Dear Fellow Newarker,
As many of you know, the City of Newark joined with County and State elected officials to demonstrate our support for the proposed referendum which will allow Newark to be the site of a new casino and entertainment complex. This was a historic moment for us, as Newarkers, because Newark is America’s newest destination city, as evidenced by the successes of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Prudential Center and the expansion of Newark Liberty International Airport. Did you know that each day, more than 1,200 trains pass through Newark Penn Station carrying thousands of employees, students and visitors to our city? Newark’s impressive infrastructure as a transportation hub, home to prestigious colleges and universities and site of Fortune 500 businesses is attractive to potential investors so it’s a no-brainer that our City would be considered for the expansion of casinos to Northern New Jersey. I would like to take this time to speak to you directly and to explain why I am supporting this project.
What is this entertainment complex project all about?
First, this is about a visionary plan for enhanced economic development and prosperity in Newark. And when I say prosperity in Newark I mean prosperity for ALL of Newark and its neighborhoods. Some of you may feel a bit hesitant to support this project because of your disappointment with promises made on similar projects in the past. I hear your concerns. As you know, this administration has always been committed to transparency and accountability. From day one, we have held town hall meetings on everything from public safety to health care and from the budget to education and it is why we have shared with you our interest in this endeavor. We did not wait until shovels were in the ground to talk to the citizens of Newark about our vision for this effort.
Our vision for this casino and entertainment complex has the potential to bring more than 4,000 living-wage and permanent jobs to this city. One New Jersey assemblyman pointed out that in addition to jobs, this project is projected to capture at least one billion dollars that is lost when people travel to Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York to enjoy the leisure activities that an entertainment complex offers, such as dining and resort-style activities.
How is the community integrated into this plan?
This project integrates the best of what Newark currently offers with an ambitious and innovative economic development plan. Any entertainment complex developer who is approved to come to Newark will have to honor the existing business infrastructure and work with our small business-owners to supplement growth and progress. This project would be enhanced by a luxury hotel, convention center, restaurants and family-style entertainment, such as bowling alleys and theaters. Our analysts predict that the casino will represent only approximately 30% of this overall project. In cities such as Springfield, Massachusetts, they are implementing this same effort with beneficial results to its residents. The casino, hotel and entertainment center that is being developed there – on Main Street – looks as if it could be happening right near Broad or Market Street in Newark.
What does this mean for Newark citizens? How do we benefit?
Newark is undergoing an urban renaissance. As a lifelong citizen of this city, I have witnessed its ebbs and flows. I know what it means to deal with violence and economic despair. I have walked the streets of our neighborhoods, taught our children, worshiped in our churches and mosques and listened when you needed someone to hear your voice. I would never allow any project to be presented to Newark if I believed or thought for any moment that it would disregard the hard-working people of our city. Moreover, for those worried about crime, not a single study has found a correlation between crime and entertainment complexes. In fact, if you recall, prior to the opening of the Prudential Center in 2007, nay-sayers intimated that crime would be a deterrent to attendance. Yet, as of today, the Prudential Center is the 9th busiest arena in the nation!
This effort will benefit all of us. How? Increased revenue will allow us to close our budget gap which in turn allows us to hire more police officers, improve social services, employ more students during the summer and offer programs that will enhance our lifestyle. To be frank, with all of the benefits that this project brings, I would be offended if Newark were not considered the prime choice for a new entertainment complex in Northern New Jersey.
What is the process? Will citizens have a voice in this plan?
Wednesday, we were joined by County and New Jersey State elected officials. This project will ultimately come back to you for approval. First, the proposed referendum must be approved by the New Jersey State Assembly. After that happens, the referendum will be presented to the citizens of our State in November. Only after it is approved – and, as you know, our friends in Jersey City and Bergen County want this too – will we begin to lay the foundation for this project. And once the proposed referendum is adopted, we will host a series of town halls to not only explain what the entertainment complex will bring to Newark, but also to hear your concerns and suggestions.
My friends, you have joined me in establishing the first Civilian Complaint Review Board in this City. You have stood with me as we have lifted our voices to protest the ways in which our children are being educated. I hope that you will accompany me in making this vision a reality for Newark. Let’s not let an opportunity this large and important pass us by without at least a community conversation.
We will be announcing community forums and town halls on this matter over the next few months.
Yours in progress,
Mayor Ras J. Baraka
This letter was authored by Mayor Ras J. Baraka and furnished by the City of Newark Press Office
