CITY OF EAST ORANGE Essex County, New Jersey
2004 MASTER PLAN REEXAMINATION
April 2004
Prepared by:
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
2004 City of East Orange Master Plan Reexamination
Prepared for:
City of East Orange
Essex County, New Jersey
Prepared by:
Orth-Rodgers & Associates, Inc. 80 Cottontail Lane, Suite 320 Somerset, NJ 08873 732-564-1932
Daniel Kueper, P.P. License # 5332 Jamie Maurer, P.P. License # 5746 This report results from the contribution and comments of many concerned and dedicated elected officials, department heads, and key staff members. Special thanks are owed to the staff of Comprehensive Planning in the City of East Orange’s Department of Policy, Planning & Development. Their shared efforts and spirit of cooperation are demonstrated in this 2004 Master Plan Reexamination Report.
HONORABLE ROBERT L. BOWSER, MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS – 2004 Zachary V. Turner, Chairman Fourth Ward Thomas L. Brown First Ward Joyce C. Goore First Ward Jacquelyn E. Johnson Second Ward Ernest A. Savoy Second Ward Quilla E. Talmadge Third Ward Clinton L. Robinson Third Ward William C. Holt Fourth Ward Mary E. Patterson Fifth Ward David E. Clark Fifth Ward
PLANNING BOARD – 2004 The following members of the Planning Board adopted this Master Plan Reexamination Report:
Robert L. Bowser- Mayor Joyce Goore - Councilwoman Everett J. Jennings- Chair Carol Jenkins-Cooper- Vice Chair Lloyd Abdul-Raheem Bennie Brown Everett T. Felder Jesse Jeffries Reginald Lewis Yvonne Donna Marshall Barbara Weaver
STAFF The following staff contributed to the drafting of this Master Plan Reexamination Report:
James A. Slaughter Director, Department of Policy Planning & Development Glenn Arnold Manager, Division of Neighborhood Housing & Revitalization Michèle S. Delisfort Manager, Division of Comprehensive Planning Naiima H. Fauntleroy Land Use Administrator, Division of Comprehensive Planning Norma Mackey Manager, Division of Economic Development Zunilda Rodriguez Principal Planner, Division of Comprehensive Planning Renee Ziegler Manager, Division of Community Development TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...... 1
LAND USE AND ZONING ...... 2 Land Use ...... 4 Zoning...... 4
HOUSING...... 6
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ...... 9
HISTORIC PRESERVATION...... 13
COMMUNITY FACILITIES...... 14 Education ...... 14 Fire Department ...... 15 Health Care ...... 16 Libraries ...... 17 Public Works...... 20
PUBLIC UTILITIES...... 21
TRANSPORTATION ...... 22
RECREATION...... 24
WARD 1...... 28
WARD 2...... 30
WARD 3...... 31
WARD 4...... 33
WARD 5...... 35
CONCLUSION ...... 36
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 i Orth-Rodgers & Associates INTRODUCTION
This Master Plan Reexamination has been prepared to comply with the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-89), which requires that municipalities in New Jersey re-examine their master plan every six years. This is a reexamination of the 1990 East Orange Master Plan. In accordance with the Municipal Land Use Law, the following issues have been addressed: • The major problems and objectives of land development in 1990; • The degree to which these problems and objectives have been reduced or increased since 1990; • Major changes that have occurred in the assumptions, policies and objectives from the 1990 Master Plan; • Changes recommended for the East Orange Master Plan or development regulations; • Recommended changes to effectuate redevelopment plans.
As part of this reexamination effort, department heads and program managers throughout the City were interviewed on the progress that the City had made in accomplishing goals stated in the 1990 Master Plan.
The 1990 Master Plan has as its vision statement the proposal that “the city and its neighborhoods first and always be developed for the livability they offer people, both those already here and those who will come after them. In putting people first, East Orange must attend to its economic health, the education of its children, equality of opportunity, and its historic, cultural and ethnic heritage.”
The 1990 Master Plan remains the guiding document for the City of East Orange. This reexamination offers the opportunity to assess the city’s success in achieving the goals expressed in the 1990 Master Plan, and to further decide what goals to emphasize in the future.
The most important theme expressed in the process of this reexamination has been to continue, and even accelerate, the redevelopment of East Orange. Nationwide and in New Jersey, the opportunities afforded by the redevelopment of urban areas are being closely examined. There is an increasing emphasis upon the potential for redeveloping existing centers with infrastructure, rather than continuously extending development into the countryside. There is a growing appreciation of the cultural and visual diversity available in cities. East Orange’s neighbor, Newark, has begun to experience a revival, fueled by new entertainment attractions and the development and re-development of commercial space. In tending to its own redevelopment, East Orange has established an Urban Enterprise Zone, established a Business Improvement District along Central Avenue, identified redevelopment areas and implemented redevelopment plans, and taken steps to establish a diversified, stable economic base.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 1 Orth-Rodgers & Associates LAND USE AND ZONING
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 and Status and Changes since 1990 As predicted in the 1990 Master Plan, few major land use changes have taken place in East Orange since 1990, given East Orange’s nearly built-out condition. However, the City’s use of the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL) and designation of redevelopment areas, as well as implementation of redevelopment plans, has been a major undertaking since the 1990 Master Plan. Since 1990, the City has begun evaluation of, or designated 10 areas in need of redevelopment, and many of the redevelopment projects are underway or have been completed.
One major change that has occurred is the closing of Upsala College in 1995. A 22-acre parcel on that site was purchased by the City of East Orange and now houses a new citywide high school. The remaining 20 acres were found to be “unproductive” and “hazardous” in a determination of needs study in 2003. Later that year, a redevelopment plan was prepared for the site, calling for market-rate residential uses in character with the existing neighborhood. Construction for the 49 single-family detached and 16 townhome project is slated to begin in Spring-Summer 2004.
Another redevelopment project the City has undertaken is the Dr. King Plaza (Muir’s Berkeley- Brick Church) site. Phase I of the three-part project contains a mixed-use commercial/residential component. There is 28,000 square foot retail space at street level, with four stories of market rate residential rental space consisting of 96 mixed- income two and three bedroom apartments. Several tenants currently occupy the site including Fleet Bank, Elegant Eyes, Contours Express and Tunde Dada. Street level parking is provided for shoppers; underground parking is provided for residents. Excavation is underway for Phase III, which includes 18 three-bedroom townhouses. Phase II of the project remains in a planning phase but will consist of 104 residential units and 35,000 square feet of retail space.
The Greenwood Redevelopment Area (formerly known as the “Teen Streets” area) contains a substantial number of abandoned single-family and multi-family buildings. This area exhibits a high level of vacancy and abandonment. Narrow lots, combined with close proximity of homes, create greater risk of widespread damage and devastation in the event of a fire. On the western end of 4th Avenue, the area has been designated for rehabilitation. Recommended uses for the area include single-family and two-family residential rehabilitation and new construction.
A determination of needs study and redevelopment plan was undertaken for the Evergreen/Halsted section of the city. The Evergreen area contains both commercial and office space, as well as luxury high-rise apartment buildings that once housed workers. The Evergreen section is accessible from several major highways, as well as Midtown Direct rail service, making it very marketable to all types of companies. Phase I of the redevelopment plan includes a hotel and convention center, office space and supplemental retail space. An area investigation and redevelopment plan for Phase II will be completed in Fall-Winter 2004.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 2 Orth-Rodgers & Associates A determination of needs study and redevelopment plan has been completed for the North Walnut Street area. The redevelopment area includes a park, and several abandoned multi-family units. The neighborhood’s current blighted condition fosters loitering and crime, as well as overall disinvestment in the area. The proposed redevelopment for the area includes market rate brownstones and lofts, playgrounds, cultural and community green space.
The need for redevelopment at other abandoned sites, such as the Multiplex Concrete facility, has also been addressed. A determination of needs study and redevelopment plan for the site was prepared which allows for light manufacturing, warehousing, electronic storage, research facilities, commercial laundry facilities and food services. The plan also sets forth design guidelines and bulk requirements. The site will serve as a headquarter’s office and concrete center for the Multiplex Concrete facility; excavation is anticipated Summer 2004.
A two acre site in the Rutledge Avenue area, which includes abandoned light manufacturing buildings and vacant lots, has also been designated by the City as in need of redevelopment.
An area investigation was completed for the Lower M.L. King Jr. Boulevard area, which encompasses over 20 acres including the East Orange Train Station. It is contiguous to two redevelopment initiatives: North Walnut Street and Muir’s Berkeley. The Lower M.L. King Jr. Boulevard area, which was once a vibrant downtown business district, has declined in recent decades. The City seeks to transform this site into a vibrant, traditional downtown area with educational, residential and commercial uses. Permitted uses for this area include townhouses, a public school (as part of the School Demonstration Project), a performing areas/cultural/museum, a community theater, multi-family and garden apartments. The district also permits retail, financial institutions, restaurants, and department stores, and residential units and office/service uses above the street level.
The City is considering undergoing an area investigation and redevelopment plan for the Arcadian Gardens public housing site. The East Orange Housing Authority has received HOPE VI funds, and plans to transform the site into a vibrant, mixed-income community with semi-detached and detached townhouses, single-family homes with yards, and a club house. The project will also incorporate the nearby Sussex Mall property which has fallen into disrepair.
