Better Block Newark coming to Bergen Street
Newark is hosting their first "Better Block" event to breathe life into the Bergen Street commercial corridor. This project is part of the Better Block movement, which started in Dallas - it temporarily revisions an area to show its potential to create a vibrant, neighborhood center. See TEDx video below for more....The City of Newark has partnered with community groups and NJIT architecture students to temporarily transform the physical space of a city block on Bergen Street so the community can see and experience what a redeveloped Bergen Street could be. The event will be June 6, from 12-6pm (rain date of June 7).
The Better Block @Bergen Street event will provide a make-over to two blocks of Bergen Street (from Lyons to Lehigh Avenues - see map below). This collaborative effort involves residents, business owners, local artists, contractors, entrepreneurs and city officials. Volunteers are needed - click here for the interest form. Next community planning meeting is May 7th.
The "pop-up" event, which is free and open to the public, will transform the location to make it a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly area that includes space for children and adults to relax and play outdoors. There will be wi-fi hot spots, lounge areas, curb bump-outs, and public art.
"The Better Block model is about immediate, highly visible and grassroots-based project to transform a block and eventually a neighborhood," said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Baye Adofo-Wilson.
For more information, visit www.betterblocknewark.com, or email betterblock@ci.newark.nj.us. Follow: #BetterBlockNewark
