Congressman Payne’s statement on the Newark water crisis

NJ Congressman Donald Payne Jr. released the following statement concerning the Newark Water Crisis:

”As a resident and representative of Newark, I’m very concerned about this development. Traditionally, Newark has been known for the quality of its water and had been known for some of the cleanest water in the country. We need to find out what is happening in the pipes that carry this water from the aquifers to our faucets to solve and rectify this issue immediately.

The greatest threat with this water issue is the health of our children. I introduced a bill in 2016 that would establish stronger tests for lead in school drinking water to avoid such problems in the future. The bill received 44 co-sponsors and I hope more of my colleagues support and pass it soon.

But I’m not going to wait for that bill to help improve Newark’s drinking water. I’ve called Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka, personally to ask what I can do. I’m going to call Grace Napolitano, chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resource and the Environment and my colleague on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to discuss solutions on a national level. We need to work tirelessly and immediately to guarantee what happened in Flint, MI. doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

Ken Gibson, Newark NJ's first black mayor dead at 86

Ken Gibson, Newark’s first black mayor, elected in the wake of the city’s turbulent riots, has died.

Gibson was 86.

Propelled to leadership after the Newark Riots tore at the city in 1967, Gibson helped establish a foundation for black political power. He served as the city’s mayor from 1970 to 1986 and was the first black mayor of a major northeastern city.

Elected in 1970, when Newark was still just three summers removed from its devastating 1967 riots, Gibson served for 16 years, during an era that was difficult not only for Newark, but for American cities in general.

And while he was sometimes faulted for lacking the dynamism of his successor in City Hall, Sharpe James, history later came to view Gibson as a competent and well-meaning civil servant who stabilized Newark’s finances, improved the health of its citizens and fought the good fight during difficult times.

“He gets a lot of credit for holding things together when things could have easily fallen apart,” the late Bob Curvin, who spearheaded Gibson’s 1970 campaign and later became the director of the Ford Foundation’s Urban Poverty Program, once said about Gibson.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

Queen Latifah building $14M worth of new housing in Newark NJ

Hip-hop icon Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) is returning to her hometown of Newark to invest in a cluster of multi-family town homes along Springfield Avenue and South 17th Street.

The $14 million project is expected to break ground in the summer.

Latifah, a co-president of BlueSugar Corporation, is working with GonSosa Development on the project, which is anchored outside of the city’s downtown, spanning the West and South wards.

The project includes 20 three-family town homes and a three-story mixed-used building with an additional 16 units. Plans for the building include a fitness center and 1,900 square feet of commercial space that will be rented to nonprofits. The 60 units in the townhouses will be market rate; the 16 units in the building will be affordable.

Rents for the market rate units will start around $1,800 a month and are expected to open by December 2020. The affordable housing building is expected to be finished in December 2021; units there will be priced according to a person’s income.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

Newark's Shakur Stevenson moves to 9-0 with first round knockout

Blue-chip featherweight prospect Shakur Stevenson, a 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, scored three knockdowns in a spectacular first-round knockout performance against battle-tested veteran Viorel Simion in the co-feature of the Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card headlined by the Terence Crawford-Jose Benavidez Jr. welterweight title fight.

Watch the highlights below:

Newark's own Shakur Stevenson stays unbeaten

Shakur Stevenson, (8-0, 4 KOs), of Newark NJ, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, won a unanimous eight-round decision over Carlos Ruiz (16-4-2, 6 KOs), of Mexico City, in a featherweight bout.

Stevenson had won his two fights prior to Ruiz by knockout, but spent most of the bout moving laterally along the ropes, throwing just enough punches to win every round.

Ruiz followed Stevenson around but never launched an attack. Every round was the same, totally void of highlights.

After the fight, members of Stevenson's camp claimed he broke his right hand in the second round.

[SOURCE: ESPN]

All three judges scored the fight for Stevenson, 80-72.

New Jersey high school principal installs laundry room to fight student bullying

A high school principal in New Jersey is going above and beyond to make sure his students don't skip school out of fear of being bullied.