Major recommendations from the 1990 Master Plan for changes to land uses and zoning are outlined below. This section is divided into recommendations that were implemented, and recommendations that have not yet been implemented. Where needed, explanatory text is provided in italics after each recommendation.
The city is examining the redevelopment potential for a ten acre vacant site, formally known as the Worthington Pump. It is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and borders Newark to the east. It is a brownfield site and the existing contamination has been cleaned up to commercial/industrial grade. It is still zoned industrial and the ideal use for the site is a mixed commercial and office use.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 3 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Land Use
Implemented Recommendations • Change Ward Bakery from vacant industrial to residential and office. (Zone properties for UR-1 designation and redevelopment.) The Ward Bakery has been the site of a large scale mixed use redevelopment project; the apartments are at full capacity and the ground floor commercial space is semi-occupied. • Change Derby Street from vacant to residential, per development plans already approved by the city. (The property has been developed for townhouses by HANDS.)
Non-Implemented Recommendations • Change North Park and Dodd from residential to mixed commercial/residential. • Change the National Paper Company property from vacant industrial to institutional or commercial. • Change the property at Sussex & North 15th in the vicinity of I-280 from vacant to parking and residential. • Change the 4th Avenue and 16th Street gas station from vacant commercial to park/recreational.
Zoning
Implemented Recommendations • Allow licensed child care centers in all non-residential districts. • Control home occupation and office/professional uses in R-1 and R-2 districts to prevent them from creating a nuisance for residents. These uses are now more strictly regulated in R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts. • R-2 uses should be conditional uses in the R-3 district, and R-1 and R-2 uses should not be permitted in R-4 district, except multi-family. R-3 uses (garden apartments and multi-family) should become conditional in the R-4 district. R-1 and R-2 uses except townhouses are no longer permitted in R-3 districts, and R-3 uses are not permitted in R-4 districts. • Permit restaurants with drive-up facilities in C-1 districts. Land Use and Development Ordinance (Chapter 50) revisions allow restaurants with over 20 seats to have drive-in facilities as a conditional use. • Permit C-1 uses in the C-2 (Auto Retail) district, to improve economic prospects of M.L. King Jr. Boulevard. • Re-zone Muir’s-Berkeley tract and M.L. King Jr. Boulevard from City Hall Plaza to Lincoln St. as redevelopment areas. • Designating a second C-2 district with cumulative C-1 uses on eastern Central Avenue. In the long term this could replace the existing C-2 district along M.L. King Jr. Boulevard, which could be converted to conventional commercial and institutional uses. • Re-zone South Harrison Street as R-4 from Highland Street to the southern city limits.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 4 Orth-Rodgers & Associates • Re-zone RO (Large Volume Residence and Office) districts occupied by stores on Central Avenue to C-3 (Large Volume Business). • Allow community residences for developmentally disabled and shelters for victims of domestic violence in all residential districts, per state law. • Permit greater variation in townhouse design. • Create Mixed Use districts for Dodd Street and Sanford Street, which are both currently home to a wide variety of uses. Part of the designated area along Dodd Street was rezoned to be included in an IND-1 district; zoning for the remainder of these areas was unchanged, based upon further studies and input from East Orange professionals.
Non-Implemented Recommendations • Allow accessory apartments in the R-1 district; they should be confined to oldest and largest homes in neighborhoods, where illegal conversions have typically occurred. • Consider R-2 zoning for Ampere Parkway if the number of multi-family apartments grows. • Restrict undeveloped land along the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad right-of-way to conservation and recreation uses. Much of the land is now in private hands, and recreation or open space use is now unlikely.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The section on industrial uses in the zoning ordinance needs to be updated to eliminate antiquated references and to address “new technology” light industrial uses. • Adoption of design standards, especially those relative to parking and landscaping, and façade standards for new construction within the non- redevelopment area is also recommended. • The Master Plan should be updated to reflect the significant activity the City has undertaken in designating redevelopment areas, and in moving ahead with implementation of the redevelopment plans. • The City should re-consider the issue of making accessory apartments a permitted or conditional use in residential districts, since illegal conversions regularly occur now. By recognizing accessory apartments as an approved use, the City could better regulate these conversions. • Particularly within Wards 4 and 5, there has been a proliferation of non- conforming uses in recent years. The Zoning Ordinance should be revisited to address this issue. • The City should revisit the bulk standards for its residential districts, to ensure that setbacks, lot coverage and other standards are consistent with the City’s vision. • The City should consider developing minimum gross floor area standards for residential dwellings by district.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 5 Orth-Rodgers & Associates HOUSING
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 The 1990 Master Plan presented the following objectives: • Rehabilitate 200 homes a year through public funds from federal and state sources, and facilitate the private purchase and unaided improvement of an equal number of units. • Change the public image of East Orange. After rehabilitation, housing should be offered for sale, or rented to a mixed-income clientele. • Ensure an equal distribution of the benefits of improved housing; the housing policy should be aimed primarily at existing residents. • Concentrate on housing rehabilitation rather than new construction. • Anchor the single-family neighborhoods, through improved services and changing circulation system. • Stabilize rental housing. • Tailor rehabilitation and improvement programs to specific neighborhood needs. • Market East Orange neighborhoods, perhaps by targeting employees of local institutions. • Build public-private cooperation, using public incentives where appropriate. Offer services such as construction and mortgage financing and marketing assistance, and added sanitation and police services. • Coordinate all housing improvement efforts.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes since 1990 The City normally rehabilitates between 20 to 80 homes per year through HUD, CDBG and Home Investment Partnership Program funding. The goal of rehabilitating 200 homes per year, as indicated in the 1990 Master Plan, appears too ambitious given the City’s resources. Due to increased costs for lead abatement in homes, East Orange was able to rehabilitate only 21 homes in 2003.
The City also has an active multi-family (5+ units) rehabilitation and new construction program. An 11-unit rehabilitation project was completed on Fourth Avenue, and a 96 new rental unit project was completed on M.L. King Jr. Boulevard in 2003. Phase II of Brick Church, with 104 new rental units, will be completed in 2005.
The Division of Neighborhood Housing & Revitalization is focused on maintaining the affordability of homes for seniors and city residents while recruiting new young professionals and families. A discontinued HUD program which offered loan assistance to young professionals earning less than 120% of the median area income may be reestablished in the near future. The involvement of these young families in community affairs would be particularly beneficial. In addition, the effort to bring in young families would be greatly added by the presence of a good school system.
Over 40% of the 1 to 3 residential unit structures within the City are owned by senior citizens. Most requests for emergency assistance are made by seniors, and the City is thus exploring options for enabling seniors to better maintain their homes, or to sell them
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 6 Orth-Rodgers & Associates if desired. One of the major challenges within the City is to provide appropriate housing for this segment of the population.
A Housing Market Analysis report, prepared in 2003 for the city, indicated the need for townhouses due to the growing number of empty-nesters plus those experiencing a changing lifestyle.
The Neighborhood Housing and Revitalization office has initiated a marketing strategy to retain East Orange residents, as well as broaden the housing market to appeal to persons employed in the greater New York area, and target housing for artists in the North Walnut/Lower M.L. King Jr. Boulevard redevelopment areas. This program is one example of how the city is trying to shape its identity and improve its public image, in line with the goals of the 1990 Plan.
East Orange has also worked toward achieving the 1990 Plan goal of increased homeownership through its Homebuyers program, where financial institutions work closely with potential homebuyers earning less than 80 percent of the median area income. In 2004-2005, the City expects to use $350,000 for the Homebuyer program. The consumers who participate in this program are eligible to receive up to $10,000 for down payment or closing costs on a new home. The City projects to assist 30 to 35 homebuyers a year.
The City continues to respond to maintenance issues raised by different neighborhoods, ranging from street repairs to rodent control.
The Isaiah House, one of the City’s three certified Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) provides services to the homeless and has established a “rent-to- own” housing program in the Greenwood Redevelopment Area/Ampere Section of the City.
The Princeton Street Neighborhood Reinvestment Action Plan is a development project implemented by Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Inc. (HANDS). An element of this plan is the maintenance of the block between Central Avenue and Clifford Street. The plan includes four new single-family detached homes on vacant properties and substantial rehabilitation of two homes on Princeton Street, new landscaping, and road repair.
L. N. Forbes Foundation, Inc., a CHDO, is partnering with a for-profit developer to complete construction of four units on Princeton Street.
The St. Matthews Neighborhood Improvement Development Association (NIDA), another CHDO within East Orange, will be building six new homes near the East Orange/Orange border on Bergen Street.
The City has also identified those abandoned structures that can be rehabilitated, including those which may be of interest to private developers. This may be difficult to accomplish for market-rate housing in marginal neighborhoods, particularly in the
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 7 Orth-Rodgers & Associates absence of property tax abatements and other incentives and without waivers of parking standards. However, the City has streamlined the development approval process and waived development fees to draw the investment of private developers for market-rate housing. In addition, every other month the City holds a property auction of foreclosed properties within the City. In 2003, the City generated $4 million in revenue from the sale of such properties.
The Greenwood Redevelopment Area has proven difficult to stabilize. Many lots are only 25 feet wide. The vacant properties are significant fire hazards and attract squatters and drug users. Because the homes in this area are so close together, fires can spread to adjacent occupied properties. The City conducted a redevelopment study in 2002 for this neighborhood and purchased many lots within the study area. Phase I recommended various rehabilitation activities and Phase II identified 50-60 lots for rehabilitation and new construction.
