Operations
Success is in the Details
As a key player in the revitalization of downtown Newark, the Newark Downtown District (NDD) takes great pride in the progress made over our 25th Silver Anniversary of providing supplemental services to the Central Business District in the City of Newark, New Jersey. The NDD is committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment while fostering a sense of community and pride within the district.
NDD Ambassador Program
One of the cornerstones of the NDD’s operations is the Ambassador Program, which plays a vital role in serving the community. We are proud to report that over 90 percent of NDD Ambassadors are Newark residents, reflecting our commitment to providing employment opportunities to local individuals within the community we serve. This benefits the district by ensuring a team that is deeply connected to the community and supports economic development and empowerment within Newark.
The expansion of the NDD’s service area increased by 46% effective January 1, 2023. As such, the organization quickly realized the need for a satellite office in the southern sectors of the District. The acquisition of the satellite office increases the overall efficiency of the NDD Operations Department and streamlines the clean and safe services the organization provides to the community.
NDD Clean Team
The NDD Clean Team continues to be instrumental in maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the downtown district. Throughout the past year, the NDD Clean Team has worked tirelessly to ensure that public spaces are free from litter, debris, and other unsightly elements. Their efforts have contributed to creating a welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. In addition to routine maintenance, the NDD Clean Team has been proactive in addressing seasonal challenges, such as leaf removal in the fall and snow clearance in the winter, enabling the NDD to uphold the district’s pristine appearance year-round.
The NDD Clean Team also supports several community clean-up initiatives, such as the City of Newark Slam Dunk The Junk event, the Rutgers University Police Department Community Clean-Up events, and the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District Community Garden Clean-Up event.
NDD Special Projects Team
The NDD Special Projects Team has been at the forefront of several initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of the street assets of the downtown district. Their efforts have included the installation of new trash receptacles in the southern sector of Broad Street, routine beautification projects, and the logistical coordination of the NDD community-based events. Notably, the team successfully executed the installation of the NDD Parklets, adding cultural and aesthetic value to the district. Their dedication to these projects has significantly contributed to creating a more engaging and visually stimulating environment for all who frequent the area.
The NDD Special Projects Team also creates and responds to work orders for graffiti abatement projects. The NDD abates all graffiti from public property (bus shelters, light poles, transformer boxes, and newsboxes), and the team’s graffiti abatement services for private property are available as a Fee for Service option by contacting the NDD Office.
2023 Operations Highlights
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Pounds of Trash
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Graffiti Removed
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Trash Cans Cleaned
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Pedestrians Assisted
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Public Fixtures Cleaned
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Business Contacts
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Stickers Removed
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Snow Removal Hours
NDD Quality of Life Team
The NDD Quality of Life Team, now adorned in their French blue uniforms, plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals within the downtown district. Their focus on addressing quality-of-life issues, such as improperly placed trash, panhandling, graffiti observations, and public intoxication, has contributed to fostering an environment where residents, workers, and visitors feel secure. Through the NDD QOL Ambassador daily business outreach and collaboration with the local business community, the team has been able to connect stakeholders in need with essential resources, further demonstrating the NDD’s commitment to being a supportive and compassionate presence within the community.
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The NDD QOL Ambassadors complete a minimum of 12 business contacts per day and zone. The data collected stems from the nature of the business contact, which can be defined by the following:
Targeted Business Outreach: The NDD identifies specific businesses or industries within the district and organizes tailored contact walks to build relationships, understand their needs, and offer support.
Information Gathering Sessions: The NDD conducts structured walks focused on gathering feedback and insights from local businesses regarding their challenges, aspirations, and suggestions for improvements within the district.
Business Education and Resource Sharing: The NDD organizes walks with a focus on educating businesses about available resources, such as grants, training programs, or marketing support, and providing them with relevant information and contacts.
Community Engagement Walks: The NDD plans walks that engage the local community, including businesses, residents, and other stakeholders, to foster collaboration, address concerns, and build a stronger sense of community within the district.
Problem-Solving Walks: The NDD organizes walks to identify specific issues or obstacles facing businesses, to develop actionable solutions, and to facilitate connections with relevant partners or authorities.
NDD Pressure Washing Team
The NDD Pressure Washing Team has been integral in preserving the cleanliness and visual appeal of the district’s sidewalks, plazas, and other public spaces. Their thorough and regular cleaning efforts have significantly improved the area’s overall appearance throughout the NDD Peak Season, effectively removing built-up grime and stains. The team’s work has contributed to the district’s aesthetic enhancement and has also played a role in preserving the infrastructure and extending the longevity of public amenities.
In conclusion, the Newark Downtown District has continued to make substantial progress in its operations over the past year. Our teams’ dedication and hard work has been instrumental in upholding the district’s standards of cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic appeal. As we look ahead, the NDD remains committed to further advancing our mission of fostering a vibrant and inclusive downtown environment for all. We extend our gratitude to the residents, businesses, and stakeholders who have supported our efforts and look forward to another year of enhancing cleanliness and safety standards.
Making Space for Artists
When Talia Young stands under the magnificent concert hall chandelier in Newark Symphony Hall, its grandeur evokes both the sweep of NSH’s storied, artistic past, and the glorious responsibility she has to ensure that it remains a place for artists to thrive and the community to enjoy.
Horticulture
Over the past year, the NDD has made significant progress in expanding our horticultural initiatives, enhancing the streetscape, and fostering a sense of community engagement through various seasonal events. This update will highlight key accomplishments, including the installation of nine medium streetscape planters at the Hilton Traffic Triangle (adjacent to Newark Penn Station), the acquisition of a new NDD Dump Truck for use as a utility vehicle, the NDD seasonal plantings, NDD Community Plant Donation events, and the daily maintenance of the NDD Horticulture Fee for Service accounts.