West Side High School Principal Akbar Cook said some students were being bullied because of their dirty clothes -- which resulted in chronic absenteeism where they would miss three to five days a month. Cook kicked the football team out of their locker room to install washers and dryers for students to do their laundry.

Shaq literally building up his hometown of Newark NJ

Former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal is making his mark on his hometown skyline with two new apartment complexes that he is building in Newark NJ.

And much like the 7-foot-1-inch sports legend, the 22-story apartment complex -- colloquially called "Shaq Towers" -- will hover over the city's downtown as its first high-rise in more than 50 years.

"I remember when I was growing up (the city) used to be beautiful like this so the older I get, I want it to be a little more beautiful," O'Neal told NJ Advance Media. "I invest in things that are going to make a difference."

On Tuesday, O'Neal, a Newark native, was joined by Gov. Phil Murphy, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver and Mayor Ras Baraka to mark a milestone in the building's construction.

"Yet another piece of evidence that this city is on the rise, let there be no doubt about it," Murphy said. "This is a city that has got a trajectory that is undeniable ... as our big urban centers go, first and foremost as Newark goes, so goes the state of New Jersey."

The $79 million luxury apartments, developed by Boraei Development and O'Neal, are steps from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the renovated Hahne & Co. building that includes a Whole Foods and the newest restaurant by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.

The 168 apartments at 1 Rector Street will open by the end of the year with residents able to apply for a lease as soon as September, Wasseem Boraie told NJ Advance Media. He said the company bought the property -- which used to house the old Science Park High School 10 years ago -- but construction didn't begin until last October.

"We were waiting for the right time," Boraie said, citing new businesses in the area. "We all then build up around the supply."

O'Neal also announced a new $150 million, 350-unit apartment complex with Boraie (whom he called "the Kobe Bryant of development"). The 35-story building on 777 McCarter Highway will be known as the "House that Shaq Built," O'Neal said.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

NJ Gov-Elect Phil Murphy calls out Trump over racist remarks

I was fortunate enough to attend an event for NJ Gov-Elect Phil Murphy today and get this video. During a speech at the Newark Museum at an Inaugural Weekend kickoff event Democrat Phil Murphy called out Trump over his racist remarks. Watch those remarks below:

Sen. Cory Booker receives death threat

Police in Newark, New Jersey, are stepping up their protection of Sen. Cory Booker after he and his family received a death threat, Newark mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement Saturday.

"The Newark Police Division has been notified by the United States Capitol Police (USCP) regarding a threat on the life of New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and his family members," Baraka said. "As a result, members of the Police Division’s Executive Protection Unit have been assigned to provide security at the Senator’s residence in Newark."

He continued, "The USCP provides protection to Members of Congress and we are closely coordinating with the agency to ensure Senator Booker is able to carry out his duties of serving New Jersey's residents in Congress in a safe manner."

No further information about the death threat on the Democratic New Jersey lawmaker and his family was provided.

[SOURCE: ABC NEWS]

Newark NJ native Shakur Stevenson wins pro boxing debut

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson won his professional debut, beating Edgar Brito by technical unanimous decision in the sixth round Saturday at the StubHub Center. Check out some of the action below.

Newark Pop Warner team raising money to go play in championship game

The Newark Brick City Lions Football Team put has won the District and Eastern Region Championship titles. Those victories earned them a spot at the Pop Warner National Championship Super Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

But money does not come with that invitation and it will cost the team $35,000 to get to Florida and these kids need our help.

The team is fundraising, working concession stands and selling donuts to raise the $35,000 but they could still us some help. as of this post the team is just $10,000 short og f their goal

You can give at the teams gofundme page here: Brick City Lions

Bertha S. Dyer, Newark school principal reported missing

Police on Thursday asked for the public's help to find a woman who was reportedly last seen at the Newark school where she works as its principal.

Bertha S. Dyer, 68, of Franklin, was reported missing by her sister on Wednesday, according to the Franklin Township Police Department. Dyer's sister told officers she was last seen around 3 p.m. Tuesday at Newark's Mount Vernon Elementary School, where she is the principal.