The Division of Neighborhood Housing & Revitalization is seeking to establish a Unified Relocation Plan to integrate state and federal programs and provide assistance for families who need relocation due to lead abatement, school construction projects, or as part of a redevelopment activity.
The City is also working on a Homeless Policy and a Comprehensive Emergency Assistance System (CEAS) to address overcrowding, grandparents taking care of grandchildren and homeless persons.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • Revising the rent control ordinance should be a greater emphasis in the Master Plan. The ordinance is increasingly perceived as an obstacle to increasing and improving the supply of market-rate housing in East Orange. Developers have little incentive to improve their properties when the rent does not provide sufficient income to cover the costs of rehabilitation and the normal operating costs of the structure. While the rent control ordinance does provide for vacancy decontrol, this is only operative when an entire apartment building is vacant and rehabilitated, effectively discouraging those developers that wish to keep a number of units occupied in order to maintain a minimum cash flow. • The problem of rehabilitating or demolishing abandoned housing is not unique to the Greenwood Redevelopment Area. Other areas have also been threatened with destabilization by abandoned structures. Rapid foreclosure and turnover of the housing stock are needed to address these problems. Demolition of abandoned and dilapidated housing is particularly appropriate for those neighborhoods where the current density is seen as excessive in light of current planning goals. This is consistent with the 1990 Master Plan, which states that the city population should be permitted to experience attrition. • In response to the City’s aging population, there is a need for reasonably priced, market rate housing with smaller yards with low home maintenance. The City is working to address this issue by providing housing advisory boards, such as the one in Greenwood Redevelopment Area. As one of its main goals, the advisory board provides on-going maintenance assistance. Other ways the City can aid
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 8 Orth-Rodgers & Associates the aging population is to partnering with local banks to provide low-equity loans, refinancing assistance, as well as assistance in rehabilitating, maintaining or selling the homes. • Although maintaining the city’s financial health is imperative, the use of tax incentives should be considered for those properties in neighborhoods where private redevelopment is unlikely or difficult.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 The 1990 Master Plan recognized that the economic base of East Orange is “very fragile,” noting that the manufacturing, office and retail sectors of the local economy had suffered since World War II. The unemployment rate in East Orange had consistently exceeded county and state averages. While the loss of manufacturing jobs is common to all regions of the country, much could be done to revive the office and retail sectors in East Orange.
The Plan made the following recommendations: • Stabilize the manufacturing sector by retaining existing concerns and attracting small-scale start-up operations. Efforts should concentrate upon Manufacturer’s Village and other underused spaces. • Form a cohesive retail core that will entice residents and daytime workers to spend more of their money locally. A SID should be designated for the Central- Evergreen section. (This has been established since the 1990 Master Plan). • Retain existing offices and draw a significant amount of spillover from the Newark business renaissance. A Small Business Development Assistance unit should be established, and an ombudsman appointed to help retain existing tenants. Small amounts of office space should be added in renovated structures. • Establish a working relationship between the public and private sectors to address planning, education and funding issues.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes since 1990 The manufacturing sector in East Orange remains modest in size. The city has experienced some success in attracting small-scale operations through the rehabilitation of the Manufacturer’s Village Complex, which is currently 80% occupied.
A Retail Market Analysis was prepared for the City in May 2002. The study noted that the city is viewed as a regional center and can expand retail sales with an appropriate redevelopment strategy. The study also indicated that East Orange merchants sell to only 22% of its residents. In order to increase marketability, the report recommended catering to the City’s mature adults, since they represent a large untapped population. The report also noted that many of the City’s residents shop for groceries in communities outside of East Orange. The report recommended incorporating a new grocery store as part of any future development.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 9 Orth-Rodgers & Associates A major step was taken to strengthen the retail core through the designation of an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in 1998. The City’s Urban Enterprise Zone Strategic Plan proposed a five-year plan for the revitalization of the City’s commercial and industrial areas. The UEZ includes neighborhoods throughout the city, and thus has great potential for revitalizing not only retail districts, but the city as a whole. UEZ designation has yielded over $600,000 in funding for the city, with the following projects completed: • Install streetscape and façade improvements on M.L. King Jr. Boulevard between the City Hall and Lincoln Street. • Purchase of eight three-wheeled “scooters” for the police to use in patrolling the downtown business district. • Purchase of marketing materials to promote the downtown. • Demolition of deteriorated buildings within the Rutledge redevelopment area.
The following objectives have been identified for the 2004 Fiscal Year, pursuant to the 1999 UEZ Strategic Plan and the Five-Year Zone Development Plan for 2000 – 2005: • Central Avenue Revitalization Plan - Streetscape improvements, a parking plan and a canopy/façade improvements. • Central Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project - New sidewalks, streetlights, street trees and curbs. • Ampere Business District Revitalization Plan - A streetscape improvement plan. • Ampere Business Streetscape Improvement Project - Streetscape improvement to the Ampere Business District including sidewalks, streetlights, street trees and curbs as recommended in the Ampere Revitalization Plan. • M.L. King Jr. Boulevard Special Improvement District - UEZ and SID Grants to undertake a M.L. King Jr. Boulevard SID feasibility study. • Ampere Business Improvement District - Undertake an Ampere BID feasibility study.
The City is considering creating an Economic Development Corporation to administer the UEZ program.
Once known as the Fifth Avenue of New Jersey and the insurance capital of the northeast, the Central Avenue Business District and the streets that feed into it have suffered from the migration of big businesses to the suburbs. To help revitalize the area, in 2003, a Business Improvement District (BID) was established for Central Avenue. Its main priorities include security, cleanliness and marketing.
The City is also considering the establishment of several additional BIDs: Lower and Upper M.L. King Jr. Boulevard, and some smaller BIDs within the commercial niches of residential districts. The City received Smart Growth grant funds to help revitalize the Lower M.L. King Jr. Boulevard. The future vision for this area includes a performing arts district (part of the demonstration project with school construction) with mixed use, artist housing/studios, walk of fame streetscape and sidewalk and murals.
Merchants of the Central Avenue Mall comprise the most active business association in East Orange. The City plans to improve the appearance of the Central Avenue business district through implementation of a streetscape and façade improvement program
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 10 Orth-Rodgers & Associates through UEZ funding. The Central Avenue Mall continues to experience more success than other retail districts in drawing new tenants. East Orange residents have expressed the desire for a greater diversity of retail uses, including the addition of family restaurants and women’s clothing stores. Some of the busiest retail uses now include Youth World, men’s clothing stores, and shoe stores.
The retail district along M.L. King Jr. Boulevard is also positioned for growth. The Brick Church Plaza shopping center is fully leased and its tenants have been successful in attracting customers, although loitering in this area is seen as problematic and the façade and streetscape need to be renovated. Across M.L. King Jr. Boulevard from Brick Church Plaza, development of the Muir’s-Berkeley site offers significant potential for expanding retail activity. Commercial uses occupy 28,000 square feet on the ground floor of this development, with four stories of residential apartments on the upper floors. Residential parking is located under the building and surface retail parking space is located in the rear of the facility. Several retail tenants currently occupy the site including Fleet Bank, Elegant Eyes, Contours Express, and Tunde Dada, a local family restaurant.
The Ampere Merchants Association is no longer active. Although two new retail uses recently opened, the Ampere commercial strip continues to be in need of rehabilitation. The New Way of Life, a Muslim organization, has shown interest in redeveloping the neighborhood. The City recently received funding for a feasibility study to evaluate the reopening of the train station which was closed in the 1960s. This area is also the subject of a BID feasibility study.
The Sussex Avenue Mall is in a dilapidated condition, with the most prominent space occupied by a boarded-up Foodtown that has been vacant since the early 1990’s. The Mall is more isolated than other retail areas of the city and it will be difficult to redevelop in the absence of other neighborhood improvements. The East Orange Housing Authority received $1.0 million in HUD Hope VI funds to demolish the Arcadian Gardens public housing development across Sussex Avenue, and replace it with more attractive and lower density housing. Such housing would serve to stabilize the neighborhood while providing the consumer base for a greater variety of retail and services. Redevelopment within this area will include the Sussex Avenue Mall.
Evergreen Place remains a focus for plans to revitalize the office sector in East Orange. There is approximately one million square feet of vacant office space in the city, much of it in this district. The City applied for, but did not receive, a Cyberdistrict grant from the State to explore the potential for bringing high technology companies into this area.
In 2002, a Phase I area investigation report and plan were prepared for the Evergreen Area which identified future uses including a hotel and convention center, office space and supplemental retail uses. The goal of bringing non-fast food restaurants into the district has not yet been achieved. Given the available infrastructure and its proximity to I-280, Garden State Parkway and the Brick Church Train Station, this district is a prime redevelopment location.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 11 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Recent Consolidated Plans prepared by East Orange for HUD have been unanimous in stating that the current parking ordinance acts as an obstacle to development in the city. The UEZ Strategic Plan prepared in 1998 also highlights the dissatisfaction of East Orange residents with parking in the business districts. There are concerns about the maintenance and security of existing parking areas.
The issue of parking takes on a different character in the different parts of the city, for both existing and proposed development. There is perceived to be a lack of parking along M.L. King Jr. Boulevard. A greater supply of parking is available along the Central Avenue Mall district, but many patrons are reluctant to use parking lots behind stores due to security concerns. As called for in the 1990 Master Plan, a parking study was prepared for this district (discussed in greater detail under Transportation). A large number of businesses throughout the city lack adequate on-street parking. Developers and new business owners often find it difficult to impossible to comply with parking requirements.
