The Central Ward of Newark, New Jersey is confronted with many quality of life questions. Two such issues facing residents living in and around Corinthian HDC housing are:
These two issues were the subject of our needs assessment and analysis, which focused on West Side Park and its surrounding neighborhoods (including Corinthian).
Our study area centers on perhaps the most promising portion of Corinthian’s 96-block service area, West Side Park. Our survey data was collected from four different primary locations in and around the park: West Side Park itself, the Corinthian Housing development, West Side Village, and the neighborhood of Tri-City Peoples Corporation. Our primary data source consists of surveys from each of the residential locations, from within the park, and from parents meeting children at South 17th Street School. Additional sources of information included interviews, literature review and Internet searches.
Crime
From these data sources, we discovered several key findings related to crime. First, the primary crime concerns of residents are drugs and car theft. Second, many citizens of our study area are fearful of crime not only after dark, but throughout the daylight hours. Third, residents generally identified the most dangerous areas of criminal activity as three different locations: 16th Avenue, West Side Park, and the area between 18th Avenue and Springfield Avenue. Finally, three-quarters of the residents surveyed said they would like to participate in a neighborhood watch program.
The findings of the crime needs assessment and analysis prompted the following recommendations:
- Make efforts to inform these communities of the crime prevention programs and services that are available to their use. We found that many of the residents are unaware of the resources they can use to help protect their property, family, and community.
- Design new development to increase the sense of community and attempt to minimize the "fortress mentality" of the Central Ward. Design should stay clear of the modern subdivision pattern of development and should reflect the urban landscape of Newark.
- Bring new development to the periphery of West Side Park. This development will increase park use, enhance safety for the entire community, and promote personal investment in its maintenance.
- Form a Crime Prevention Coalition composed of police, residents, CDCs, local businesses, schools, churches, Newark Fighting Back and the Newark Housing Authority. Activities and strategies can be then be coordinated to form a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing crime in the project area.
West Side Park
Surveys, interviews and other data yielded useful findings regarding West Side Park. A majority of respondents indicated that they never used the park, and the number one reason for not using the park was crime. Certain city blocks were identified by residents as routes they avoided when traveling to, from, or around the park. Foremost among these streets was 16th Avenue, though other routes were also identified frequently. Lack of equipment and programs were also identified as deficiencies that discouraged any, or maximum, park use.
Suggested physical improvements clustered heavily within three themes: the need for playground equipment, improved security measures, and cleaner park grounds, in that order. Children’s programs as a general theme was the popular request for adding programs and activities, while larger-scale events for all ages such as performances and festivals were also cited by a large portion of respondents.
The findings of the park needs assessment and analysis prompted the following recommendations:
- Facilitate the creation of the West Side Park Conservancy, an organization to promote funding, advocacy and upkeep for this special resource. The Conservancy should be citizen-run, not organization-led; however, an advisory committee comprised of community organizations such as Corinthian will be essential in getting the project started, and will provide guidance and leveraging power that is unique among other park advocacy groups in Essex County;
- Improve neighborhood outreach regarding the availability of the community center in the park, as well as its various programs and offerings. This is important not only to provide recreation opportunities to the greatest number of people, particularly at-risk children, but also so that the community can adequately assess its future park needs based on a firm understanding of what programs and amenities are already available;
- Increase programming at the community center by establishing an efficient and enjoyable way to match the supply of numerous residents willing to volunteer with programs, to the demand for such assistance expressed by the center’s recreation director;
- Initiate manageable park improvement projects and programs that foster a sense of ownership in the park and set the direction for future leadership and projects of the Conservancy;
- Institute and increase park security and sanitation measures through neighborhood efforts and coordination with city, county, school and housing authorities.
- Coordinate park restoration in conjunction with other neighborhood revitalization. Redevelopment around the park, such as the planned Phase II, III and IV units by CHDC, must be coordinated with other neighborhood organizations and relevant government authorities. Rehabilitating the overall area in conjunction with major park investment will amplify the overall effect of area investment and increase the likelihood that park improvements may be protected and cared for by stakeholders.
