Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newark public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in roads with high priority
Street paving delays and state funding shortfall
Two engineering contracts were on the agenda: pedestrian safety and signal upgrades at Market Street and University Avenue, and the Five Ward Paving Improvement Project.
Street paving and utility restoration oversight
Two engineering contracts were on the agenda: pedestrian safety and signal upgrades at Market Street and University Avenue, and the Five Ward Paving Improvement Project.
PSE&G gas line work and street coordination
Streets repaved by the city are being torn up by PSE&G's citywide gas line replacement, and the utility may not be honoring the ordinance requiring curb-to-curb repaving afterward. Council wants long-term coordination so the city stops wasting paving money.
Broad Street Phase II pedestrian safety improvements
Newark accepted a $4 million state grant for the Safe Gateway pedestrianization and traffic calming project — at no cost to the city.
Ironbound-downtown pedestrian bridge delays
A decade-long project stalled again when rail agencies refused to approve the redesign; a new contractor is being hired to reuse the existing bridge, and council wants a formal motion pressuring Amtrak, NJ Transit, PATH and the Port Authority to cooperate.
Chancellor Avenue and neighborhood traffic safety
After a near-fatal crash, residents demanded a full traffic light at Chancellor and Parkview Terrace, trimmed vegetation blocking stop signs, and enforcement against predatory towing.
Handicap parking sign removals
Longtime handicapped spots are being removed at renewal because state DOT rules changed — no pole or tree between the space and sidewalk. Residents and council members want clearer communication about why spots are denied.