Authorities described Dyer as 5-foot-4 inches tall and known to drive a white 2011 Toyota 4Runner with New Jersey license plate of U79GXM.

Anyone with information was asked to call Franklin police at 732-873-2300 or Detective Trevor Wilson at 732-873-5533, extension 3161.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

Newark NJ police mistook 10 year old black boy for a grown robbery suspect

Officials are investigating claims that Newark police officers pulled their guns on a 10-year-old boy, Legend Preston after they allegedly mistook the child for an armed robbery suspect that was 6' tall adult suspect with dreadlocks. It's apparent to anyone with eyes that Preston does not have dreadlocks. Legend Preston told WABC-TV (NY) about his terrifying ordeal Watch that story below.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka to host UNCF 4th annual Mayor's Masked Ball

The New Jersey local office of UNCF will hold its fourth annual Mayor’s Masked Ball on Friday, June 24. More than 300 business, education, and civic leaders including Mayor Ras J. Baraka will gather to raise funds to help provide New Jersey students the necessary resources to get to and through college.

“I am elated to host the fourth annual Mayor’s Masked Ball,” Baraka said. “As a graduate of Howard University, a historically black college and university, I understand the importance of UNCF’s work. I am a dividend of the organization’s commitment in providing quality education for minority students and work diligently to pay it forward for the next generation of leaders.”

Vaughn and Marnie G. McKoy serve as event co-chairs. Masked Award recipients are Elnardo and Samantha Webster, Community Baptist Church of Englewood and Johnson & Johnson for their generosity in providing hope and opportunity to deserving minority youth. Sponsors to date are PSEG, Fountain Baptist Church, Suez, Berger Organization, PNC Bank, Gibbons PC, Johnson & Johnson, Community Baptist Church of Englewood, Becker LLC and Hayward Industries.

WHO: New Jersey local office

WHAT: Newark UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

WHEN: 6 p.m., Friday, June 24

WHERE: 
Newark Club 
1085 Raymond Blvd. 
New Jersey, NJ 07102

For tickets or more information about the New Jersey local office Mayor’s Masked Ball, please visit: http://give.uncf.org/NewarkMayorsMaskedBall

Follow this event @uncf #MMBNJ

About UNCF 
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities. Learn more at http://www.uncf.org/ or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter @UNCF

Shouldn't police officers live in the communities they police?

Let me preface this by stating that this not an anti-cop piece and that I believe that by and large most cops are decent people. That being said an article in a local. paper stoked my interest today. The article was about the city of Newark NJ wanting rookie cops to live in the city during the first five years of their employment. The city believes that this would lead to better policing as the cops would better know the community and vice versa. I don't see how it could hurt as far as community relations go.

Newark's police director Eugene Venable made the following statement.

"If they live in the city, they now belong to that neighborhood and are part of the city. They are not just coming in from other towns," he said. "There's an allegiance to the community they serve which involves more than just collecting a paycheck."

The police union is of course against this proposed change. Many simply don't want to live in Newark. Now if I were cynical I would worry about a police force that doesn't want to live in a town/city they police if they are, as they claim doing a good job cleaning up crime. I expected the usual argument about how such a policy would effect recruitment but one argument against such a policy surprised me.

In the article Fraternal Order Police president James Stewart made the following statement as a reason why such a policy should not be established.

"You talk about the community. Right now the community hates us. Everything you see on social media. Everything you see in the media. The community hates the police," Stewart told the state Assembly Judiciary Committee. "And you want to put us right in the middle of that with our families? I think it's outrageous."

Now there may be good reasons to be against a residency requirement but I don't think that is one. I wish someone could have questioned Stewart as to why the community hates them so much and what the police are doing about that, but it was not the time or place for that. I was just wondering what cops are doing to people that they would be scared to live around those same people?

Now I think cops should live in the communities they police so they have more skin in the game. What do you think?

