM

http://ferrystreetcondos.com/index.swf

There's a rendering of the project on their website (though it's just a background image.) Who knows if they'll stick to this design, but anything similar is SO much better than those two and three family houses that went up along NJ Railroad Ave. What an unfortunate missed opportunity to create and develop something more esthetically pleasing and more organic to the area. If this initiative was encouraged and undertaken at the time all those tacky bayonne box houses went up, the Ironbound would probably resemble Hoboken a little more (except hopefully less homogenous - which, in my opinion, is Hoboken's biggest drawback. That aside, Hoboken is a model of urban development.)

stache

July 17th, 2008, 01:28 AM

The streets are so narrow.

scrollhectic

July 18th, 2008, 12:07 AM

by Star-Ledger staff

Thursday July 17, 2008, 7:23 PM

Five Starbucks in New Jersey, including one in downtown Newark, are among those in the final list of store closings announced tonight.

The company earlier announced plans to close 600 stores around the country by the end of March in a massive cost-cutting effort aimed at restoring the luster to the once fast-growing coffee company.

"In the spirit of transparency with our partners, customers and communities, we are providing the full list of stores for general information purposes," the company said in a release.

Closure dates for each store will be given after employees are told when their store is closing.

The release was unexpected. Chief Executive Howard Schultz told employees last week that closures would be announced each month after employees receive 30-day closing notices. A store in Cherry Hill was among those in the first round.

The Jersey locations announced tonight are:

744 Broad St. Newark
80 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton
10 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood
57 Route 23 South, Wayne
4364 Route 130 North, Willingboro

:(

DonJ81

July 18th, 2008, 09:45 AM

Thats sucks:( I thought the starbucks in down town was doing well.

Marv95

July 18th, 2008, 11:06 AM

Not really; it's NEVER busy. The one in the Gateway will remain open. I wonder why.:rolleyes:

DonJ81

July 18th, 2008, 12:11 PM

Not really; it's NEVER busy. The one in the Gateway will remain open. I wonder why.:rolleyes:

haha tru, I hope something else goes in there though. Any suggestions?

kevin

July 18th, 2008, 01:38 PM

haha tru, I hope something else goes in there though. Any suggestions?

I went there - but their hours suck. They're not open on Sundays, they don't open when Newark has special events (parades, festivals, etc.), and the weekly hours are lame. I think they close at 8 on weekdays (maybe earlier) and 6 on saturday. I think the location is fine but the business model is lacking.

66nexus

July 18th, 2008, 03:04 PM

While Newark may have a few folks living downtown, it's simply not enough. Downtown isn't necessarily deserted but it needs much more residential to sustain the kind of retail the city's looking to gain.

A small pharmacy would probably be good for the 1180 residents. Newark does not always need the huge national chains it seeks (there's nice stores that aren't dollar stores)

mikeywm3

July 19th, 2008, 09:34 AM

http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/diionno/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1216442133299750.xml&coll=1

This 'Devil' scores one for a sculptor fan and Newark

Saturday, July 19, 2008

In a city filled with public sculpture, some by America's most noted sculptors, the work of a just-discovered artist will soon be the most visible.

"It is the dream of every artist to have your work seen," said Jon Krawczyk. "You want people to see it and respond. The size alone will make this piece seen."

Krawczyk's sculpture is a 3-story, brushed stainless steel hockey player that will stand at the corner of Edison Place and Mul berry Street in Newark, on the northeast side of the Prudential Center arena.
http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/star_ledger/co/coldii/1657032814/StoryAd/NJONLINE/Meadowlnd02_NJ_News_Rect/044322.html/30613035303230323437663966333130?_RM_EMPTY_&
It is his largest, and most pub lic, work to date.

"This piece moves my work to a different level. A next step, so to speak."
And while he has many steps to go before he gains the acclaim of, say, Gutzon Borglum, the Mount Rushmore sculptor who has three significant pieces in Newark, Krawczyk's hockey player will get as much eye traffic as Borglum's epic "Wars of America" in Military Park.

The hockey player will be outside the entrance closest to Penn Station, and will glow with all the electricity of any big event night at the arena. It will be visible by train, by air, and by thousands of office workers in the glass-and-steel buildings of Newark's Gateway area.

"It won't be like a mirror, but the brushed stainless steel reflects light almost like a diamond," Krawczyk said. "You'll see all different colors and light, from all different angles."

The hockey player, which weighs more than 6,000 pounds, is balanced on one leg, with stick and shoulder raised, in the motion of firing a slapshot. The unnamed sculpture is no ordinary sports figure. The artist calls it "abstract, expressionistic," like most of his work.

While many stadia have sculptures as monuments to former great players, Krawczyk's vision was not to immortalize one man, but to create an icon for the city and the team he rooted for growing up in Boonton Township.

"I was a big Devils fan growing up, and when I heard about the new arena, I wanted to do a hockey sculpture."

