Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A Native Son’s Plans for Newark
The weekend Times covered the planned One Riverview tower, which is contracted out to a developer who is partnering with Newark-native and Phoenix Suns center, Shaquille O’Neal.
You realize, of course that we absolutely must call this building “Shaq Tower.” While some question the timing of the construction—occuring during one of the worst economic downturns in recent memory—I really applaud the developer’s boldness in their timing.
This is a turning point in Newark’s history, and as long as the crime trends continue the sharp downward turn and investment comes into the city, the Newark of two years from now will be a decidedly different place than the Newark of two years ago.
“Because the region is experiencing economic woes,” he added, “individuals and businesses alike are looking for cost savings in every decision they make. Residents are looking for easy commutes to job centers such as Manhattan from places that offer low-cost, high-quality housing. Businesses are looking for savings anywhere they can find it.”
They can all find those things in Newark, in a downtown with two commuter rail stations, light rail, extensive bus service, and a revitalized business and entertainment center. We have all that to offer and the economic pressure is on. Otherwise, the moves going on now would never have been contemplated.”
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A Bullet Tears Through a Ceiling, and 2 Lives
The Times shares the lives of the two teenagers who were involved in Thursday’s accidental fatal shooting. Bukhari Washington was slain by a bullet from an assault rifle owned by Terrance Perry in the downstairs apartment while Perry was toying with the weapon.
How the rifle came into Perry’s possession and his exact reason for obtaining it remain under investigation.
In the apartment upstairs, Bukhari Washington, 15, had just gone to sleep. At work at the local recreation center the previous day, he and four friends had practiced lip-synching New Edition’s “Candy Girl” for a coming talent show. After work, he and his best friend, Daquan Cuttino, shot hoops and went to see the latest Batman movie. Bukhari had stayed up all night, talking to friends.
He had a lot on his mind. Having overcome more than his share of family tragedy, he had made his way to a prestigious prep school. Now, though, he was considering leaving it for a public school, his friends said.
Downstairs, 19-year-old Terrance Perry was sitting in bed, playing with his rifle. He had spent the previous afternoon and evening delivering food at the Newark hospital where he worked. His grandmother picked him up after his shift – he had lived with her for years, and she worried about him on the streets – and dropped him off at his girlfriend’s apartment. At some point, he returned to his grandmother’s home, in the house where Bukhari and his mother lived in an apartment on the top floor.
The two knew each other but were not friends, and had been neighbors for about a year.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Newark man arrested in shooting of 15-year-old
Tragic story about the apparent accidental shooting of a boy by a 19-year-old with a military rifle in the apartment below.
A 19-year-old man said he accidentally fired the military-style rifle that killed a Newark teenager in his bed this morning, Newark police announced this afternoon.
Bukhari Washington, 15, was pronounced dead after being found in his bed in a second-floor apartment with a gunshot wound to the head. Police said the bullet was fired from the apartment below, penetrating the ceiling of that apartment and the floor of Bukhari’s apartment before striking him.
Perry told police he’d obtained the gun on the street, but investigators are trying to corroborate his story and determine whether he indeed fired the gun by accident. He has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, along with illegal gun possession.
Mayor Booker issued a statement today on the shooting.
“The death of 15-year-old Bukhari Washington is tragic and unacceptable. Our prayers and condolences go out to this young man’s family. This violent incident is further proof of the work that still lies before us, and the importance of passing and enforcing legislation to curb access to illegal firearms on the streets of New Jersey’s cities. For now, in Newark, we will continue our uncompromising efforts to eliminate gun violence, and claim for our city the peace and security that our residents deserve.”
Heads Up: Mayor Booker on WBGO’s Newark Today
Mayor Booker to make a guest appearance with David Cruz on Newark Today on WBGO 88.3 FM. Newark Today will air at 8 p.m. and is hosted by anchor/reporter David Cruz. The call-in show enables listeners to speak directly with the mayor live.
On the next Newark Today, Mayor Cory Booker is joined by acting business administrator Michele Thomas, who will explain how you can run a city without an official budget.
Call-in number – 1-800-499-9246
Email address – NEWARKTODAY@WBGO.ORG
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Newark gets $45M in aid in exchange for state oversight
“Creative accounting,” when it brings legitimate dollars to the bottom line, can be a beautiful thing.
Newark accepted a $45 million bailout from New Jersey taxpayers today, in return for accepting the state designation of “distressed city,” and allowing state oversight of hiring and finances.
The special infusion will head off what otherwise would have been a property tax increase of almost $800 for the typical Newark household, said Michelle Thomas, Newark’s acting business administrator.
Apartment available on James Street, downtown
This in from a tipster looking to rent out an apartment on James Street. In the heart of historic downtown Newark, James Street is a tight-knit community with access to NJPAC, Newark Public Library, Newark Museum, the universities and the light rail.
Property Type: Brownstone apartment.
Location: James St. Newark in The Historic James ST.Commons, Newarks downtown neighborhood.
Rental Price: $1300.00 Month
Date Available: September 1st
Description: 2bdrm, office/den, deck, off street parking, free washer/dryer, heat/ hot water included.
WALK TO:
Train (Midtown Direct 19Min.toNYC), Prudential Center, N.J.P.A.C., Bears Stadium, Library, Museum, Rutgers, N.J.I.T.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Metallica to Play Pru
Looks like Pru, with its city sponsorship, access to major highways, and link to the rails through Penn Station might just be a good deal more successful than that Izod thing in the swamp.
It will be the biggest heavy-metal tour of the Fall/Winter season, and it’s coming to Newark. The Prudential Center has booked Metallica for a Jan. 31 concert.
