CONTACT: Brand New Day, Inc., Krishna Garlic (908) 282-0781, Ext. 103

CONTACT: Brand New Day, Inc., Krishna Garlic (908) 282-0781, ext. 103

Brand New Day, Inc., Jacqueline Jenkins (908) 282-0781, ext. 146

176 First Street, P.O. Box 6803 Elizabeth, NJ 07206 (908) 282-0781, Fax: (908) 282-0788 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.brandnewdaycdc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRVINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD STABLIZATION PROGRAM AT WORK

“CLEANING UP THE OLD…BRINGING IN THE NEW”

Irvington, NJ, April 30, 2011: The Township of Irvington, The Light of Day Neighborhood Association, Brand New Day, Inc., and local community residents, came together to clean up the debris that is plaguing the community in the middle of six brand new single family homes in the East Ward section of Irvington constructed by Brand New Day, Inc. The single family homes will be the foundation of a major revitalization and stabilization effort for the community.

Since July 2010, Brand New Day, community residents, stakeholders, the Township of Irvington, and others have been engaged in a comprehensive neighborhood planning process to address the major concerns in the community such as, foreclosure crisis, jobs, vacate land, garbage dumping and abandoned properties.

At a recent steering committee meeting, the Mayor addressed some of the concerns of the citizens, one of which focused on the garbage dumping in the community.

To the pleasure of the community, the Mayor mobilized public works, and several lots were cleaned up. When news of this action reached the community, The Light of Day Neighborhood Association, responded by organizing their own clean up on Saturday, in support of the Mayor’s effort.

“Local residents, especially the elderly were happy and grateful for the Mayor’s efforts and today’s clean-up,” reported Ms. Alisha Ricks, Organizer. “Community change happens when residents, non-profits, business owners, the municipality and other stake holders come together with the neighborhood in mind.” “We are focused on creating a safe and clean community of choice.”

The residents look forward to:

 Additional community clean-ups  Urban gardening projects to grow fruits and vegetables  Creation of playground areas for the young people  Strengthening the capacity of existing “Block Watchers” to prevent future illegal dumping

Funding for the Neighborhood Planning process was made possible by The Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, through a grant to Brand New Day, Inc., for the purpose of engaging residents and community stakeholders in dialogue to guide the redevelopment of the East Ward.