Revitalizing Newark (Jersey City, Camden, Irvington: crime, how much, house)

[CrazyJerzyKidUNO]

Ok. I know everyone keeps saying Newark is going under this whole revitalization period. But i havnt seen any changes. Not like Jersey City which made a complete turn around. Now, Newark has the most industry in the actually city then most of New Jersey. Industry means lower taxes and more development. However, Newark has high taxes and has made no progress. Why is this? As someone from around the area I would like to know what exactly do the taxes in Newark go towards and why hasnt it made as much progress as Jersey City which now is striving towards New York!? Any ideas?

[CJ-FROM-NJ]

Are you working on a term paper or something?

[BahamaBlu]

I guess most of the money is going to restore and try and fix up buildings as well as try and fight crime [which I know is a HUGGEEE problem]. As restoration.. I've noticed a few brownstones near the museum fixed up but thats it.

[royceb]

There's a documentary on DVD that follows the most recent mayor election beteen Corey Booker and Sharpe James, the incumbent at the time. It is very clear that James is corrupt and enjoys the benefits of kickbacks.

As this is your third topic today concerning Newark, why the fascination? It's a crappy town, end of story.

[cyntmac]

Jersey City has not made a complete turnaround. Yes the downtown has but much of the rest of the city has not. The school system continues to perform poorly and much of the city is depressed and in disrepair. Blaming this on the residents or on corruption is far too simplistic as this is a complex issue on so many levels. Not all residents of J.C. are pleased with the improvements as they are not the beneficiaries. The rents in the downtown area are so high now that many of the working class residents are forced out. In high priced NJ it's not like they have their pick of decent neighborhoods as it is. There is always some anger with gentrification and it often fuels racial tensions. It would be problematic if Newark became desireable to yuppies(or artists-whites in general). Many people in Newark can not afford the communities surrounding Newark and would be fine staying in Newark if there were improvements. They are not looking for Starbucks or white neighbors. And yes-there are a few decent areas in Newark. They are not integrated and in 2007 that is not possible without driving out many or most of the long time residents. Hard working residents who are not to blame for the city's problems. Newark's demise was similar to that of Jersey City but it suffered to a larger degree on most counts and is a majority Black city. Any turnaround will have to be much harder fought and is much less likely. Booker's first bid for mayor fueled tensions in Newark as he was considered the city's first 'white' candidate in more than 30 years. Yes he is black but he is not actually working for the current residents of Newark. Any benefits they
would receive from his administration would just be crumbs. This is the reality. Also, towns like J.C., Newark, Camden are unique in that they are in the shadow of much larger cities. Residents in the surrounding communities have no problem bypassing them all together for business, entertainment, etc. There are already so many other options close by and 24/7 public transportation to facilitate this. Jersey City's location is its biggest advantage over Newark. Its renaissance was almost entirely fueled by skyrocketing Manhattan rents. The ride on the PATH from downtown J.C. to the WTC was less than 3 minutes. That part of the equation is a no-brainer but people from out of the area may not be aware.

[RsAnd]

The taxes in Newark isn't that bad, I can get a 3 family 9 bedroom house in Newark and pay less than I do for my Union county single family cape cod. Move and couple blocks away to Irvington, then you can cry about how much you pay in property taxes to live in a crappy town. My friend has a house twice the size of mine in a nice "block" of Newark and her taxes are $2500....I'm so jealous.

[jstar41]

it's not going to be a quick turnover.. but yes Newark is improving.. but the rate of crime is ridiculous.. again Newark is a LARGE city.. but I doubt I would move there.. maybe around Ferry st with all the brazilian chicks