Newark's own Kenneth Faried saves USA Basketball team at FIBA World Cup

With the United States down by 5 points at halftime against Turkey Newark's (NJ) own Kenneth Faried stepped up and saved the day for Team USA. Kenneth Faried finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks during what was not a good game for the US Team in the early going.

Displaying the grit, defensive tenacity, and hustle the Newark native out of Technol0gy High is known for Faried help lead a rally that resulted with Team USA winning 98-77. Anthony Davis finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds. James Harden chipped in with 14 points. Team USA is now 2-0 with victories over Finland and Turkey.

Sheilah Coley confirmed as Newark's first female police director

[ SOURCE] Sheilah Coley, who has been the city's acting police director since the retirement last month of Samuel DeMaio was officially confirmed as director by the city council today in 6-0 vote. She is the first woman to hold that post.

"It's just logical to make (Coley) director in this transitional period," said South Ward Councilman Ras Baraka, a mayoral contender. Baraka has said if he is elected he will conduct a nationwide search for a new director. A new mayor takes office July 1.

East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador said he has faith in Coley's leadership.

"I believe that she's the best candidate for the job right now," Amador said after the vote. "I'm in total support of her."

Coley, 51, graduated from the police academy in 1989 and spent her first years with the department patrolling Newark's East Ward. She rose through the ranks from detective to sergeant, eventually becoming the lieutenant in charge of the sex crimes unit in 2001.

She became a captain in 2005 and in 2008 took command of the 5th Precinct, which includes much of the South Ward.

Newark mayors race: Who is Shavar Jeffries

With the Newark Mayoral election right around the corner ( May 13, 2014 ) I have decided to post information about both candidates Ras Baraka and Shavar Jefferies so that voters can get an idea of who they may be voting for. This information is taken from the web sites of both men. Here is a profile of Shavar Jeffries. George Cook AAreports.com.

A fifth generation Newarker, Shavar Jeffries was raised by his grandmother, a public school teacher, in the city's South Ward.

Shavar attended public schools for most of his life until he received a scholarship from the Boys and Girls Club of Newark to attend Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, New Jersey.

Since 2004, Shavar has been an associate professor at the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall Law School where he and his students primarily handle pro bono cases that will improve the quality of education for all Newark children. In this capacity, Shavar has represented 30,000 children denied free tutoring services under the No Child Left Behind Act, and advocated for thousands of Newark children seeking mandated special education services. In addition to these cases, Shavar also litigates important housing, domestic violence, economic justice, and immigration suits.

In 2008, Shavar took a leave from Seton Hall Law School to serve as Assistant Attorney General and Counsel to New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram. In his role as the department's third most senior official, Shavar lead several of the state's largest departments, including the Juvenile Justice Commission and the Civil Rights Division. He re-launched the Civil Rights Division's Affirmative Litigation Unit, reformed the Victims of Crime Compensation office, and crafted an executive order expanding procurement opportunities for women and minority businesses. He also supported the Attorney General in implementing the state's crime plan, overseeing the team that, among other things, produced a 26% reduction in recidivism for ex-offenders.

In April 2010, Shavar was elected to the Newark Public Schools Advisory Board where he quickly emerged as a leader in expanding the number of high-quality public school options for all children. During his tenure as board president, Shavar increased the number of schools offering extended learning time from zero to over 20, and helped to open several new middle and high schools. Shavar also lead the board in joining a lawsuit that returned over $30 million to Newark after the state illegally cut the district budget, and also lead the board in filing suit to restore local control of the school system to Newark parents.

Shavar obtained his bachelor's degree from Duke University where he served as president of the Black Student Alliance and as a member of the board of trustees. From there, Shavar attended Columbia Law School where he served as managing editor of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review and clerked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund before graduating with several academic and public interest honors.

Following law school, Shavar clerked for Judge Nathaniel R. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals. He then worked as an associate with Wilmer Cutler & Pickering where he represented Black farmers who were denied farming loans by the federal government because of their race.

Since 2001, Shavar has been counsel at Gibbons P.C., a nationally ranked, leading law firm in New Jersey. He is a homeowner in the South Ward where he lives with his wife, Tenagne, and their two children, Kaleb and Naomi.

