Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Director of the Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services Donnell M. Redding, Director of the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities Kareem Adeem, and the Bloomfield Avenue/Lower Broadway Alliance (BALBA) President P.J. Calello broke ground today for Sal Bontempo Park at 368-378 Bloomfield Avenue, in the North Ward.
The event marks the start of significant park improvements that will provide an oasis of beauty for neighborhood relaxation with green infrastructure that manages stormwater to prevent flooding in the North Ward. The project is a collaborative effort between the City of Newark and BALBA, who is contributing $300,000 for the revitalization and improvement of the park.
“We talk about this project in terms of beautification, collaboration, beautiful landscaping, and the history of this landmark, but to me, stormwater management is the most significant piece,” said Mayor Baraka. “The storms that used to come every hundred years are coming every five now, so it's incredibly important that we do everything we can to manage flooding. Thank you to BALBA and the city departments that have made this groundbreaking possible today.”
This new renovation enhances the park’s historic character with improved accessibility and safety, in a thoughtfully redesigned public gathering space.
“I want to thank Mayor Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, BALBA and all our partners for this thoughtful renewal that will transform a once quiet landmark into vibrant green space to welcome North Ward residents for rest, relaxation and reflection,” said Redding. “As a lasting tribute to the community it represents, Sal Bontempo Park is a powerful reminder that when we invest in our public spaces with purpose and pride, we are ultimately investing in the strength, dignity, and unity of our neighborhoods for generations to come.”
Landscaping and furnishings will facilitate pedestrian circulation with new paved walkways, upgraded seating areas, and clearly defined gathering spaces that support everyday use and small community activities.
“Every time the Baraka Administration initiates a neighborhood revitalization project, we see it as another opportunity to install green infrastructure,” said Adeem. “Sal Bontempo Park is the latest example of proving the City’s commitment to reducing flooding and improving our environment.”
The new landscaping will install planting beds, lawn areas, and selected tree placement to elevate the parks’ appearance. Beyond improved aesthetics the design will yield environmental benefits such as shade and critical storm water management. Updating lighting and outdoor furniture will, improve visibility and safety, while the overall layout creates a more welcoming, flexible park that better serves residents.
“The Bloomfield Avenue Lower Broadway BID is thrilled to partner with the City of Newark to renovate Sal Bontempo Park,” said Calello. “This partnership not only improves a neglected park, but also enhances an iconic public space to the benefit of all. This park sits at the crossroads of several of our key businesses, First Avenue School, and the neighborhood they serve.”
Sal Bontempo Park’s defining feature is the Pequannock Gate water tower, a historic structure that designates a major aqueduct location where water from the Pequannock watershed entered Newark’s mains.
About BALBA
The Bloomfield Avenue/Lower Broadway Alliance (BALBA) is the designated District Management Corporation of the Bloomfield Avenue/Lower Broadway Business Improvement District. The BALBA BID serves as a catalyst for economic development throughout its commercial corridor. The mission and program objectives for BALBA are focused on high-impact, physical improvements that provide value to property owners/business owners and help to preserve the investments that have been made by both public and private stakeholders.
From supplemental sanitation to holiday programming and capital planning, BALBA supports its business and property owners through maintaining a safe and clean business district, and promoting a unique sense of place – promoting and preserving the cultural, historic, tourist and civic interests of the district.
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