Krawczyk got in touch with Michael Gilfillan, one of the co-owners of the Devils, who he knew from their days at Delbarton, and pitched the idea. Gilfillan and principal owner Jeff Vanderbeek liked the concept, and Krawcyzk sud denly found himself with a dream job, as an artist and a Devils fan.

"I wanted to meld those things together -- to do a sports sculpture that could be appreciated as art."
http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/star_ledger/co/coldii/1971367202/StoryAd/NJONLINE/TheGrand03_NJ_RoS_Rect/552282.html/30613035303230323437663966333130?_RM_EMPTY_&

He built the statue in his Malibu studio and unveiled it there a few weeks ago. At the end of August, he will pack it in an open trailer and begin a cross-country trek.

"I want to stop at some of the other hockey arenas along the way and take pictures of it in front of them," he said. "Like a travel scrapbook."
Then he'll store it on his mother's property in a rural part of Boonton Township before installing it at the Prudential Center entrance plaza.
The plaza has been repaved and fresh Devils and Prudential logos have been put down.

"My plan was always to have it installed by the season opener, " said Krawczyk. "I hope they're ready for it."

Actually, he hopes it can go earlier, because he has a one-man show opening at the Broadfoot & Broadfoot Gallery in Manhattan on Sept. 6.
The artist said installation is pretty simple.

"We have to dig a hole, bring in a crane and drop it in the hole, bolt it down and cover the base with concrete. I have to weld one leg and the stick back on, on site, then clean it up a little."

When it is done, it will join an inventory of impressive outdoor art in Newark; Karl Gerhardt's "Seth Boyden" in Washington Park and "Frederick T. Frelinghuysen" at Military Park; Borglum's "Abraham Lincoln" at the Historic Essex Courthouse and his "Puritan and Indian" near the Newark Public Library; Diane Moore's "Justice" outside the newer federal courthouse.

And while the hockey player is not a historic figure, or a monument to an ideal, it will be a new Newark landmark.

"I know a lot of people going to the games will tell their friends, 'Meet me by the hockey guy,'" Krawczyk said.

stache

July 19th, 2008, 09:52 AM

Words fail me on this one. :eek:

NYatKNIGHT

July 19th, 2008, 11:21 AM

Well I'm intrigued. It'll provide Devils fans at the Rock a "monument" to meet up at pre-game.

DonJ81

July 19th, 2008, 12:04 PM

Rocky?:p

STT757

July 19th, 2008, 09:26 PM

Bad news for Newark, the Starbucks on Broad Street is on the list of 600 stores nationwide the franchise is closing.

http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/USStoreClosureInfo.pdf

If you think I'm joking i'm not, I used to work in Downtown Newark (Halsey Street) and trust me that Starbucks was the only decent place to go to get something to eat or a cup of coffee in the area.

DonJ81

July 19th, 2008, 10:12 PM

STT757

July 23rd, 2008, 02:49 AM

To Starbucks, a Closing; To Newark, a Trauma

By KAREEM FAHIM
Published: July 23, 2008
NEWARK — The green aprons, the blond wood, the safari-themed coffee art and the chalkboards. From Chula Vista, Calif., to Bangor, Me., all Starbucks are more or less the same. And that’s how the company wants it.

But every store, as it turns out, is not quite the same. When a Starbucks opened on Broad Street here almost eight years ago, it was not seen as a bland new spigot of a corporate coffeepot, but as a gathering place whose very existence would have seemed impossible a decade before, a symbol of a knocked-down city’s attempts to get up.

A few miles away, in New York City, new Starbucks branches were sometimes greeted with yawns, or even annoyance that the national chain was invading neighborhoods. In Newark, Sharpe James, then the mayor, showed up for the opening.

So when Starbucks announced last week that the Broad Street branch would be among the 600 stores that the coffee company is closing around the country, the reaction here was especially emotional, a mixture of anger, disappointment and frustration.

“They’re not going to close the one on Wall Street!” one man exclaimed.

A flier was circulated: “Save our Starbucks,” it said, directing supporters to a comments section of the corporate Web site. A deputy to Newark’s mayor, Cory A. Booker, called Starbucks and asked them to reconsider.

The closings of hundreds of the coffee chain’s branches have certainly caused consternation in other places. But the cafe in downtown Newark is in some ways unique, a high-profile sign to all the people who fear the city that life is normal — if one accepts that part of “normal” is the ability to buy a slightly expensive cup of coffee and a scone in the morning.

“It’s the only nice place on this street,” said Jorge Espana, a 70-year old retiree who comes to Starbucks twice a week from the other side of town. He pointed down Broad Street, a busy shopping thoroughfare dominated by nail salons and fast-food restaurants. On Monday afternoon, the Starbucks was packed with customers. Mr. Espana sat near a window.

Starbucks “is important for me,” he said. “It’s important for a lot of people.”