Read more about Shavar Jefferies here: http://www.jeffriesformayor.com/home

Newark mayors race: Who is Ras Baraka

With the Newark Mayoral election right around the corner ( May 13, 2014 ) I have decided to post information about both candidates Ras Baraka and Shavar Jefferies so that voters can get an idea of who they may be voting for. This information is taken from the web sites of both men. First up the prohibitive favorite, Ras Baraka. George Cook AAreports.com.

Ras J. Baraka has served as South Ward Councilman since May 2010 and is running for Mayor in the 2014 election. A native of Newark where his family has lived for over 70 years, Baraka was educated in the Newark Public Schools and went on to receive a BA in Political Science from Howard University in Washington, DC and an MA in Education Supervision from St. Peters University in Jersey City, NJ. In addition to his many accomplishments as the South Ward Councilman, Baraka is credited with transforming Central High School where he has served as principal since 2007. Baraka’s love for teaching and education is matched only by his passion for political equality. An accomplished legislator and administrator, Baraka has tackled issues affecting the current and future quality of life for Newark residents, including employment, public health and safety, development, and civic engagement.

As South Ward Councilman Baraka’s many accomplishments include; legislation recognizing violence as a public health issue, the Homestead/Abandoned Properties ordinance and an ordinance requiring early closures for retail stores and restaurants to curb loitering. Additionally, under his leadership the South Ward police substation was re-opened, the Bergen Lyons Clinton Special Improvement District was created, Key Foods Supermarket opened in the South Ward providing jobs for Newark residents, and over 1.2 million dollars has been awarded to non-profit organizations. Baraka has also supported initiatives geared towards youth development such as South Ward READS and the South Ward Youth Development Center and he created the Senior Citizen’s Committee, a group of committed residents addressing issues for seniors.

A community organizer for over 20 years, he energetically ran his first campaign for mayor in 1994, at the age of 24, after returning home from Howard University. On September 27, 2002 He was appointed Deputy Mayor where he served until 2005, when Newark Municipal Council voted for Baraka to fulfill the unexpired term of the late Councilman Donald Tucker as South Ward Councilman. Baraka established Newark’s Committee on Violence, served as a key organizer for the Newark Ceasefire Peace Initiative in 2004, and is a founding member and served as chairman of the historic 1st National Hip Hop Political Convention.

Ras Baraka is the son of renowned poets Amina and Amiri Baraka and the loving father of three daughters. A published author, his latest work Black Girls Learn Love Hard is dedicated to the life of his late sister, Shani Baraka. 

RAS BARAKA’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Improving Quality of Life

Developed Legislation to Acknowledge and Address Violence as a Public Health Issue - In February 2012, the Municipal Council unanimously voted to support a resolution sponsored by Councilman Baraka to acknowledge and address violence as a public health issue.  The landmark resolution highlights the public health significance of violence and suggests that the city of Newark pursue programs that identify risk factors, design interventions to address these factors and evaluate the effectiveness of programmatic efforts.

Developed Legislation to Address Complaints on Loitering - To address community concerns on noise and disturbance around retail stores, Councilman Baraka sponsored an ordinance that for restaurants and retail stores on designated streets to close at 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday, and 11 p.m. on Fridayand Saturday.

Developed Legislation to Address Abandoned Properties and Blight – To address abandoned properties and blight in the South Ward, Councilman Baraka is in the process of developing legislation that will provide the legal framework for a Homestead Program. The program will allow for the city to deed over selected city of Newark properties that are in need of rehabilitation to qualified city residents who are willing to rehab and live in the home for a minimum of five years. This South Ward Pilot Program is underway and is anticipated to expand citywide.

Creation of South Ward General Assembly Meetings - Since July 2010, Councilman Baraka has hosted monthly community meetings called the South Ward General Assembly. These meetings have engaged district leaders, block associations and residents and have provided a direct line to city agencies to address quality of life issues in the South Ward.  The meetings have also spurred engagement between neighborhoods to share best practices and ideas on improving their communities.