The City is also looking to evaluate parking for the Brick Church area.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • Economic development should remain a top priority for the City. The ability to carry out the recommendations made in the other chapters in the Master Plan depends to a significant degree on the ability of the City to foster growth and improve its revenue flow. • The City should expand its retail sales to cater to its large mature adult population. • The City should also seek to incorporate a new grocery store as part of any new development. • To assist in the downtown revitalization process, the Lower and Upper M.L. King Jr. BIDs, as well as the Ampere BID, should be adopted. • Two strategies cited in the 2000-2005 Consolidated Plan merit strong consideration for future strategic planning in East Orange. One such strategy would involve the designation of an Urban Complex. An Urban Complex requires the participation of a state-designated Urban Center (i.e., Newark) and at least one other neighboring municipality, such as Orange or Irvington. This strategy would involve East Orange preparing a Strategic Revitalization Plan with other neighboring municipalities. A number of benefits would accrue to East Orange from such designation, with priority given to redevelopment and affordable housing projects. A second strategy involves the preparation of Neighborhood Empowerment Plans, which would be prepared by neighborhood councils with assistance from the Department of Community Affairs and other State agencies through the Urban Coordinating Council. These neighborhoods would benefit from technical and funding assistance. • East Orange should continue to investigate means of visually integrating the Brick Church Shopping Plaza with the new commercial development at Dr. King Plaza, and with the Brick Church train station and the Evergreen Place office district to the south.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 12 Orth-Rodgers & Associates • The East Orange Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course with a four-star restaurant. The facility offers an opportunity to serve as an economic development tool as a source of revenue and marketing. The main drawback for City residents is the lack of public transportation to the facility.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 Many structures in East Orange date from 1865 to 1930, marking the period when the city developed most rapidly. The Art Deco commercial district along Central Avenue was developed between 1920 and 1930, and became a popular shopping destination for the region.
The 1990 Master Plan made three specific recommendations for preserving the many historical resources in the city: • Update the East Orange Historic Survey completed in 1981, and perform a more detailed analysis of the significance of historic structures of all types in the city. Map all buildings over 50 years old and install special markers to indicate historic sites. • Enact an historic preservation ordinance to protect historic structures and pursue nomination of structures that already meet the eligibility requirements for listing on the State and National Historic Registers. • Encourage rehabilitation and reuse of historic structures by including historical preservation agreements in private development plans and considering tax incentives for approved rehabilitation projects. Acquire significant historic properties when other alternatives are exhausted.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 No further study of historic properties has been undertaken since the writing of the 1990 Master Plan, and an historic preservation ordinance has not been adopted.
Several sites have been determined to be eligible for the State Register of Historic Places since the 1990 Master Plan. These include the: • Arlington Avenue Presbyterian Church • Bakery Village • East Orange Main Post Office • Elmwood Avenue Historic District • Garden State Parkway Historic District • Maple Avenue Footbridge • Old Main Delaware • Lackawanna and Western Railroad Historic District • Parkway Arches.
The Ward Ambrose Mansion, also known as the Knapp's Colonial Home is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The Black United Fund purchased the property and has been restoring the Mansion to be used as its New Jersey headquarters.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 13 Orth-Rodgers & Associates
Most properties that were recommended for protection are still in existence. However, the Grove Street and Ampere train stations, which were identified in the 1990 Master Plan as specific targets for rehabilitation, have both been demolished. In addition, the Old Main at Upsala College has been demolished. New Jersey Transit has made significant improvements to the Brick Church train station and to the East Orange station since 1990.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The Master Plan should identify key structures that have been improperly converted without regard to their architectural/historical significance. Efforts should be made to restore these buildings closer to their original appearance. • The Master Plan should be updated to reflect changes in the status of some historic structures, such as the demolished train stations. The Plan should have a renewed emphasis on nominating properties for the State and National Historic Registers, including thematic nominations of churches, pre-war apartment and institutional buildings. • The most effective means of protecting historic structures would be the adoption of an historic preservation ordinance. Such an ordinance would provide protection for buildings threatened by private and public action, while nomination to the State and National Historic Registers would only protect properties threatened by state- or federally-funded projects. • The Master Plan should further emphasize incentives that may be used to encourage renovation of older non-residential structures. For example, a targeted program could assist property owners in rehabilitating storefronts along the historic Central Avenue Mall. Since most of the important commercial areas of the city are included in the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) that was established in East Orange in 1998, funding opportunities through that program should be investigated as means to preserve significant commercial structures. • Amending the rent control policy in order to stimulate the renovation of high- quality prewar apartment buildings may be a step toward fulfilling a number of the City’s goals. Allowing property owners to gain a greater profit after major rehabilitation efforts would encourage the preservation of these structures while creating a wider selection of housing choices in the city.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Education Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 Foremost in importance for the East Orange public schools was to implement the planned 6-year, $76 million capital facilities program. The program was designed to substantially improve all public schools in the city by the mid-1990s. The Plan also advocated increased use of state education aid and increased interaction with the private sector to enhance educational opportunities.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 14 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 In 1994, the School District initiated a “Unique Schools of Choice” program, intended to give all students a choice in attending schools with certain themes: two examples of theme schools are the George Washington Carver Institute for Science & Technology, and the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Academy for Legal Studies and Community Services. The themed school program has resulted in a rise in standardized test scores and five of the schools have earned nationally recognized awards.
The East Orange School District is moving ahead with its plans for improvement in capital facilities, as called for in the 1990 Master Plan. In its Education Programs Summary (November 20, 1998), the School District describes planned projects: • Althea Gibson Early Education Center (now constructed); • Renovation of Clifford Scott High School for 9th grade students; • Classroom additions at three elementary schools; • Barrier-free and lighting upgrades at all elementary schools; • Relocation of the Alternative School to the existing 4th Avenue Elementary School; • Wahlstrom Hall Early Childhood Education Center (has opened in a renovated facility on the former Upsala College Campus); • East Orange Campus High School for students in grades 10-12 (new construction and alteration of the former Upsala College which is under construction; to be opened in the Fall of 2002); and, • Conversion of East Orange High School into two elementary schools (to be completed after the new high school is opened).
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The need remains for continued involvement of the school system with the private sector; such an involvement will encourage greater success of the students outside the classroom. • The themed schools program, which has proven effective in stimulating student involvement, should continue and expand. The school district should tailor the themes to hew to new skills in established professions, as well as emerging professions. • The quality of the schools continues to be critical in the effort to redevelop East Orange, as it is one of the most significant factors in the choice of families in relocating.
Fire Department Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 The 1990 Master Plan emphasized the importance of the Fire Department in East Orange, where high population density coupled with the preponderance of older buildings creates increased fire risk. Recommendations for the East Orange Fire Department focused on siting fire stations in a manner that allows for the best response time and the best distribution of equipment. The Plan also gave priority to reinstating the Department’s rescue squad, renovating its training tower, expanding the preventive inspection program, and choosing the best option in implementing a 911 system.
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Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 The number of fire calls and mutual aid calls has increased significantly since 1990. During 2003 alone, the Fire Department responded to 6,300 calls. Although this represents an increase over recent years, staffing levels are down from 198 in 1990 to 171 at present. The state suggested that the City undergo a reorganization to increase the number of civilian employees and reduce the number of captains. As a result, the Department has made a concerted effort to create as many civilian jobs as possible.
Recent capital requests have funded two new pumpers and a ladder truck. In addition, diesel exhaust systems were installed in all fire stations, and major repairs were conducted at the main station. The need to upgrade equipment is on-going since many of the stations were built in the 1970s, and much of the equipment is dated. The need to repair the training tower, while noted in the past, is no longer a critical concern because training now occurs at the Middlesex County Fire Academy. Since 1990, the rescue squad has been reestablished and Station 4 at 410 Springdale Avenue was permanently closed. While the fire chief does not believe response times have been negatively affected by the closure, space is more limited due to combining several companies into one building.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The Department should continue to hire civilian workers as dispatchers, and training, payroll, secretarial and public relations staff. • The city should continue to explore increased fire safety educational programs, fire inspection programs, and enforcement as a means to reduce the number of emergency calls and thus the demand on the fire department. • The Department has been involved in a study to implement a regional communication center and is interested in continuing discussion of a reciprocal agreement related to fire dispatch. • The fire chief recommends that a strategic long term plan be prepared for the Department that would coincide with City’s long term vision.
Health Care Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 The Plan recommended maintaining 1990 levels of health care service while focusing attention on areas of special need in East Orange, including drug abuse treatment, AIDS treatment, and pediatric and prenatal care. The Plan also suggested undertaking recruiting efforts to attract private physicians to the city and expanding the department’s physical facilities.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 Health care services are now administered by the Health Division of the Health and Human Services Department, after a reorganization in 2000. The focus of the Health Division has shifted since 1990 from AIDS and drug abuse to general public health issues, with emphasis on infants, children, and seniors. Since 1990, the Department has expanded to include the following divisions: employee training, senior services, nutrition,
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 16 Orth-Rodgers & Associates and weights and measures. Measures undertaken to improve the efficiency and cost- effectiveness of the division include contracting out laboratory work and animal control. There has been a reduced relationship recently with East Orange General Hospital; the city is working to reestablish this connection. The Health and Human Services Department offices are not consolidated; space constraints and ADA compliance are concerns for a couple of the sites.