His fellow patrons reflected a slice of Newark, the locals and commuters who work in the city’s slowly recovering downtown, where there are few places, apart from the Starbucks, to sit and have coffee.

Starbucks lists two other branches in the city, apart from those at the airport, but they are unseen by most people here. One is on the campus of Rutgers University, and the other is tucked in a corner of the Gateway Center, a glass office complex near Pennsylvania Station.

Neither of those cafes — and indeed, hardly any other cafe or restaurant in Newark — attracts the kind of crowd that gathers daily at the Broad Street Starbucks, where Pamela Simms, an educational consultant, takes afternoon coffee breaks. “There’s a certain demographic, a clientele that feels comfortable here,” she said.

This is to say that the white-collar workers who come to Newark daily, many of whom hardly interact with the city at large, are willing to escape their worlds once or twice a day and walk Newark’s streets to get to Starbucks. On Monday, they came from Prudential, the insurance giant across the street, or one of the smaller offices in the building upstairs.

One regular, Nijim Muddaththir, runs a food cart a few blocks away. “All the guys from the mosque come here,” Mr. Muddaththir said. “It’s our meeting place.”

Robert Brozon had just missed his friends, a regular gathering of social workers.

“I was shocked that with the revitalization, with the face-lift here, they would remove the Starbucks,” he said. “I’m confused about what message they’re trying to send.”

Mr. Brozon was referring to the sense that the streets around the Starbucks seemed to be prospering. A beautification campaign has transformed Broad Street with new bus shelters and sidewalks. A luxury apartment building nearby is almost full, and construction will soon start on a new residential loft building a few blocks away. New restaurants and bars have opened, their owners hoping for business from the visitors to Newark’s recently-opened arena, the Prudential Center.

But at the same time, high-profile national retailers, including Old Navy and a FedEx/Kinko’s, have quietly left the area. Mr. Booker and his aides, while expressing disappointment with the Starbucks decision, have tried to put the best face on it.

Stefan Pryor, Mr. Booker’s deputy mayor for economic development, said the building’s owner, Cogswell Realty Group, was exploring the possibility that another coffee shop might move into the space. And he said ambitious development plans for other parts of downtown Newark, closer to the stadium of the local minor-league baseball team, the Newark Bears, might mean that Starbucks will open elsewhere in the city.

That did not stop the Booker administration from trying to keep the Starbucks right where it was.

Mr. Pryor said he learned of the decision to close the branch from the building owner and called Starbucks executives to make “a business case” that they should stay. That appeal, for now, seems to have gone nowhere. Mr. Pryor would say only that the conversations with the coffee company were continuing, and that he was hopeful that Starbucks might open up again, perhaps somewhere else in the city.

A spokesman for Starbucks, Mike Lenda, sent an e-mail statement. “We are humbled by the support we’ve received from communities around the U.S. — including Newark — regarding the closure of our stores,” it said. “We used several criteria to determine stores for closure, including identifying locations that were not profitable at a store level and not believed to provide acceptable returns in the foreseeable future.”

Mr. Lenda’s statement did not say when the branch would close. “While certain locations are underperforming for various reasons, we believe that a number of opportunities for profitable domestic growth remain in many areas, including Newark,” he wrote.

Late Monday afternoon, the soundtrack on the Starbucks stereo system had taken a melancholy turn, playing songs by Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan and Gram Parsons.

Nakia Banister and James Johnson sat at a table, their afternoon trip a reaction to the news that the Starbucks would not be on Broad Street for long. The closing of the Starbucks was a loss, Ms. Banister said, but there were other things to think about.

“I think what’s more important is what replaces it,” she said. “Will this sit vacant for a year?”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/23/nyregion/23starbucks.html?ref=business

I live in a Suburban Monmouth County New Jersey community of about 30,000, and we have three Starbucks none of which are slated for closure. Newark is a City of several hundred thousand with a downtown and they are losing their only Starbucks store.

66nexus

July 23rd, 2008, 09:57 AM

^Newark has a Starbucks a few blocks away in the Gateway complex (a very successful one) and another on the Rutgers campus. Newark airport has about two.

Marv95

July 23rd, 2008, 10:08 AM

^^^Umm, it's not the ONLY Starbucks store in the city, ya know, if you actually read the article carefully and actually been in the downtown recently.(EDIT: Nexus beat me to it)

The article is exaggerating. The only time it's "packed" is if there are meetings and whatnot. Other than that, it's never full, it's open limited hours(closed Sundays and early on the rest), and the smaller one in the Gateway more times than not attracts more than Broad Street, despite its hours. Plus, there are already at least 2 cafes in that immediate area so the business folk, etc. can get their joe: Cafe Airle and the Galleria. And of course it's gonna have more people this past Monday since word got out it would close.

