Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/30/16


This passageway connects the businesses under the South Orange Train Station.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/29/16


The annual Dickens Village was installed this weekend in Maplewood Village.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Monday, November 28, 2016

Photos of the Day 11/28/16


Clarus Maplewood is being developed at the site of the post office in Maplewood Village. BCB Community Bank and Starbucks Coffee are planning to operate locations with the development.



Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/27/16


The National Newark Building was once occupied by the National Newark and Essex Banking Company.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/26/16


This photo was taken on Broad Street in Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Friday, November 25, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/25/16


This photo shows building facades along Market Street in Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/24/16


The renovation of the Hahne's Building in Newark is nearly complete.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

EXCLUSIVE: New 'Industrial Complex' Planned for Site of Newark Landfill


Newark, New Jersey: Plans by city officials to sell property in Newark's East Ward to make way for an 'industrial complex' have been revealed.

Newark's Department of Economic and Housing Development is proposing that the city-owned lot behind 38-60 Blanchard Street, off of Raymond Boulevard, be sold to Parkhurst Street-based 38-60 Blanchard, LLC for the negotiated price of $75,000. 

According to a Newark Municipal Council agenda, a complex with a two-story 15,000 square foot warehouse and office space is proposed for the site, in addition to a biogas renewable energy facility with a three-story office building and storage silos. The facility would "produce a relatively clean burning, colorless, and odorless form of energy to be produced from biodegradable food and animal waste", and the project is expected to be completed within two years after the city transfers ownership of the property.

Although currently unutilized, the nearly 150,000 square foot site, located adjacent to railroad tracks and the Essex County Resource Recovery Facility incinerator, used to be home to the Ottilio Landfill. A Rutgers report states that the landfill, operated by V. Ottilio & Sons, closed in 1979, Soils at the site had been "found to be contaminated with volatile and semi-volatile organic, pesticide, metal, and petroleum compounds", according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, prompting the agency to place a low-permeability geomembrane cap at the site.

The assessed value of the lot is $1,206,500, while the appraised amount is $2,400,000. The agenda states that "the estimated cost to remediate the site is $5.46 million dollars".

The Newark Municipal Council will hear the proposal at City Hall on Tuesday, November 29th at 10:00am.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Photo of the Day 11/23/16


Rush hour traffic is shown along Broad Street in Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/22/16


This photo shows the Jackson Street Building with the IDT, Verizon, and 550 Broad Buildings in the distance.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Monday, November 21, 2016

Barcade Planning to Open in Newark


Newark, New Jersey: A regional arcade bar is planning to open a location in Newark.

Barcade will be coming to 494 Broad Street, at the corner of Bridge Street, in the city's Downtown. The company currently operates locations in Downtown Jersey City, Chelsea and East Village in Manhattan, Fishtown in Philadelphia, Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and New Haven in Connecticut. The Newark location is slated to open at the beginning of next year, according to the business Twitter account. A variety of items are served, ranging from craft beers to burgers and sandwiches.

This is one of several new businesses coming to the area. Planet Fitness and Street Corner will also open in Downtown just a block away within the IDT Building.

The space is currently occupied by the Martini 494 Bistro, which will be closing on December 16th, according to an employee. Martini's Millburn location closed earlier this year as well, and is being replaced by The Hills Tavern.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Photo of the Day 11/21/16


This photo shows the Dietze Building on Union Street in Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/20/16


A Burlington Coat Factory location could be coming to this Broad Street building in Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/19/16


Despite being out of service for nearly two years, several red light cameras remain in the City of Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Friday, November 18, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/18/16


This building on Clinton Street in Newark is slated to be converted from office use into apartments.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/17/16


The Wars of America sculpture is located at Military Park in Downtown Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Condos Proposed for Bloomfield Center


Bloomfield, New Jersey: More development could be coming to Bloomfield. 

A new building has been proposed by developer Bloomfield Center Development, LLC for 656-662 Bloomfield Avenue, between Clark Street and Ward Street, in the Bloomfield Center Business District. According to a legal notice, the building is slated to be four-stories tall, and would contain 21 condominiums. Each of the condominium units would contain two bedrooms, and there would be two commercial spaces on the ground floor. Currently, vacant commercial buildings that previously contained the Bloomfield Electric Supply Company, which closed in 2014, stand at the site.

A public hearing regarding the project was held yesterday by the Bloomfield Planning Board.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Photo of the Day 11/16/16


The Paramount Theater in Downtown Newark is seen by thousands everyday, but remains vacant.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/15/16


The Essex County Courthouse and office complex rise above buildings on Market Street in Downtown Newark,

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Monday, November 14, 2016

Could Former Newark Schools See Redevelopment?


Newark, New Jersey: With more and more charter schools opening across the City of Newark, a city agency is planning to sell many former public schools.

The Newark Housing Authority has created a website to promote the redevelopment of 12 properties across the city, all of which were once part of the Newark Public Schools system. The RFP states that the NHA "has authorized the issuance of this Request for Qualifications and Proposals to prospective individuals and/or organizations with a particular interest, expertise and capital necessary in repurposing, using and/or redeveloping at least two or more of twelve properties", and that "NHA intends to enter into an agreement or multiple agreements with the most qualified Respondents that (in addition to property pricing considerations) demonstrate financial capability, vision, creativity in adaptive reuse consistent with the City’s master plan, quality construction, and ability to implement the proposed project in a timely manner and in a way that serves the best interests of the NHA, Newark Public Schools (NPS) and the City of Newark."

Properties include the 171-year-old State Street Public School near Newark Broad Street Station. A petition earlier this year called for turning the building into the NPS archives building. Other buildings on the list include the Benjamin Banneker Science Center on Lyons Avenue, the William H. Brown Academy on Bergen Street, the Clinton Avenue School near Mildred Helms Park, Maple Avenue Elementary School in Weequahic, the Burnett Street School in the Central Ward, and Roseville Avenue Elementary School, which closed despite protests by teachers and parents.