In addition, the City has received a Health and Human Services Federal Grant to create access points throughout the City for residents to receive health services, and to access information.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The Health Division should undertake a comprehensive study of health care needs in the city, including the exploration of options for securing adequate office space and making services more efficient. • The City should pursue locating all health offices in one space, possibly in the current police station if the police department is relocated.
Libraries Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 The primary concerns for East Orange’s library system in 1990 were declining circulation and budgetary concerns that led to curtailed operating hours at the branches. The 1990 Master Plan recommended efforts be made to increase usage of all four libraries and to bolster the branches.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 The most significant change since 1990 has been the comprehensive computerization of the library system. A system that controls all library functions from book checkout to ordering of new materials to security has been installed in all City libraries. Computer stations and laboratories are available to patrons to access the library’s catalog, electronic journals and databases, the Internet, and word processing software. Fears expressed in the 1990 Master Plan that computerization would actually decrease library use because patrons are accustomed to personal service have not been realized; computer use has increased dramatically. The library’s director sees the library’s role as a full-service community center due to the wide range of programs for all age groups.
A Strategic Plan was prepared in 2002 which identified the Library mission, its goals and objectives, and an action plan. Some of the goals include: • To utilize existing facilities, at the main library and at the branches, at a level that will enhance service provisions to current patrons and attract new patrons. • To insure that the library remains an integral part of the community services and is aligned with the City’s current and future plans. • To enhance current programs and develop new program components in order to better serve the various populations utilizing library services.
A Master Plan to discuss renovations and operational issues is underway.
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In 2003, the Ampere Library benefited from renovations including new lights, tiling and ceiling, in conjunction with the new computer laboratory and HVAC system. Future renovations for Ampere branch include electrical service upgrade, rehabilitation of second floor meeting room, new front door and ADA access to the second floor Renovations for the main library are targeted for Fall 2004; these include a new roof, ADA-compliant doors, flooring replacement of the second floor lobby, lighting upgrades, a second floor quiet study room. Future renovations for both the Elmwood and Franklin branches include lighting upgrades, electrical service upgrades and a computer lab.
Just recently, East Orange City was awarded a $50,000 Livable Communities Grant for local library aid. With its grant, East Orange City will replace the existing elevator to meet ADA requirements, and will install new technology including a hydraulic lift, guide rollers and rails, door sensor and closing system, control system and emergency call system.
Lack of funding and staffing has caused the elimination of Sunday hours at all library locations.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The East Orange Library should build upon its impressive record of recruiting external funding through grants, corporate associations, and private donations. • The City should continue to identify and apply for governmental grant funding for additional library programs. • The City should also continue to provide funding to the library for additional physical improvements and to allow staffing to meet the increasing demand that accompanies the library’s widened scope of services. • The library’s exterior appearance should be enhanced with greater landscaping and lighting. Greater parking lot security is also needed.
Police Department Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 Because high crime rates were perceived to be a primary concern by city residents, increased efficiency and presence of the East Orange Police Department was a priority for the city. The chief recommendation in the 1990 Master Plan was upgrading or replacing the inadequately sized police station, which was built in the late 1920s. Further recommendations in the Plan included staffing issues such as the creation of a crime analysis unit and hiring of more civilian employees for office work. The Plan also encouraged establishing reciprocal agreements with neighboring jurisdictions, constructing a firing range, and implementing a community-based policing system.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 The crime rate in East Orange has followed a national trend in decreasing since 1990. At the same time, the number of police officers in East Orange increased, from 231 in 1989 to 282 in 2004. Civilian employees have taken over some tasks carried out by officers in
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 18 Orth-Rodgers & Associates 1990, including enforcement of the overnight parking ban, taking of minor police reports, and assistance within the communications, records and identification bureau. These changes allow police officers to spend more time on patrols.
Since 1996, the goal of implementing a 911 system has been met. In addition, new “Enforcer” computer software used by the Department produces crime statistics and allows officers to analyze crime patterns. Police substations were instituted for a short time, but have been discontinued; the Department felt the stations were not an efficient use of manpower or money. Efforts at community-based policing, however, have been successful. Officers are assigned to specific zones within the city and tend to become more familiar with the area they patrol. In addition, community programs have been implemented to aid the community through crime watch, block and tenant associations and through the chamber of commerce and business associations. The Department has reciprocal agreements with all neighboring municipalities and engages in common border patrols with the Newark Police Department. The Essex-Union Auto Theft Task Force has been successful in reducing the rate of grand theft auto in the city.
Finally, the Department has been utilizing federal Cops in the School Grant funds and Board of Education funds in order to dedicate 20 officers to the policing of schools. The Department has also utilized UEZ funding to purchase scooters for patrols, and it has received Local Law Enforcement Development Block Grants for equipment and federal grants for technical assistance.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The principal concern of the Department at this point still remains the poor physical condition of the current police station. The City has purchased 15 South Mann Avenue, directly across from Municipal Court, for a new state-of-the-art police headquarters facility. Construction of this facility began in 2003. • Many merchants, residents and local officials in East Orange remain interested in the concept of police substations. If concerns about the inefficiency of substations cannot be resolved, alternative steps should be taken to address the desire of these groups for a more constant police presence in different neighborhoods. • Finally, the department is looking to add another 20 police officers, to provide a full strength level of service.
Public Welfare Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 Recommendations in the Plan focused on increasing the efficiency of the Public Welfare Department by hiring additional caseworkers and by either renovating its current location or by moving the Department to a better equipped and less costly city-owned location.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 At the end of 2002, the City’s Public Welfare Department closed; welfare services are now handled by the Essex County Department of Citizen Services and Welfare. This
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 19 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Department provides general public assistance and temporary services, ranging from basic emergency services to long-term case management. The Division provides assistance to TANF, GA and ABAWD clients, offers food stamp, provides Medicaid assessment and referral, and offers temporary assistance for needy families and emergency assistance/ shelter. Job training is now under the County’s Department of Economic Development, Training and Employment and the Department of Citizen Services. This department provides a number of social service, economic development and workforce development services.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The City should pursue successful partnerships with local businesses in an effort to provide needed jobs to city welfare recipients.
Public Works Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 The Public Works Department suffered from a lack of funding and understaffing at the time of the 1990 Master Plan. Recommendations included increasing staffing so that preventive maintenance could be resumed and implementing a planned capital program that would improve the 90-year-old sewer system and include various street, railroad underpasses, and parking lot construction projects. The Plan also advocated working with the City of Newark to reduce border flooding problems and investigating outside funding sources.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 Since 1990, a major reorganization has taken place; sanitary sewer service is under the control of the Water Department and parks is under the Recreation Department. The Department continues to be severely understaffed. In 1990, Public Works had only 149 employees despite an authorization for 240. Today, the department has only 60 employees. Several major activities have taken place since the writing of the 1990 Master Plan, including widening and beautification of South Harrison Street and the widening of Prospect Street to make travel easier for both cars and buses. Several streetscape and sidewalk improvement projects are currently underway, utilizing ISTEA, UEZ, and DOT funds.
In 2001, the city created a pilot program for street pavement repair and sealing. Last year, 33 streets were included in the program.
The Public Works Department has made excellent progress toward recycling goals. The goal of reaching a recycling rate of 25% was quickly met. Despite the large increase in the use of plastics, the city is near or exceeding the 1999 goal of a 60% recycling rate. The recycling program was expanded to include large apartment buildings in 1988. The city’s solid waste disposal costs have dropped considerably, from $102/ton as reported in the 1990 Master Plan to $76/ton in 2004.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 20 Orth-Rodgers & Associates • The Public Works staff has been severely depleted since 1990. Increasing employees would allow more preventative maintenance to be performed and would save the city money in the long term. • A plan for systematic sidewalk repairs, a long-standing need, should be developed and implemented with a consistent funding source.
PUBLIC UTILITIES Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 The 1990 Master Plan included the following goals for solid waste management and recycling, water supply, and stormwater and sanitary sewer: • Increasing the recycling rate to meet and then exceed the goals set in the Essex County Recycling Plan, and involving large apartment buildings in the recycling process. • Continuing water conservation measures until the status of the future supply of water from the city’s watershed is determined. • Carrying out capital improvements such as replacement of lead pipes, rehabilitation of well fields, and the reconstruction of the aging sewer system. • Expanding stormwater sewer service to all parts of the city, reducing urban run- off pollution, and developing a regional stormwater management program.
Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 Several significant changes have occurred in the organization of public utilities since 1990. Over the past several years, the Water Department has entered into agreements with some neighboring municipalities to manage their water service. Some of these agreements were quickly discontinued, as follows:
Service agreements: • 1994 – service begins to South Orange • 1997 – service begins to Orange, Harrison, and Kearny • 2001 – service to Kearny and Harrison ended • 2003 – service to Orange ended
Staffing of the Water Department has fluctuated with the number of communities being served. Staff peaked at 118 in the 1990s and currently consists of approximately 55 employees. The Water Department is currently updating its Capital Improvement Plan. As a part of that process, the Department is reprioritizing capital projects and revising its capital budget.
The water levels, while previously recorded as diminishing, have increased. The City has received approval from NJDEP to build two additional dry wells to store and transport water into East Orange. The Department is evaluating whether the existing infrastructure can handle the additional flow. If necessary, the City will need to investigate alternative water sources, such as New Jersey American and the City of Newark.