When it's one of the lowest grossing Starbucks in the nation, what did you expect? Big deal. Just put something similar in there instead of vacant space for 4 years.

scrollhectic

July 25th, 2008, 11:35 AM

Friday, July 25, 2008

BY DIEGO CUPOLO
Star-Ledger Staff

Theresa Hooper Marshall helped create the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District with one goal in mind: to revitalize a neglected historic neighborhood in Newark.

In doing so, the group is creating one of the nation's first urban eco-villages, with solar power, bam boo flooring and recycled-glass countertops.
Yesterday, the LPCCD held an open house to unveil the first sec tion of its Lincoln Park redevelopment project -- the Washington Street Mixed Use Buildings.

The new buildings will be the only structures in Newark recognized by the United States Green Building Council for their environmentally friendly features and construction materials.

"The idea around the redevelopment of Lincoln Park was really centered on creating a community that was pedestrian-oriented, that was mixed-use, mixed-income, green and with an arts and culture district that could bring people back into the city of Newark," said Baye Adofo-Wilson, executive di rector of the LPCCD.

The $4 million development consists of six 3,221-square-foot buildings, offering two residential units and commercial space on the first floor of each. Wilson said he expects the buildings to be Leader ship in Energy and Environmental Design gold-certified. LEED is a rating system that provides standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

They may appear average from the outside, but the Washington Street buildings are green on the inside. The buildings offer a long list of green design features, including Energy Star windows and appli ances, paints and adhesives low in volatile organic compounds, re cycled carpet and 1.8-kilowatt solar panels on the rooftop of each building that will supply residents with 40 percent to 50 percent of their total energy needs.

Each four-story building is priced at $650,000. Wilson said five buyers have already expressed interest in the buildings, and he expects the rest of the units to go within the next week.

Ideally, the buyer would live in the two-bedroom, loft-style apart ment on top, rent out the one-bedroom unit in the middle and lease the ground floor to a business or use it as an office, Wilson said.

In total, the LPCCD is planning to build 300 LEED-certified units in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Carmen Rainieri, board member of the Green Building Council's New Jersey chapter, said he is happy that the LPCCD is embracing eco- friendly development on a large scale.

"They're trend-setters. What they've proved is that building green is affordable, and they've carried out their vision," Rainieri said. "I think there's going to be a lot of neighborhoods throughout the country that will be using Newark as an example."

Among the crowd at the press conference was jazz saxophonist James Moody. The headliner for to day's Lincoln Park Music Festival, Moody stood before the audience and recalled growing up in a segregated Newark. Having lived in Pennington Court, Moody, now 83, showed his enthusiasm for the Lin coln Park redevelopment.

"To see this in Newark compared to what I saw before," Moody marveled. "All I can say is, Wow!"

66nexus

July 25th, 2008, 12:55 PM

It's a...it's a robotics center?

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_roboticsrendering.jpg
Robotics Center
NEWARK-Construction has started for the Robotics Center, a 6,500-sf teaching facility being developed by Newark Public Schools. The facility is being funded by Newark City bonds. Cost of the facility has not been released; it's being funded as part of a larger city-wide bond issue involving multiple school projects.

"It will provide a dedicated space for talented high school students to design and built robots able to compete in local, national and international robotics tournaments," reads a statement from NPS. "The young people are selected for their demonstrated skills in math and science and their potential in engineering, technology and related fields."
"We have more math and science majors as a result of this program," says outgoing NPS superintendent Dr. Marion Bolden. "Now they will have their own place to practice. After lengthy negotiations, it is a pleasure to see the construction begin." Designed by Terrence O'Neal Architect LLC of New York City, the facility will be located at 42-48 Chestnut St. at Mulberry St., on the former site of the shuttered Chestnut Street School. The building, which will accommodate 65 students, will include a robotics practice and competition field, computer lab and machine shops.

http://www.globest.com/news/1206_1206/newjersey/172581-1.html?st=rss

JCMAN320

July 28th, 2008, 01:05 AM

Jeeezzz Old Navy even left Newark??? Are you serious; thats pitiful.

DonJ81

July 28th, 2008, 01:51 AM

Jeeezzz Old Navy even left Newark??? Are you serious; thats pitiful.

Old Nazy has been gone for like a year and some change now....

66nexus

July 28th, 2008, 08:52 PM

^Yep, Old Navy downsized quite some time ago due to profit loss. Old Navy doesn't really seem to fit in Newark (not now anyway) so don't know what's pitiful about it. We'll see what happens if NY&Co leaves

DonJ81

July 29th, 2008, 11:17 AM

stache

July 29th, 2008, 11:51 AM

I think they've cut their hours.

macmini

July 30th, 2008, 08:48 PM

You can keep Starbucks over priced nasty coffee can some one please open a Duncan Donuts. I work down on the other end of Broad Street next to the IDT build and their is nothing around here. I would kill for a DD the closes places to eat lunch is big bit & subway and I can't take any more, O I forgot their is kosher heaven in the IDT building. Can any one tell me why almost every one in the IDT building is Jewish?

