Comments
mjdlight t1_j1526ri wrote
For 9 years, I worked at the Apple Store in the Willowbrook Mall, where I interacted with many thousands of people from every corner of New Jersey, and the world. I helped nuns, convicted felons, celebrities, pro athletes, and even a Real Housewife of NJ or two. And I can say, without any hesitation, that my favorite customers were Black customers from Newark. Funny, friendly, and chill.
Newark has, as you point out, so much going for it. And contrary to what so many people inside and outside of NJ think, Newark’s people are the top asset.
crustang t1_j16hugu wrote
Newark should have gotten Amazon HQ2
But now that the whole, deadly global pandemic thing happened.. it’s probably for the best it didn’t happen
Juicey_J_Hammerman t1_j18swlo wrote
I think that Amazon always intended to go to NY and DC unless some absolutely ridiculous deal they couldn't refuse showed up at the 11th hour but wanted to bring some competition into the fold for incentives/tax breaks.
Good news for Newark is that the city still benefited from that competition regardless since they were one of the top 10 "finalists" announced by Amazon. Reps for the city said they received a noticeable increase in developers/companies inquiring about potential projects/relocations into the city following that announcement.
Newarkguy1836 t1_j1dles3 wrote
I agree with you there. Amazon from the get-go was going to Arlington Virginia. This entire hq2 thing was a scam, US charade to pick desperate cities against each other to see who could offer the most ridiculous tax incentives. We all know Newark won that contest. No other city in America was able to match what New Jersey offered on behalf of Newark. But the whole hq2 thing was a farce to see if Arlington Virginia would match the lowest offer. That's exactly what happened! Even though the Arlington Virginia deal was inferior to newark's, Amazon chose Arlington anyway. To save face, they decided to split it between NYC and Arlington VA. Of course the reality, they wanted everything in Virginia. That's why they were so quick to bolt as soon as New York congresswoman AOC complained about the NYC offer.
But Newark screwed up big time with Amazon when they caved in to a bunch of leftist protesters against an airport warehouse for Amazon. I'm sure Newark is now on Jeff Bezos no go list.
Don't be surprised if he pulls audible out of Newark eventually. You don't become a billionaire by being nice. These people are vindictive and sometimes, even evil and dangerous.
effort268 t1_j18ww4l wrote
Amazon already knew where they were going. Companies follow tech talent, not the other way around.
Source/: did Recruiting at Audible in Newark
Kalebxtentacion t1_j1a4hi3 wrote
Yeah imagine if all those office towers were completed and ready for workers just to get shut down for 2 years with remote working. Man it would had been a waste and probably another empty tower in the skyline
Newarkguy1836 t1_j1dm2c6 wrote
I don't know, Amazon is currently building their hq2 in Virginia.
Kalebxtentacion t1_j14ndsi wrote
They say this area wouldn’t be great again well now it’s about to become a whole new vibe in the city. What a good way to let the people coming off the highway know that Newark is changing
Juicey_J_Hammerman t1_j18s1wt wrote
If they could touch up the park a bit, between that, these new developments, and the Symphony Hall renovation, that could really spruce up another gateway into downtown, and have Lincoln Park serve as an anchor to connect other developments going on in downtown.
Just have connect the area to the new developments at the Rock/Four Corners/Mulberry Commons area, maybe 1-2 more major buildings near City Hall, and you could see a rejuvenated development area stretching from the Broad Street Station/Branch Brook Park all the way down to Lincoln Park.
Also really hope the city/NJ try to have the Port Authority add that South Street PATH Station too. that would be huge for the area.
toughguy375 t1_j15dzgx wrote
Lincoln Park also needs benches.
Rainbowrobb t1_j16bgfl wrote
But then a person who appears unhoused might sit for 5 minutes scare off would be gentrifiers.
DrixxYBoat t1_j16rgny wrote
The obvious solution is that we need a better dressed homeless population /s
Rainbowrobb t1_j18cu9k wrote
Sequins for everyone!
ScrollHectic t1_j14smb0 wrote
They all look the same. Glad there's development there, but nothing exciting architecture wise... especially for an area tooted as an Arts district and already home to many beautiful buildings. The exception is 1010 Broad Street which has a great design IMO.
Newarkguy1836 t1_j1dn2ve wrote
I know, right? Who's designing these buildings? NJIT? Actually most likely not because NJIT designs the ugliest Lego looking buildings I've ever seen. That Greek Village thing is the ugliest cookie cutter thing I've ever seen.
66nexus OP t1_j1dpjek wrote
Big facts. NJIT's renderings were already bad, what we actually got was even worse. It's patently clear they didn't try (and perhaps picked the simplest cheapest designs).
ScrollHectic t1_j1qvgsi wrote
OMG yeah. I honestly don't understand why their buildings look as ugly as they do.
Jerz2florida t1_j1ant6h wrote
I remember there was plans to build new brownstone style buildings in the Lincoln Park area but I guess that project phased out.
Kalebxtentacion t1_j1a6sge wrote
So I actually read the article this time and this is great. Right now it’s all proposed or approved projects which I do hope it can break ground. It’s pretty cool Newark is getting these little neighborhoods or cities inside the downtown area. Lincoln park can have its own, NJPAC is about to build there’s next fall, museum parc, CitiSquare, vermalla broad, and if halo towers can spark more development surrounding the towers then that’s a whole new neighborhood right there. Having multiple parts of a downtown area is pretty cool. How because people living in Lincoln park area may be doing different things in the CitiSquare area creating different vibes as you visit these neighborhoods. In 2030 which the majority of these projects should be finished in we will definitely see the difference. If we can’t get that path stop then maybe the city can raise money for that station or we can expand the light rail but the extra station would probably cost less.
Newarkguy1836 t1_j1dmfdd wrote
I'm annoyed pseg keeps playing spoiler every time and areas Target for redevelopment they take a huge chunk of the land away and put a giant substation. They put a giant substation right in the heart of the Fairmont neighborhood plan . Other than Georgia King development , every other Redevelopment plan for that area has disappeared . Down in downtown, PSEG did the same, wrecking the Soma master plan for residential high-rises between William Street and Court Street. They better move fast and build before PSEG decides to expand their South Street area substation.
Kalebxtentacion t1_j1e9e7i wrote
That’s messed up and petty
DrixxYBoat t1_j14tgo6 wrote
It's insane to me how hard people sleep on Newark.
Objectively, this city has some of the greatest potential nationwide.
A. International Airport
B. Largest Port in the East
C. 3 Major College Campuses + Several Smaller Colleges
D. 20 Flipping minutes from NYC
E. 2 Train Stations
F. Light rail infrastructure + unused light rail stations
G. Bus Terminal = Buses Everywhere
H. Performing Arts Center
I. Several Magnet High Schools
J. NJ Devils + Prudential Center
Like we don't even need to focus on the business aspects of Newark to understand that there's serious demand for development in a city like this.
I mean Jesus Christ if you removed the black population and replaced us all with white people, Newark would be labeled as the #1 most desirable place to build in the nation.
Man. I hate how I have to actively wait for things to get built!!! I want to see this city realize it's freaking potential already.