Several capital improvement goals have recently been met by the Water Department. Redevelopment of well fields was completed in the summer of 2000. Replacement and
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 21 Orth-Rodgers & Associates maintenance of valves and hydrants have taken place as a part of routine cleaning and lining activities and the Department anticipates redoing all inspections within a two year period to ensure an overall level of service. The Department is in the final stages of installing an electronic monitoring system to allow remote control of readings at all pump stations, well fields, reservoirs, and pump facilities. It is anticipated that this system will be in place in 2005. As part of these improvements, the Department will redistribute its electrical supply to the well fields and pump house; install cell towers to ensure a wireless communication network; upgrade the security at the wellfields and plants; and install a new radio read system to increase accuracy and speed in the recording and billing process.
Sanitary sewer service and stormwater sewers are now under the jurisdiction of the Water Department. Within the past five years, the City has undergone a major project to clean and replace its sewer system. Several sewer lines that were broken have been replaced, and sewer lines have been relined throughout the City.
While the City’s sanitary flow is treated by three sources, the majority goes to Newark and the Passaic Valley Treatment facilities. The City’s agreement with Newark began in 1919. In order to measure the flow into Newark, the City is looking to install water vaults throughout the city.
The City is also in the process of updating its stormwater system to be consistent with the State’s new stormwater legislation. The Department is acquiring equipment to perform routine maintenance throughout the city to reduce inflow into the sanitary sewer basins.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The two major priorities for the Water Department in the near future are to implement an overall equipment maintenance and replacement program to ensure that the equipment is up-to-date, and to ensure that the stormwater system is consistent with state regulations. • While groundwater is currently not an issue, if development continues at a steady pace, the City may have to acquire water from alternative sources.
TRANSPORTATION Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 Objectives outlined in the 1990 Master Plan focused on improving quality of life for East Orange residents. The recommendations included: • Using East Orange’s excellent access to major highways, train lines, and the Newark Airport as a marketing asset to attract both businesses and residents. • Rehabilitating the city’s train stations to make them more appealing and to attract businesses that might rely on commuting employees. • Improving circulation among important centers in the city and using this to enhance the commercial economy. • Protecting residential areas from traffic-related nuisances. • Improving maintenance of streets • Enhancing traffic safety.
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Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 East Orange has worked to capitalize on its access to major transportation facilities and hopes to achieve an integrated transportation program, including rail and bus.
An active senior transportation program is run through the City’s Senior Services department. A jitney service like that suggested in the 1990 Master Plan was implemented for a short time in the summer of 1999. The jitneys were frequently out of service for repairs, and the service was discontinued. The City is considering the reinstallation of the service, especially near major activity centers including the train stations.
East Orange is no longer served by New Jersey Transit’s Montclair Branch, a consequence of two of the city’s four train stations, Ampere and Grove Street, being demolished since 1990. The Brick Church station, however, has been significantly renovated and serves as an important anchor to the Brick Church shopping district. The station also provides Midtown Direct service. Renovations on the East Orange station, adjacent to East Orange City Hall and the Main Street shopping district, are scheduled to be completed in 2005. Due to redevelopment within the area, the City is seeking a feasibility study to evaluate the reconstruction of Ampere Station funded by UEZ. The two active train stations have the potential to anchor transit friendly development, and the potential for Transit Village status should be explored.
In 2004, a Central Avenue Parking and Arcade Demolition Study was completed. The report indicated that the removal of the Central Avenue Arcade and median strip provides an opportunity for enhancing on-street parking capacity, improved circulation and better utilization of existing capacity. Some of the report conclusions and recommendations are as follows: • On-street parking utilization along Central Avenue including cross streets ranges from 65 to 85 percent. Off-street parking utilization ranges from 45 to 60 percent. • While sufficient parking exists in the study area, parking lots behind stores are underutilized and in poor condition.
A parking study for the Ward 4 and the Greenwood Redevelopment Area section of Ward 5 is underway.
Since 1990, traffic calming has been installed on Prospect Street between Main and Williams Streets. The City has recently received NJDOT funding for a streetscape project on Prospect Street; this will include a pedestrian median and create a pedestrian mall atmosphere to capitalize on the proximity to bus transfer locations.
While no residential streets have been closed to traffic or reduced to one-way traffic as suggested in the Plan, parking of heavy vehicles on residential streets has been made illegal.
Other parking issues that should be examined include:
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 23 Orth-Rodgers & Associates • The role of the city’s parking ordinance in the development process. The study should consider whether city parking supply requirements have discouraged viable new developments in the city, and, if they have discouraged development, to what extent these requirements should be modified. • The city’s overnight on-street parking ban. Many residents are inconvenienced by the ban; concerns over business parking in residential neighborhoods, and street cleaning and other maintenance issues, can be addressed through imposing a resident parking permit program or alternative side street parking rules. Permitting overnight on-street parking would also make redevelopment efforts (particularly housing rehabilitation) much more feasible.
The City is the process of putting together a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to address road resurfacing and reconstruction, intersection improvements and ADA compliancy.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • East Orange should continue to promote the advantages of its location vis-à-vis major transportation facilities. • The city should be open to the possibility of running a shuttle from the train stations to major job centers and other locations. • Within the city, links between major commercial centers should be enhanced. • Parking is still a major concern in the city. The lack of overnight street parking leads to many residents parking cars in yards. The overnight parking ban should again be reconsidered and the possibility of instituting alternate side parking as a compromise might be explored. • More efficient management of parking lots near commercial and employment areas is another concern. • Given the increased funding available for communities designated as Transit Villages, the City should apply for Transit Village status. The City should also seek Smart Growth funding to prepare a Transit Village plan. • The City should consider a parking deck near the East Orange train station, in association with the School Demonstration project.
RECREATION
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 Parks and other recreational facilities are heavily used in East Orange. The 1990 Master Plan indicated that virtually all homes of the city were within the standard service radius of a city park. Objectives identified in the Plan include: • Identifying parcels of land that might be acquired for parks and open space. • Maximizing both internal and external funding opportunities. • Creating joint recreational programs with the public schools and private employers. • Encouraging design in park facilities that enhances safety, discourages vandalism, and increases park use.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 24 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Status of Problems and Objectives and Changes in Assumptions since 1990 There are eight parks and three outdoor pools scattered through the City. While there has not been an increase in either the number or size of parks since 1990, East Orange still possesses more park space than cities of similar size in New Jersey. More of a concern is securing enough funding to ensure the continuation of the city’s very strong recreational offerings, which rank among the best in the state.
The Department’s After School Program is particularly strong and has continued to expand; staff rotate on a daily basis to seven public school buildings to provide programs in numerous sports and activities such as sports, chess, cheerleading, drill team, and double Dutch. The Board of Education donates the use of their gyms and classrooms.
There was a golf program and co-ed flag football program, but both have ended due to budgetary constraints.
The city’s youth sports leagues are also very popular; there is strong demand from residents of neighboring communities to participate. The City’s baseball program, which includes Little League, T-Ball and Bath Ruth, has also expanded in the past years.
Since 1990, there has been a major upgrade of playground equipment at all parks. The recreation director indicated that the recreation facilities will undertake another major upgrade within the next two years funded through $800,000 in Green Acres funding. In 1999, the New Jersey Nets and other local celebrities sponsored a major refurbishment of a full-size basketball court at Oval Park. Lighting updates have also been carried out at the three parks with nighttime activities. The recreation director does not find vandalism to be a major problem in the parks. The recreation department fully participates in the city’s recycling program and frequent trash pickups are scheduled.
While the 1990 Master Plan emphasized increasing facilities, the focus of the recreation department has been to hiring sufficient, qualified staff to provide continuity in the department’s offerings.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The department continues to make an effort to bring the best possible staff, teachers and coaches to its programs. The recreation department should institute a systematic program to solicit external funding for its popular and successful programs, and should investigate means to increase the number of volunteers. • The department should also coordinate with the police department to reestablish bike patrols in the parks, a program that was very successful in reducing crime and vandalism in the summer of 1999. • The department would like to develop more programs for adults and all age groups. • Several programs, such as golf, football and weightlifting have ended due to budgetary constraints. The recreation department would like to reinstate as many of these programs as possible.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 25 Orth-Rodgers & Associates • East Orange Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 facility with a four-star restaurant. This facility is a good source of revenue for the city and it should be marketed appropriately. • The City should continue to obtain funding to provide equipment to cater to all age groups.
WARD PLANS The 1990 Master Plan made recommendations for each of the city’s five wards. Recommendations took the form of general policy suggestions as well as specific changes; all recommendations are outlined below in table form. Significant progress that has occurred or changes that have taken place since 1990 are noted in italics after each recommendation, where applicable.