And yes Newark is changing but lets not act like old navy does not fit in with Newark's new image Newark still has a long way to go.

^^^Umm, it's not the ONLY Starbucks store in the city, ya know, if you actually read the article carefully and actually been in the downtown recently.(EDIT: Nexus beat me to it)

The article is exaggerating. The only time it's "packed" is if there are meetings and whatnot. Other than that, it's never full, it's open limited hours(closed Sundays and early on the rest), and the smaller one in the Gateway more times than not attracts more than Broad Street, despite its hours. Plus, there are already at least 2 cafes in that immediate area so the business folk, etc. can get their joe: Cafe Airle and the Galleria. And of course it's gonna have more people this past Monday since word got out it would close.

When it's one of the lowest grossing Starbucks in the nation, what did you expect? Big deal. Just put something similar in there instead of vacant space for 4 years.

psuman

July 31st, 2008, 10:29 AM

If NY&Co leave i will start to worry

I think NY&Co. is going to leave, I saw a large banner saying "Store for Rent" the other day.

lammius

August 1st, 2008, 01:55 AM

What's next? Wee Bee Kids?

stache

August 1st, 2008, 05:29 AM

I think the junky stores near Market will stay, unless the economy gets worse.

DonJ81

August 1st, 2008, 11:03 AM

I think the junky stores near Market will stay, unless the economy gets worse.

Thats the problem.

kevin

August 4th, 2008, 05:37 PM

I think NY&Co. is going to leave, I saw a large banner saying "Store for Rent" the other day.

The banner is for the payless shoes next to NY & Co. Apparently, Newark can't support four payless shoes within two blocks of each other.
NY & Co. is staying put.

stache

August 4th, 2008, 05:58 PM

I noticed the dopey boutique in the Prudential building has closed.

JCexpert558

August 5th, 2008, 01:57 AM

stache

August 5th, 2008, 04:30 AM

Newark has an uphill climb to match Cleveland.

Marv95

August 5th, 2008, 09:48 AM

^^Don't know if that's an insult or compliment cause Cleveland isn't really that great either except at least it has 3 legit, major league sports teams with a clean waterfront.

DonJ81

August 5th, 2008, 10:43 AM

^^Don't know if that's an insult or compliment cause Cleveland isn't really that great either except at least it has 3 legit, major league sports teams with a clean waterfront.

exactly, and in other news it seems that the brooklyn arena has been delayed yet again.:D

kevin

August 5th, 2008, 03:53 PM

I'm starting to think that Newark trying to rebuild itself is not doing so good because with all these stores closing, that would be a big deal. Maybe they should just build a big mall with all those stores and see how that goes because Newark is turning into Clevland, used to be industrial slump.

PS: Sorry if I offened anybody from Clevland

Yes, because all the store closings in Newark are bucking the trend of the fabulous national economy, right? Newark is losing one of the 600 Starbucks stores, we lost an Old Navy, and we're losing a payless.

Of course, gas is only $4 per gallon, and people are having their homes foreclosed upon. But if Newark's losing a couple of stores is that big of a deal when compared to the national news, you folks need to step outside your bubbles and see the complete picture.

stache

August 5th, 2008, 04:29 PM

The point is Newark is losing most of its national chain stores.

Marv95

August 5th, 2008, 07:06 PM

The point is Newark is losing most of its national chain stores.
Yeah, a Starbucks(already 2 others in the city) that is one of the lowest grossing in the nation(the company still lost $6.7 million and counting closing 600 stores), an Old Navy that is currently closing stores nationwide, and a Payless. lol. Yet for some reason it still has an AT&T/Sprint stores, 3 Papa Johns(recently opened), a new Rite Aid in Lincoln Park, new Sbarros in University Heights, these so-called national chain stores.

3 underachieving stores leaving isn't that big of a deal.

Point is more closings are gonna come thanks to our intelligent gov't who got us in this mess; don't matter where it is. And your precious cities/towns will be next; don't worry.

JCexpert558

August 5th, 2008, 08:10 PM

Yes, because all the store closings in Newark are bucking the trend of the fabulous national economy, right? Newark is losing one of the 600 Starbucks stores, we lost an Old Navy, and we're losing a payless.

Of course, gas is only $4 per gallon, and people are having their homes foreclosed upon. But if Newark's losing a couple of stores is that big of a deal when compared to the national news, you folks need to step outside your bubbles and see the complete picture.

