Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newark public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in roads with high priority
Street paving and utility restoration oversight
Contractors who tear up Newark streets now face stricter milling, paving and trench restoration requirements. This aims to stop the bumpy, poorly patched cuts residents deal with after utility work.
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.
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
A $7.44 million contract was awarded for Phase II pedestrian safety work on Broad Street.
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.