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East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 27 Orth-Rodgers & Associates WARD 1
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 and Status and Changes since 1990 • The Plan singled out four single-family residential areas in Ward 1 as needing assistance in rehabilitating deteriorating properties: Doddtown, Schuyler Terrace, Brighton Avenue, and the mixed use neighborhood bounded by Dodd Street, Marcy Avenue, Prospect Street, and Meadow Street. Code enforcement and the use of CDBG and other funds were mentioned as methods to encourage rehabilitation. See table below. • Two vacant multi-family buildings, at the corners of Park and Walnut and Park and Dodd, were noted as important targets for rehabilitation. The City was encouraged to assist non-profit or private developers in finding funding for these projects. See table below. • The Plan identified commercial abandonment, which often leads to vandalism and attracts drug users, as one of the most important issues for Ward 1. In order to stimulate needed commercial activity, the City was encouraged to conduct a blight study and create redevelopment plans for the Park Avenue/Lincoln Street commercial area, to develop a sign ordinance, to investigate historic district designations and use of related funding opportunities for façade improvements in some areas, and to increase marketing to attract both tenants and customers to Manufacturer’s Village. No blight study has been conducted. A sign ordinance has not been adopted. No historic districts have been designated. See table below for progress on other recommendations. • It was recommended in the Plan that the City investigate why the parks in Ward 1 were underused, unlike those in other parts of East Orange. Installation of facilities more in line with the desires of residents and increased police patrols were mentioned as methods of attracting more users. Maintenance and police patrols of Watsessing Park, a county park, are often neglected by Essex County. Several Park is in good condition and is not a priority for the Recreation Department. • Reducing the hazard associated with abandoned rail beds by filling them or through instituting community gardens was suggested. The repair of sidewalks, a need frequently mentioned in resident surveys, was stressed, as was the conversion of vacant lots into needed parking lots. Some railroad rights-of-way have been sold. Sidewalk repairs are still a major concern, as is parking.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 28 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Ward 1 Recommendations, 1990 Master Plan Rec Location Recommendation No. 1 N Park St & Dodd St DARE rehabilitation project; change from vacant to mixed commercial/residential land use; commercial rehabilitation. The DARE program no longer exists; the City is hoping to redevelop the property. Some structures have been demolished. Several new businesses are in operation in the area. 2 Park Ave & N Walnut Multi-family residential rehabilitation. The Walnut Commons St project is proposed; its status is unknown. North Walnut Street redevelopment study 3 Dodd St Single-family residential rehabilitation; façade improvements to commercial building. No changes have taken place. 4 Schuyler Terrace Single-family residential rehabilitation. Some private rehabilitation has taken place, but many units are still vacant. Lack of parking is a major concern. 5 Park Ave & Lincoln Blight study and redevelopment plan or concentrated façade rehabilitation and infill development. Façade improvements have been made and the appearance of the area is much improved. 6 Area between Dodd, Residential and commercial rehabilitation. No changes have taken Prospect, Meadow, and place. Marcy 7 Manufacturer's Village Revitalization. The Village has been a successful project and is near full capacity with tenant businesses. 8 Abandoned Rail Right- Change from vacant to recreational land use through redevelopment of-Way for park, parking, garden, and/or recreational use. Most of the ROW has been auctioned to private owners. Use for recreation or open space is unlikely. 9 Park Ave, NE corner Change from vacant to multi-family use off N Walnut St, through substantial rehabilitation. Proposed Walnut Commons project. North Walnut Street redevelopment study
Two important changes in Ward 1 since 1990 are the abandonment of Multiplex Concrete and the closing of Upsala College, discussed in the Land Use section. An area investigation and redevelopment plan was completed for both Multiplex Concrete and Upsala. Developers have been selected and ground breaking is anticipated the Summer of 2004.
The East Orange Board of Education purchased a portion of the former Upsala campus land and built a new high school on the property. The City prepared a redevelopment plan for the remaining area. Single-family, market rate construction is slated to begin in Summer 2004; the housing will be in character with the surrounding neighborhood.
Construction of The Good Life adult day care center and Norman Towers, a privately- owned senior housing project, was completed in Ward 1. This area was rezoned for Continuing Care to a Community Zone.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The City should build on the significant progress that has already been made in revitalizing Ward 1.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 29 Orth-Rodgers & Associates WARD 2
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 and Status and Changes since 1990 • Nearly all of Ward 2’s residential uses are multi-family buildings. The Plan suggested numerous strategies for combating the problems of age and neglect that affect many of these structures. Vandalism and crime were also major issues in many Ward 2 neighborhoods. Suggestions included increasing police activity, aggressively foreclosing and auctioning abandoned properties, and more stringently enforcing property maintenance codes and occupancy limits. See table below. • Retail uses are especially important in Ward 2, which contains the city’s central business district. Perceived crime, inadequate parking, limited types of retail goods and services, and competition from nearby malls were listed as factors that needed to be dealt with in order to ensure the health of the city’s shopping districts. The Plan recommended the establishment of Special Improvement Districts or an Urban Enterprise Zone, employing a marketing professional to fill market gaps, providing assistance for façade improvements and other beautification efforts, and increasing police presence in shopping areas. East Orange’s Urban Enterprise Zone was approved in 1998. Nearly all of the primary retail districts in the city are included in the UEZ. Projects that will use the UEZ status to improve the health and appearance of these commercial areas are in the planning stages. Police will use scooters purchased through the program to patrol commercial areas. • The Plan identified the high-rise office buildings of East Orange as one of the city’s major assets. Recommendations focused on maintaining the appearance of the office district, increasing communication with firms, and increasing security in the area. The Plan also suggested including the Evergreen Place district in any plans for a downtown Urban Enterprise Zone. See table below. • The Althea Gibson Early Childhood Education Center was constructed in 1998; the Board of Education is currently considering expansion of the site. • Dr. King Plaza- Muir’s Berkeley/Brick Church redevelopment project is a four acre collection of land. Phase I of the three-part project contains 28,000 square foot retail space at street level with 96 units of market rate residential rental space. Excavation has begun on Phase III, which consists of 18 three bedroom townhouses. Phase II of the project remains in a planning phase but will consist of 104 residential units and 35,000 square feet of retail space. • Berwyn Heights is a mixed-use area with an elementary school, several churches, a funeral home and a number of vacant properties. St. Matthews Neighborhood Improvement Development Association (NIDA), housing development agency, has developed plans to revitalize the Berwyn Heights area, which is bounded by Webster Place, Hampton Terrace, Oakwood Avenue and Berwyn Street. Five affordable units are planned.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 30 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Ward 2 Recommendations, 1990 Master Plan Rec Location Recommendation No. 10 Harrison St from Multi-family residential rehabilitation. No changes have taken Hampton Terrace to place. The area is still in deteriorating condition and there are Webster Place one to two vacant buildings. 11 Prospect St Multi-family residential rehabilitation. No changes have taken place. 12 Walnut St Multi-family residential rehabilitation. No changes have taken place and conditions have worsened. 13 Central Ave Streetscape façade improvements. Façade improvements are planned as part of the city’s UEZ project. 14 Lower M.L. King Jr. Façade improvements. Façade improvements are planned as Boulevard part of the city’s UEZ project. Area investigation and redevelopment plan underway. 15 Evergreen Place Landscaping, parking improvements.
16 Muir's-Berkeley Change from vacant to commercial, office, and residential use through construction and rehabilitation. Muir’s-Berkeley is part of the Brick Church redevelopment area. The redevelopment process has been completed. Phase I has been completed, Phase II is in the planning stages, and construction has begun on Phase III and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2004. 17 N Arlington Ave from Residential rehabilitation. Two apartment buildings have been New St to Park Ave renovated. New duplex construction is taking place. The Rowley Park area has buildings still in need of renovation.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • Maximum use should be made of the UEZ status of large portions of Ward 2 to finance physical improvements and to take actions to engender a feeling of greater safety. This will make the ward more attractive for new residents, shoppers, and business owners. • Because of the importance of revitalizing the business districts in this ward, the rehabilitation of the large number of apartment buildings found on the fringes of the business districts is also key. • Rowley Park, part of the North Walnut Redevelopment area, and Memorial Field are in need of improvements. • Traffic problems at the newly constructed Althea Gibson early childhood education center should be addressed.
WARD 3
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 and Status and Changes since 1990 • Ward 3 has the highest home ownership rate and contains some of the highest value housing in the city. The Plan suggested strategies for improving those blighted properties that do exist in the ward and encouraging the upkeep of the well-maintained homes. Further recommendations included pursuing funding to install sound buffers where homes abut the Garden State Parkway and creating a local historic district to aid in the rehabilitation of homes on South Munn Avenue.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 31 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Some residential rehabilitation has taken place, much of it through private action. Traffic issues, especially noise from truck traffic, still continue to be a problem. • The Plan suggested surveying residents to determine their feelings about the numerous small shops that were found on residential streets. Those that were not regarded as nuisances could be encouraged to improve their physical condition. Heavy commercial and light industrial uses should be relocated, if at all possible, to other parts of the city, so that their jobs and property taxes were not lost. In the meantime, the Plan suggested making fencing, landscaping, or other buffering techniques a condition for any expansions or improvements. It was recommended that the numerous vacant storefronts in the ward be replaced with infill housing. No changes have taken place. • The Plan advised increased cooperation with the City of Newark to coordinate housing and commercial rehabilitation programs along the cities’ shared border in Ward 3 where crime and deterioration were sometimes a problem. The department has established a reciprocal agreement with Newark and engages in common border patrols with Newark Police, but no other joint programs are pending. • Suggestions to alleviate the problems of impeded traffic flow and lack of parking facilities included allowing parking on only one side of the street in some areas and requiring off-street parking for all new construction. Overnight parking is a problem only in selected areas including Norwood Avenue and parts of Halstead Avenue. No changes have been made regarding parking. • The Plan recommended the City pursue recognition of Elmwood Avenue from Sanford to Halsted Street on the State and National Historic Registers, calling it a natural focal point for the 3rd Ward. No changes have taken place. • Ward boundaries were redrawn in 1994. Several parcels formerly in Ward 3 are now in Ward 4.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 32 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Ward 3 Recommendations, 1990 Master Plan Rec Location Description No. 18 Elmwood Single-family residential rehabilitation. Private rehabilitation has neighborhood, various occurred and the area has stabilized. streets 19 Watson Ave Residential rehabilitation; zoning re-evaluation. No longer included in Ward 3. 20 Whittlesey Ave Residential buffering. No longer included in Ward 3. 21 Princeton St & Rehabilitation (with possible designation as redevelopment area). Cambridge St Some residential rehabilitation has occurred. 22 S Munn Ave Residential rehabilitation; local historic district designation from Wilcox St to Central Ave. No longer included in Ward 3. 23 Central Ave Commercial and parking improvements. Private parking areas behind some buildings have been improved. One lot has become a free shoppers’ lot. Planned UEZ-related activities will improve facades and parking. 24 Sanford St Commercial improvements; residential rehabilitation; zoning re- evaluation. Some vacant stores still need to be filled. Parking problems exist. 25 S Orange Ave Façade improvements; cooperation with Newark. No façade improvements have occurred. 26 Elmwood Ave Local historic district designation from Sanford St to Halstead St. An historical designation has not been pursued. 27 Derby St Change from vacant to residential use through development on vacant tract. Status of the tract is uncertain. 28 National Paper Change from industrial to institutional or office use through Company adaptive re-use. The property is still being underutilized.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • Efforts should continue to rehabilitate housing in the ward. • Efforts at reducing traffic problems and nuisances created by businesses in residential neighborhoods should be further pursued. However, the city should re-examine the policy of requiring parking supply to conform with modern standards for all redevelopments, as needed redevelopment projects are sometimes prevented.