No I didn't mean it like that, but as I was reading on the thread about all the stores closing in Newark, it sonded like a big deal. So I posted.

stache

August 5th, 2008, 08:15 PM

Marv seems easily upset.

scrollhectic

August 6th, 2008, 10:08 AM

Wednesday, August 06, 2008
BY ELIZABETH MOORE
Star-Ledger Staff

There are chunks of broken concrete and piles of dirt behind a temporary fence erected between Veterans Courthouse and the former county jail.
But by the end of the year, the plaza between the two buildings at the Essex County Court complex will be a scenic area with low granite walls, rows of honey locust trees and a fountain with jets of water.

http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/www.nj.com/xml/story/star_ledger/ne/nex/1236396274/StoryAd/NJONLINE/MorrisThea01_NJ_RoS_Rect/651269.html/30613035303230323437626139343630?_RM_EMPTY_&
"People can come in from the public safety building, people can come to have lunch and rest," said Brian Clemson, the architect who designed the project on behalf of the Millburn firm of Hatch Mott MacDonald.

The new plaza -- which has not yet been named -- was announced by county officials yesterday and is the latest in a number of renovation projects taking place at the court complex in Newark.

The former jail, which was re cently renamed the LeRoy F. Smith Public Safety Building, will flank the new plaza on one side. Clemson explained that the concrete walkway between the Smith building and the courthouse will be broken up and repoured with colored and textured concrete. He said a low granite wall will border the area and create seating for county employees and visitors.

A new fountain will be the centerpiece of the area, measuring 10 by 30 feet and featuring three rows of jet sprays. Alongside the plaza, bordering the county employee parking lot, will be additional rows of trees and shrubs, including birch trees that will be watered by a drainage system that collects rainwater.

Clemson said the new plaza will be another of the "very vital and active public spaces that are throughout the county."

The new plaza was designed to blend in with other natural spaces that have been constructed around the court complex -- such as the Rosa Parks Plaza and the Brendan Byrne Plaza, which will be dedicated on Aug. 18.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said he plans to name the remaining outdoor spaces after people who have been important to Essex County.

"By the end of the year, this entire complex will be named. It will be a map of Essex County. There will be an identity to each one of these sites. People can come and get a history of Essex County," he said.

Yesterday's announcement was the latest in a number of projects at the court complex. Besides the Byrne Plaza, a new courthouse entrance will be unveiled in August, followed by renovated offices for the prosecutor's homicide squad in September. Demolition will begin on an employee parking garage in October and that site will be turned into a new county park, which will be constructed begin ning in January.

The $900,000 cost of the new plaza is being funded by the coun ty's capital budget and the construction work is being carried out by Zenith Construction Service of East Newark.

County officials said the up graded complex is a far cry from its former dilapidated state. "There was a time it was embarrassing to be here," said Sheriff Armando Fontoura. "This place was a mess."

Anthony Ambrose, chief of detectives for the prosecutor's office, said of the improved complex, "It shows people that come here, from Essex County and all over the state, that it's a top facility and puts us up -- definitely in the forefront -- on the map."

block944

August 6th, 2008, 09:21 PM

Yes, because all the store closings in Newark are bucking the trend of the fabulous national economy, right? Newark is losing one of the 600 Starbucks stores, we lost an Old Navy, and we're losing a payless.

Of course, gas is only $4 per gallon, and people are having their homes foreclosed upon. But if Newark's losing a couple of stores is that big of a deal when compared to the national news, you folks need to step outside your bubbles and see the complete picture.

The big picture is that the rebirth of a downtown newark is failing... and will revert back to the old ways of junkie old dollar stores.

block944

August 6th, 2008, 09:22 PM

Yeah, a Starbucks(already 2 others in the city) that is one of the lowest grossing in the nation(the company still lost $6.7 million and counting closing 600 stores), an Old Navy that is currently closing stores nationwide, and a Payless. lol. Yet for some reason it still has an AT&T/Sprint stores, 3 Papa Johns(recently opened), a new Rite Aid in Lincoln Park, new Sbarros in University Heights, these so-called national chain stores.

3 underachieving stores leaving isn't that big of a deal.

Point is more closings are gonna come thanks to our intelligent gov't who got us in this mess; don't matter where it is. And your precious cities/towns will be next; don't worry.

Don't forget Fedex/kinkos, the taco bell in penn station, the gift card shop in penn station.

NYC4Life

August 6th, 2008, 09:48 PM

Updated On 08/06/08 at 06:01PM

Shaq partnership to develop $90 million condo project in Newark

http://s3.amazonaws.com/trd_three/images/45687/shaq_articlebox.jpg

By David Jones

A partnership backed by basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal will develop a proposed $90 million luxury condominium in downtown Newark, following the city council's approval of the deal today.

Boraie O'Neal Urban Development agreed to pay the city $2.7 million to acquire a half-acre site that previously housed Newark's Science High School at 36-54 Rector Place. It plans to convert the property into a 25-story residential tower.

The project would be the first of several urban projects planned by the partnership, which includes the Miami-based O'Neal Group and New Brunswick-based Boraie Development.