Hilton Traffic Triangle Streetscape Planters Installation
One of the year’s major highlights was the successful installation of nine medium streetscape planters in a strategic location across from Newark Penn Station, the Hilton Traffic Triangle. These planters have added visual appeal to the district at a major entryway, and they have contributed to the promotion of sustainable urban horticulture. The selection of plant species for the planters was carefully curated to ensure diversity and resilience, considering the local climate and environmental conditions. These planters serve as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the streetscape and creating a greener, more vibrant urban environment for our community.
Acquisition of a New NDD Dump Truck
In line with our efforts to improve operational efficiency and expand our horticultural capabilities, the NDD acquired a new Dump Truck for use as a utility vehicle. This addition to our fleet has significantly enhanced our capacity to transport materials, equipment, and plantings, enabling us to undertake larger-scale horticultural projects more easily and efficiently. The Dump Truck has proven to be an invaluable asset in supporting our various initiatives, from plant installations to seasonal maintenance, and has contributed to the overall success of our program.
NDD Seasonal Plantings
Throughout the NDD’s Silver Anniversary Year, the NDD Sustainable Horticulture Program has continued to install vibrant seasonal plantings to showcase the beauty of the district and create a dynamic visual landscape for residents, visitors, and businesses. In the summer, colorful flowers were carefully selected and planted to create a welcoming and lively atmosphere. The fall season brought a rich tapestry of warm hues and textures, with an emphasis on foliage and late-blooming flowers. As winter descended, the district was adorned with resilient evergreens and seasonal accents, adding a festive touch to the streetscape. These seasonal plantings have enhanced the district’s aesthetic appeal and contributed to biodiversity and ecological balance within the urban environment.
Summer Planting
Fall Planting
Winter Planting
NDD Community Plant Donation Events
The NDD remains committed to giving back to the community and fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the district’s horticultural assets. To this end, we organized three community plant donation events throughout the year: winter, summer, and fall. These events provided an opportunity for residents, local organizations, and community groups to receive plant material from the district’s streetscape, allowing them to beautify their own spaces and contribute to the greening of the neighborhood. By enabling the redistribution of plant materials, these events have promoted sustainability, community involvement, and the extension of the district’s horticultural impact beyond its boundaries.
Daily Maintenance of the NDD Horticulture Fee for Service Accounts
The NDD Sustainable Horticulture Program remains dedicated to providing high-quality horticultural services to our Fee for Service accounts on a daily basis. Our team of highly-trained horticultural ambassadors has been steadfast in maintaining the landscapes of commercial properties, public spaces, and institutional grounds within the district. We have upheld the aesthetic appeal and health of the landscapes under our care through regular maintenance activities such as pruning, weeding, watering, and fertilizing. Our commitment to excellence in horticultural maintenance has not only contributed to the visual attractiveness of the district but has also played a key role in preserving and enhancing property values, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering positive experiences for all who interact with the landscapes.
Engagement and Outreach
In addition to our core horticultural activities, the NDD Sustainable Horticulture Program has continued to engage with the community through various outreach initiatives. We have actively participated in local events, workshops, and activations to promote the principles of sustainable horticulture, share best practices, and foster a deeper understanding of the benefits of green spaces in urban environments. By collaborating with local stakeholders, educational institutions, and civic organizations, we have sought to build partnerships that strengthen our horticultural program and contribute to the community’s overall well-being.
NDD Horticulture Ambassadors’ Educational Initiatives
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and education, the NDD Sustainable Horticulture Program has undertaken several educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about sustainable horticultural practices and their positive impact on urban ecosystems. We have hosted industry-specific training and demonstrations on topics such as native plant selection, water-wise gardening, and ecological landscaping. These educational efforts have empowered the NDD Horticulture Ambassadors to make informed decisions about their planter maintenance horticultural practices, thereby contributing to the overall sustainability and resilience of the district.
Technology Integration
In our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and horticultural management, the NDD Sustainable Horticulture Program has integrated technology into various aspects of our work. We have implemented systems to optimize water usage during NDD Overnight Operations and promote the health of plantings, leveraging visual inspections and weather data to inform precision watering practices. Additionally, we have utilized digital tools for plant inventory management, maintenance scheduling, and performance tracking, allowing us to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve our horticultural operations.
Sustainable Practices and Innovation
Sustainability lies at the heart of our horticultural program, and we have continued to explore innovative practices and technologies that align with our commitment to environmental responsibility. From implementing industry-standard practices to adopting organic fertilizers and pest management strategies, we have prioritized sustainable approaches that minimize environmental impact and support the long-term health of our landscapes. Furthermore, we have actively sought opportunities to integrate green infrastructure solutions, such as replacing all of the NDD’s gas-powered horticulture equipment with energy-saving electric equipment.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of our strides in advancing sustainable horticulture within the Newark Downtown District. However, we recognize that there is always room for growth and improvement. We are committed to expanding our horticultural initiatives, deepening community engagement, and leveraging innovative practices to enhance the district’s green spaces further. We will continue collaborating with stakeholders, embracing emerging trends in sustainable horticulture, and adapting to evolving environmental challenges to ensure that the NDD remains a thriving, green, and resilient urban environment for all.
Successful By Design
Medina came to Newark with his own design and strategies agency, Design Haus, and ended up generously sharing his commercial space with other creatives who needed a space to work.
Giving Newark Year-Round Beauty
Tiger has worked for Newark Downtown District for 12 years. As Supervisor of Operations, he oversees the quality of the cleaning and landscaping in the district, and he also runs the horticulture department.