Expanding Opportunities for Youth – Established the South Ward Youth Council
In an effort to expand opportunities for youth to collaborate and communicate on community issues, Councilman Baraka created the South Ward Youth Council (SWYC).  The SWYC provides students in grades 9-12 citywide with social activities in a safe and positive environment, while promoting individual self-esteem and leadership through participation in community meetings, events and community service projects.

Secured Funding for the Jackie Robinson Little League and South Ward POP Warner - When economic constraints threatened to eliminate the Jackie Robinson Little League and South Ward POP Warner, Councilman Baraka stepped in and secured thousands of dollars that would allow youth in the South Ward to continue to participate in both leagues.

Repaved Madison Avenue Playground – Keeping his commitment to improve recreational facilities children in the South Ward, Councilman Baraka secured funding for the repaving of the Madison Avenue School Playground.  Additional upgrades included new adjustable basketball hoops and a baseball diamond.

Established the Shani Baraka Skills and Drills Summer Camp - Established in memory of Shani Barka, the Shani Baraka Skills and Drill Summer Camp opened in the summer of 2012 to over 170 Newark children. This free camp taught boys and girls the fundamentals of basketball, while instilling the foundation for confidence and team work.  Guest Speakers were also invited to speak to campers about the dangers of domestic violence.

Partnered with Newark Public Schools to Launch the Ras Baraka Summer Youth Camp – In a partnership with Newark Public Schools, Councilman Barka launched the Ras Baraka Summer Youth camp in 2012 with over 75 South Ward youth.  The camp has provided free workshops in art, music, dance and cultural education.

Transformation of the former Clinton Place Firehouse into the newly renovated South Ward Youth Development Center

Established South Wards Reads Literacy Program

Empowering Senior Citizens

Established  Senior Committee - In 2010, Councilman Baraka established the South Ward Senior Committee as a vehicle to address issues concerning senior citizens. With the help of Former Councilwoman Bessie Walker, the Senior Committee has been involved in various activities which include Annual Senior Fitness Day and the Unsung Hero Awards.

Renovation of Nellie Grier Senior Center

Securing our Neighborhoods

Opened Bergen Street Mini-Precinct - After two years of  diligent work,  Councilman Baraka successfully opened the South Ward Police Substation in partnership with Newark Police Department.  The substation located at1049 Bergen Street is operational and provides additional officers seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Secured Additional Patrols by Essex County Police - As a result of the efforts of Councilman Baraka and 5th District Police Captain Eugene Venable, and in partnership with the Essex County Sherriff’s Office, additional patrols by Essex County police vehicles have been added to the South Ward on Elizabeth Avenue, Lyons Avenue, Clinton Avenue and Chancellor Avenue.

Annual 24 hours of Peace Cultural Event – Councilman Baraka hosts this event along with local and nationally recognized talent to advocate for peace and gun control.  The event which is held on Clinton Ave, a notoriously dangerous section of the ward, aims at ensuring 24 hours of peace, fellowship, cultural enrichment and education.

Spurring Economic Development

South Ward Special Improvement District - The formation of a Special Improvement District that will encompass a large portion Clinton Avenue, Bergen Street and Lyons Avenue. That will include safety, cleanliness and a marketing campaign that will attract a variety of businesses along these corridors.

Key Foods Supermarket - Located at Springfield Ave & 10th Street. This is the first supermarket constructed in the south ward in decades.

Shopping Plaza at Elizabeth and Meeker Avenue - Councilman Baraka with the assistance of the Economic and Housing Development department worked closely for two years to attract new ownership for the property that had been severely damaged in a fire. The damaged property sat as an eyesore for several years.  The new site plans include a shopping plaza.

Bergen Street Development - The designated land will be redeveloped into 45 units of affordable housing with commercial space. The project is slated to commence in 2013. The Bergen Street Development LLC, is an African-American Company consisting of local developers.

Opening of Genesis Hope Building - Located at 634Clinton Avenue.

Renovation of 2 Osborne Terrace

Learn more about Ras Baraka at his campaign web site: http://rasjbaraka.com/