"There hasn't been new ground-up, market-rate housing in Newark in 40 years," said Wasseem Boraie, vice president of Boraie Development. "We feel there is pent-up demand for Newark … because of its transportation access to Manhattan."

The property, called One River View at Rector, will include 152 market-rate condominium units, a 154-vehicle parking garage and 6,500 square feet of ground-floor retail.

Newark officials said the deal to convert Science High School was originally conceived under former mayor Sharpe James, who was sentenced last week (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/07/james_sentence_points_to_shift.html%20) to 27 months in prison for real estate fraud. But city officials say they believe that the sale price was fair and that the deal will spur much-needed residential development in downtown.

"In times like this, I think people are seeking value," said Joseph Ritchie, chief executive of the Brick City Development Corp., which functions as Newark's economic development arm. "In many places land prices are still inflated and sellers haven't adjusted their expectations. Developers that can get in today are the ones that are going to be successful three or four years down the road."

Development at the landmarked site must still gain approval from the New Jersey Historic Trust and the city's Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, which will likely delay closing until 2009. Boraie says he has backing from his company's lenders for the project, however he declined to elaborate or say what asking prices will be for the condos. He said the units would be considered a strong value for the price.

The agreement calls for the developer to recruit local residents for jobs related to the project and to include unionized labor in construction work. Construction is expected to take 18-24 months.

The project is the latest of several new residential developments in Newark. In July, the first phase of Lincoln Park Village, a 300-unit loft and townhome project, was announced for the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District.

In June, a $6 million market-rate residential project, called the Colleoni Apartments, launched in Lincoln Park. The 29-unit building will offer one- and two-bedroom rental apartments ranging from $1,000 to $1,400 per month.

JCMAN320

August 6th, 2008, 11:36 PM

66nexus

August 7th, 2008, 10:51 AM

Don't forget Fedex/kinkos, the taco bell in penn station, the gift card shop in penn station.

Okay then what about the au bon pain that is opening up in Newark Penn Station? Or the several restaurants that opened up after the Prudential Center (including the one being renovated directly across from it)...or the millions of Subways that opened up near the college campuses??

http://www.newarkrbp.org/pdf/SquarefootSignsNewRestaurant.pdf

http://www.nj.com/newark/index.ssf/2008/07/au_bon_pain_coming_to_newark_p.html

66nexus

August 7th, 2008, 10:53 AM

Newark is really stumbling here. Yes The Prduential Center opened which I love and support and great to see Ratner stumbling in Brooklyn :); but Newark can't hold on to chain stores and are leaving junkie stores in there wake, when the trend everywhere else had chain stores moving into areas. I mean shit we're getting an Armani Xchange in JC, just opened a Holister, Abercrombie is going to open soon, and Coach is here as well, and a Godiva Chocolatier jsut opened. Granted they are in Newport Mall, but they ARE Jersey City. Also alot of businesses that are independent boutiques and eaterys are opening at a rapird rate here that I 'am going to show in the JC thread.

My point is Jersey City and Newark are only ten minutes apart, they are still worlds if not universes apart.

So if I say that Newark airport is doing just fine (managed to keep its Starbucks and is still expanding) what would it mean to you? After all, it's still the Newark airport...no?

JC and Newark may be only 10 minutes apart, but that puts JC 10 minutes closer to Manhattan. JC owes a slew of its development to Manhattan. You are correct, they are a world apart...which doesn't make sense to compare the two on that level

66nexus

August 7th, 2008, 11:05 AM

I am noticing that people are absolutely refusing to look at the bigger picture here:

-I would understand if all the chains that closed out of Newark were doing well and Newark still managed to lose them...but this isn't the case.

-Fed/Ex Kinko's, Old Navy, AND Starbucks are all losing money and are in the process of downsizing. Newark took a hit, it sucks, but the doom and gloom on here is confusing to say the least.

-Additionally, how come everyone keeps dismissing the Starbucks in Gateway literally two blocks away (which has far more corporate foot traffic)?

It is not a good thing that these stores closed. Hell, if you must, even use the moment to capitalize on the success of another city to your hearts desire...but while you acknowledge the losses...you have to acknowledge the gains.

Don31

August 7th, 2008, 12:13 PM

So if I say that Newark airport is doing just fine (managed to keep its Starbucks and is still expanding) what would it mean to you? After all, it's still the Newark airport...no?

I basically agree with your points, but just to be nitpicky: People from the various JC neighborhoods can get to the Newport Mall and access its stores; Newark residents aren't going to go out to the airport to shop.

Marv95

August 7th, 2008, 02:27 PM

LAWLZ.

Newport is a MALL. Of course stores would be more willing to open there(although some went out of business). Add to the fact that is basically across the river from Manhattan...You could put it in Camden down by the waterfront and it would almost have the same success. What's disgraceful is that the Newport residents/Liberty Park vistors still think they're in NYC.