Tours were given to potential buyers earlier this month and in October, and qualifications are due by tomorrow and proposals are due by December 20. In a statement, NHA Executive Director Keith Kinard said that “the availability of these properties represents an extraordinary opportunity for developers to capitalize on the strong momentum in the marketplace, while enabling Newark Public Schools to monetize surplus assets and redeploy proceeds back to the classroom.”

Despite these vacant schools scattered throughout Newark, complaints of overcrowding remain at schools that are still open, like Central High School and South Street Elementary School.

This sale has been extensively publicized, with a press release issued by FEMWORKS, a communications agency. However, many other activities at the NHA often receive little publicity, such as the authority selling both a wooded lot across from City Hall and an abandoned Downtown train station to developers, and considering the sale of its own office building on Broad Street. Plus, the authority regularly posts agendas for meetings online after the meetings have already taken place, and has not posted its NHA Voice newsletter for residents on its website in nearly six years.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Photo of the Day 11/14/16


This photo shows Downtown South Orange at sunrise.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/13/16


The Academy Building rises over Academy Street in Downtown Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/12/16


This photo shows the Griffith Building and the Dock Bridge as seen from Newark's East Ward.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Friday, November 11, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/11/16


Parts of the former Ballantine Brewery still tower over Market Street in Newark's East Ward.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Pilot Travel Centers Plans Facility in Newark's East Ward


Newark, New Jersey: Another company is planning to develop in the industrial Doremus Avenue corridor in Newark's East Ward.

According to a legal notice from the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), Pilot Travel Centers is planning to build a facility at 376-414 Doremus Avenue, between Wilson Avenue and Roanoke Avenue. The facility would be located along the Passaic River across the street from the Essex County Correctional Facility, and would serve trucks and buses. Plus, a restaurant and marketplace are planned for the property, as are 95 parking spaces.

The ZBA originally was scheduled to hear the proposal last month, but the hearing was adjourned to the next meeting on November 17th.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Photo of the Day 11/10/16


The website describing redevelopment plans for the Newark Warehouse Company Building on Edison Place is no longer active.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/9/16


This photo shows Newark Penn Station with One Gateway Center in the background.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

PHOTOS: Clintons and Obamas Speak Before Thousands in Philadelphia


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Thousands of people watched on Monday night as one of the final election rallies of the 2016 presidential campaign was held at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood.

Speakers at the rally included President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Katie McGinty, and Mayor Jim Kenney, and there were performances by Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. Secretary Hillary Clinton was the final speaker.

Lines for the event were more than 1.5 miles long at one point, and most attendees watched the speeches and performances from the Independence Mall across Market Street.


Above: Hillary Clinton addresses the crowd


Above: President Obama speaks to attendees


Above: Some people watched the speeches from nearby office buildings, like this federal building


Above: Clinton and Obama wave to the audience between speeches


Above: The speeches were held outside of the Independence Visitor Center


Above: Bill and Chelsea Clinton watch as Michelle Obama speaks


Above: Bill Clinton hugs Michelle Obama


Above: President Bill Clinton discusses the election


Above: Chelsea and Bill Clinton arrive on stage


Above: Tens of thousands of people from across the country attended the rally


Above: Bruce Springsteen performs along Market Street


Above: Jon Bon Jovi performs before the crowd

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Photo of the Day 11/8/16


This photo shows the orange boardwalk at Riverfront Park in Newark and the Jackson Street Bridge.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Monday, November 7, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/7/16


This exhibit at the Prudential complex in Downtown Newark celebrates the 350th anniversary of the city.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/6/16


This photo shows Ferry Street in Newark's Ironbound with the Gateway Center rising a few blocks in the distance.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/5/16


This 'ghost sign' advertises suitcases in Newark's East Ward.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Friday, November 4, 2016

Taco Bell Planned for Newark's Lower Broadway Neighborhood


Newark, New Jersey: Another Taco Bell restaurant could be coming to Newark.

According to a legal notice, Muy Brands is planning to build a Taco Bell location in Newark's Lower Broadway neighborhood at 350-358 Broad Street, at the corner of Clay Street. Should the project be approved, the 2,555 square foot restaurant would have 48 seats, and would also have a drive-thru, with access from Broad, Clay, and Street Streets.

Currently, a small shopping plaza that contained Unlimited Style Beauty Salon, Two Brothers Pizzeria, City Star Boutique, Pro Cuts Barber Shop, and Sports Burger is located at the site. Muscle Maker Grill and Dunkin Donuts used to operate in the plaza, and Two Brothers moved to Downtown Newark last month. According to NJ Parcels, the property was acquired in 2015 by Monroe Township, Middlesex County-based Divya Properties for $1,100,000.

The Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear the proposal on November 17th at 7:00pm at City Hall.

Taco Bell has recently been expanding in Essex County. A new location just opened on Main Street in Orange, and a franchise came to the Springfield Avenue Marketplace in Newark's Central Ward over the summer.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Photo of the Day 11/4/16


This photo shows the Firemen's Insurance Company Building near Military Park in Newark.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/3/16


An egret is seen flying above the Passaic River at Riverfront Park in Newark in this photo.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Photo of the Day 11/2/16


This photo was taken at the historic 1935 Newark Penn Station.

Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Photos of the Day 11/1/16


These historic signs are located at the center of the Borough of Essex Fells.


Send story ideas, letters to the editor, and photos to placenjwebsites@gmail.com.
Follow us on Twitter - @PlaceNJ
Like us on Facebook - Essex County Place