WARD 4
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 and Status and Changes since 1990 • Practices aimed at increasing the livability of the Greenwood Area neighborhood were suggested in the 1990 Master Plan. These include closing some streets, making others one-way, and improving street landscaping. The neighborhood has continued to deteriorate since 1990. There are problems with squatters, drug use, vandalism, and fire hazard. The greatest area of concern is the portion bounded by 14th, Eaton Place, 17th, and Park Avenue. A redevelopment study is currently underway to evaluate the Greenwood area. See table below. • The Plan recommended seeking developers to improve the South Munn Avenue neighborhood. Preserving the architecturally significant apartment buildings in
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 33 Orth-Rodgers & Associates this area was seen as a key to attracting new residents to the ward. Possible designation as an historic district was also suggested. Only one large apartment building is now vacant on South Munn; one of the city’s hospitals may purchase and demolish it to create more parking. With some upgrading of the neighborhood, the city hopes to attract professionals who work at the nearby hospitals to move into the neighborhood. See table below. • The appearance of the numerous public spaces in Ward 4 was identified as key to the public image of the city. The Plan recommended improving the physical appearance of the East Orange Oval, the Civic Center, and the Grove Street train station. Additional suggestions were made for improving the appearance of the Garden State Parkway and I-280 rights-of-way. The Grove Street train station was demolished. See table below. • The Plan advised taking full advantage of East Orange’s access to I-280 and the Garden State Parkway by identifying underutilized parcels that could be marketed for parking, warehousing, or distribution facilities. No systematic efforts have been made to target specific parcels.
Ward 4 Recommendations, 1990 Master Plan Rec Location Description No. 29 Greenwood Residential rehabilitation; street circulation improvements; preserve Redevelopment Area neighborhood identity. Traffic and streetscape improvements have not been implemented. A redevelopment study was completed in 2002 that recommended the rehabilitation and new construction of single-family and two-family residential dwellings. 30 Hollywood Ave & Residential rehabilitation. Most homes in this area are well-kept, but Steuben St there are some vacant properties. Speeding traffic is a major safety neighborhood concern, especially on Hollywood as cars enter East Orange from Newark. 31 S Munn St Residential rehabilitation; local historic district designation. Some rehabilitation and upgrading of apartments has taken place. 32 East Orange Oval & Improve physical appearance. No major changes have occurred. The Civic Center grounds are still in need of much improvement. 33 Along Garden State Improvements and landscaping. No major changes have occurred. Pkwy and I-280 There is a strong need for aesthetic improvements. 34 S Grove St to N 15th St Development of vacant properties for regional parking, warehousing. No major changes have occurred. 35 City Hall Plaza Coordinated urban design theme; streetscape improvements. A major renovation of City Hall Plaza was completed in 1996. 36 Freeway Dr E to Coordinated urban design theme; streetscape improvements. No major Oraton Pkwy changes have occurred.
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The Sussex Mall and neighboring Arcadian Gardens apartment complex have become an increasing concern because of crime and abandonment. The city received a Hope VI grant for both properties, and the Arcadian public housing development has been demolished. An area investigation for the Arcadian Gardens is underway.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 34 Orth-Rodgers & Associates • A redevelopment study was completed for the Greenwood Redevelopment Area in 2002 that recommended the rehabilitation and new construction of single- family and two-family residential dwellings. • The Gateway property is owned by the City. The redevelopment of this property, which serves as a gateway into the city from Newark, would be an important step in rehabilitating East Orange’s image. In the meantime, the city should ensure that the vacant parcel is maintained.
WARD 5
Major Problems and Objectives in 1990 and Status and Changes since 1990 • Three sites in Ward 5 were recommended for inclusion in formal redevelopment plans: the Worthington Pump and Ward Bakery tracts a vacant apartment building on Park Avenue, between Vernon Terrace and Stockton Place the southeast corner of the ward, near Eaton Place and the Greenwood Redevelopment Area See table below. • The Plan recommended targeting several areas for public and private reinvestment. Several suggestions for potential funding sources were made, including Urban Enterprise Zones, Balanced Housing funds, and Special Improvement Districts. The areas recommended for reinvestment were: Ampere Strip – streetscape improvements to the commercial district Hoffman Boulevard Stores – façade improvements and filling of empty stores Park Avenue Apartments – restoration and recruitment of tenants North 19th Street, Rutledge Avenue Buildings – recruitment of new tenants to underutilized commercial or industrial space Whitney Place Bank Building – restoration or adaptive reuse See table below. The city’s Urban Enterprise Zone came into existence in 1998.
• Three problem areas in need of immediate attention were identified in the Plan. A combination of increased code enforcement, capital improvements and assistance from the City, and increased police activity were recommended to help improve these areas before they developed into larger problems. Vacant lots and buildings – clean up, make secure, and reuse Pedestrian Mall at 4th Avenue and 18th Street – make more secure or dismantle Abandoned gas station at 4th Avenue and N. 16th Street – reuse
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 35 Orth-Rodgers & Associates Ward 5 Recommendations, 1990 Master Plan Rec Location Description No. 37 Ward Bakery sites Change from industrial to office/residential use through redevelopment. The Ward Bakery site has been converted into multi-family housing with commercial/institutional space on the ground floor. 38 Park Ave & N Multi-family residential rehabilitation. 329 Park Avenue has been Arlington rehabilitated. 39 Park Ave, between Multi-family residential rehabilitation. Status unknown. Vernon Terrace & Stockton Place 40 Greenwood Blight conditions study; redevelopment plan. The area is Redevelopment Area undergoing assessment to determine property owners and tax liens to identify properties for infill housing. The area has continued to deteriorate since 1990. 41 4th Ave & 16th St Demolition of abandoned gas station, possible re-use for park, retail. No changes have occurred. 42 4th Ave/Ampere Plaza Physical improvements. The Ampere train station was destroyed by fire in 1994 and was demolished. No façade improvements or other enhancements have occurred. There is still at least one vacant store. 43 Hoffman Blvd Façade improvements. No changes have occurred. 44 TLC Building, Commercial rehabilitation and re-use. This building remains Rutledge Ave vacant. Rutledge is a potential redevelopment area. 45 Factory, N 19th St & Commercial rehabilitation and re-use. The building is currently Springdale Ave being used for manufacturing but is still somewhat underutilized. Aesthetics and cleanup are still issues. 46 Bank building, Commercial rehabilitation and re-use. Building has been converted Whitney Pl & N 18th into a Muslim house of worship (Masjid). St
Changes Recommended for the Master Plan • The pedestrian mall at 4th and 18th Streets is marred by vandalism and loitering, and its redevelopment needs to be evaluated. Pedestrian malls have failed to improve conditions in many places since their use was first advocated in the 1970’s, and their use in East Orange should be regarded skeptically.
CONCLUSION Since 1990, the City has taken significant strides in its economic development and overall revitalization. As noted earlier, the City currently has 11 redevelopment initiatives underway. With the growing interest in “smart growth” planning strategies focused on older urban and suburban communities, this is a pivotal moment for the City of East Orange. Its Master Plan should reflect the major changes that have occurred, those that are underway and those that are planned.
While the 1990 Master Plan addresses all required areas and presents adequate information on existing conditions, it is no longer current and many of its recommended policies have been eclipsed by the passage of events. A new master plan with the following elements should be prepared:
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 36 Orth-Rodgers & Associates • Land Use • Economic Development • Housing Element • Circulation Element • Historic Preservation Plan • Community Facilities • Recreation and Open Space • Consistency with other County and State Planning Initiatives
The Plan should include specific objectives and polices for adoption in addition to general goals. Through a visioning process, key elements and goals can be identified. This type of process would produce a plan that reflects the diversity and on-going revitalization of the East Orange community.
East Orange Master Plan Reexamination, April 2004 37 Orth-Rodgers & Associates