GEOG 030: Module 7- Urban Planning

Paragraph 1. Newark, New Jersey

I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, the largest city in the state, with a population of 277,000. Newark lies eight miles west of New York City. The city would be considered an urban downtown environment though not necessarily pedestrian.  It has a ‘locational’ advantage which makes it a prime transportation hub with a major international airport, rail lines and an extensive highway system. It is a business hub with major corporate headquarters, performing arts venues and educational institutions. More than 100,000 people commute to Newark each day from the surrounding streetcar suburbs. Despite that fact, most of the roads and trains go through Newark, not to Newark. One third of the city’s population live below the poverty line and much of it is considered a food desert. While the city’s population has declined by one-half over the past fifty years and its manufacturing base has declined significantly, it is still one of the most densely populated cities in the most densely populated state in the country. More than one-third of its residents live below the poverty line and, of course, it has a reputation for being a high-crime area.

Detroit, Michigan

Newark has, unfortunately, many similarities to Detroit. It has a high poverty rate, a declining population and inadequate sustainable food sources. Much of Newark is considered a food desert. Few major food store chains have stores in the city.  Urban agriculture such as described in the video would provide a vastly improved source of food to Newark. Previous city administrations had tried to start an urban agriculture program but a subsequently-elected mayor proceeded to sell off most of the properties targeted as growing areas. (That official eventually ended up serving time for illegal land sales.) This is another aspect of why transitioning to sustainability is difficult. We need to have the ‘will,’ both politically and socially to make the changes required.  It is also interesting to note that industrial urban farming, which would compete with smaller, private farms, is coming to Newark. AeroFarms, backed by several large investment groups, has begun a $30 million renovation of an old steel factory to build the largest indoor vertical urban farm. While this may bring some jobs to Newark, it is not certain if the produce will be made available locally.

Bogota, Columbia

The image, in fact, the self-image, of Newark is not very positive. The city’s air quality is poor and the general health of its residents is not good. However, many positive elements have developed in recent years: entertainment venues, improved parks and access to waterways (a multi-million dollar cleanup of the Passaic River has just been funded.) An event similar to Bogota’s Ciclivia would be a great boost to Newark. Closing many of the streets would give the residents of Newark and the surrounding towns access to safe cycling, skating and walking and provide a way for them to become exposed to the positive aspects of Newark. The health benefits of these activities is obvious.  Such events can provide an uplifting experience with regard to the general psyche of a town.  And it just seems like so much fun!

Mike Evangelista