-Additionally, how come everyone keeps dismissing the Starbucks in Gateway literally two blocks away (which has far more corporate foot traffic)?

Don't bother. I posted the same thing on other boards and either I get ignored or stupid excuses like "It's hard to find" or "It's inside an office building instead outside on a street".

DonJ81

August 7th, 2008, 09:17 PM

Newark is really stumbling here. Yes The Prduential Center opened which I love and support and great to see Ratner stumbling in Brooklyn :); but Newark can't hold on to chain stores and are leaving junkie stores in there wake, when the trend everywhere else had chain stores moving into areas. I mean shit we're getting an Armani Xchange in JC, just opened a Holister, Abercrombie is going to open soon, and Coach is here as well, and a Godiva Chocolatier jsut opened. Granted they are in Newport Mall, but they ARE Jersey City. Also alot of businesses that are independent boutiques and eaterys are opening at a rapird rate here that I 'am going to show in the JC thread.

My point is Jersey City and Newark are only ten minutes apart, they are still worlds if not universes apart.

No offense JCman but if JC wasn't right across the river from Manhattan, you wouldnt have much to talk about, JC practically is NY now, your proud of that? Your proud of the fact NYer's took over your city? Newark is coming up WITHOUT New York's help were as Jersey City is. With all the new condos coming up in Newark, that city will easily continue as the largest city in NJ.

JCMAN320

August 7th, 2008, 11:02 PM

All you look at is the Waterfront. It is not taken over by New York, what the hell you think this is an occupation get real will ya. Jersey City hsa a lot of old timers and SOME established neighborhoods that never got as bad as the neighborhoods of Newark. Yes we owe alot of our success to our proximity to New York, but so what. If people are that ignorant and stupid to think that they are NY and not in JC, thats their problem. The fact of the matter is JC is doing well and Liberty State Park is ours and we are having the All Points West Festival there that will draw 50,000 over the course of the 3 days with major headlining bands and a lot of the visitors are staying in JC. Also new development is being built throughtout our city and the money is finally going out to other parts of the city. Newark is now where JC was 15 years ago. Don't hate the player hate the game!!

66nexus

August 7th, 2008, 11:46 PM

All I'm saying is this, its easy to look down on other cities now because of a successful waterfront (please keep in mind that A LOT of those office moves were made in the wake of 9/11 and many of them remain back offices).

I actually like Jersey City, but its ultimate strength (proximity to Manhattan) is its ultimate weakness (proximity to Manhattan). Being a 'sixth borough' indicates a sense of belonging (which is fine) but it will always be tied with NY in ways Newark can not.

Once Jersey City gets off the waterfront then we shalt seeth

66nexus

August 8th, 2008, 01:42 AM

Shaq's development group to build Newark condos

by Ian Shearn (ishearn@starledger.com)/The Star-Ledger Thursday August 07, 2008, 6:10 PM

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2008/08/large_shaq2.jpg

Artist rendering of the 25-story condominium building to be built in downtown Newark by a group involving pro basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal.
A development group, with pro basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal at center, has entered into a
contract to construct a 25-story condominium tower in a rebounding downtown Newark.
The $90 million project would become the city's third-highest building, and the first ground-up condominium project in Newark in more than four decades.
http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2008/08/small_shaq.jpgShaquille O'Neal

Planned for the site where the former Science High School stands, just north of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, it would include 152 high-end units, retail on the ground floor and a parking garage.
On Wednesday, the Newark City Council cleared the way for Boraie O'Neal Urban Development, a partnership that includes two firms and Newark native O'Neal, to become the designated redeveloper of the city-owned property. The purchase price is $2.75 million, its appraised value, minus demolition and clean-up costs up to $1.5 million, according to Stefan Pryor, the city's economic development director.
"I am happy to be involved in such a tremendous project," O'Neal said in a prepared statement. "I've always believed that no success is complete without giving back to the place you call home."
O'Neal grew up in Newark's Central Ward and still has family there that he visits frequently.
"Newark's future is also going to be bright with a lot of new properties and buildings going up," O'Neal told The Star-Ledger last year. "It's going to be a sexy city."
The Phoenix Sun center is the chief executive of the 2-year-old O'Neal Group, a real estate firm with an emphasis on urban redevelopment. Its most prominent project to date is the Metropolitan in downtown Miami, a mammoth, three-tower condominium complex that is two-thirds built. One of the towers, at 67 stories, is the largest building south of New York City.
"Shaquille and our company believe in downtowns, but we also believe in neighborhoods," said O'Neal Group chief operating officer Wayne Garnes. "The (Newark) administration and council is equally committed. That's why we're doing this."
The bold announcement comes at a time when most development projects in New Jersey and beyond have been put on hold, or scrapped altogether, because of a sluggish economy, tight credit markets and skyrocketing construction costs. And whether the city is ready for high-end condos is a matter of frequent debate in Newark development circles.

taken from nj.com