Coming Back.... To Irvington (Newark, Union: rent, crime, home)

[Cant4GetNJ]

Hello all. I was born and raised in Irvington. The time I lived there was different than now... My time in Irvington was spent having block parties, playing jump rope and witnessing the birth of hip hop... Union Avenue was still K-8 and although I was the monority (irish/puertorican), I never witnessed a racial division. I understand and see how the crack epidemic has ruined the town and how recovery has not been met..... It is said.
I left Irvington in 1990 and will be returning for the 1st time next week. I have contacted old friends who have parents living in the area still... I have been advised by ALL to steer clear. Problem is, my husband wants to see where I grew up and the places I visited as a child... I want to as well. Sooooooooooo, what to do?? I will not be staying in Irvington for my visit as all my family has since moved away. I did want to drive through though... Any advice for this Irvington native? It has been a while!

[CaptainNJ]

im not sure what you are asking for. you want to know where you can rent an armored car and security detail?

[Cant4GetNJ]

What I am asking is, is it safe to drive through? I do have some family that lives across the street from Irvington Park. I want to see them but I do remember the park being off limits to me as a child....

[Tyler77]

If you don't mind the crackheads spitting on your windshield as you drive down Mill Road, it's all good. Some things, as they say, are better off as a memory. Even more recently, Springfield, Union (Five Points), Millburn have all taken a nosedive. The good ol' days of dad working, and mom staying home with the kids are GONE. Now it's single welfare trash moms that drop litters of kids in the name of more welfare benfits, ill-equipped to raise kids, hence the lack of respect and amoral behavior of their offspring. And dad? He's in jail or leading da thug life, getting other women he *loves* pregnant, or selling dope on some street corner. We're all quick to assume that these statements are racist, but here's my question: What WHITE person would voluntarily move to these areas and send their kids through the public schools? I didn't think so either.

[marye711]

lock your doors!

[Cant4GetNJ]

When I grew up there, I was the only white girl at Union Avenue.... Being born and raised there, maybe I didn't notice color but there were no racial issues between me and my friends. (And I did have many) At the time though, the crime wasn't as bad. Chancellor Avenue still had Roxy Drug Store, Franks Pizza, Suzy's Sub Shop and the Bagel Shop was there.... Crime has destroyed Irvington. The park I played at on Paine Avenue was always filled with kids and we were always outside playing.....until the street lights came on. While there were more single moms than families, everyone looked out for each other and the parents were involved. It's sad to know that in such a short time, things have declined so rapidly... Thanks for the head's up.

[colleeng47]

Originally Posted by Tyler77

. Some things, as they say, are better off as a memory. .

Take this on faith. I was raised in Newark, and several years ago DH and I decided to take a trip to the area I lived in. I wish I hadn't done it. Aside from the fact we were lucky to get out with our lives, it was heartbreaking to see what happened to the old 'hood.

[RobRiguez]

Just go during the day and you'll be fine.

[gradstudent77]

Originally Posted by RobRiguez

Just go during the day and you'll be fine.

Seriously, +1.

[gradstudent77]

Originally Posted by colleeng47

Take this on faith. I was raised in Newark, and several years ago DH and I decided to take a trip to the area I lived in. I wish I hadn't done it. Aside from the fact we were lucky to get out with our lives, it was heartbreaking to see what happened to the old 'hood.

did you take a stroll around at 1AM or something?