The city of Newark and the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) have launched a facade improvement program to serve corridors in Newark’s four outer wards. Earlier this fall, the NCEDC issued a Request for Proposals in order to find companies to provide construction services as part of the project.

The areas in the North, East, West, and South wards include Bloomfield, Clinton, South Orange, and Wilson avenues.

“As a part of Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s strategic plan along with the Department of Economic and Housing Development, the initiative is creating vibrant, uniformed commercial business corridors, complementing Newark’s diverse make-up,” NCEDC Executive Director Aisha Glover told Jersey Digs, adding that “the program works with property owners to provide forgivable loans to be used for the improvement of the exterior of their existing structures.”

According to Glover, improvements that will be made to storefronts in the selected areas will include changes to existing signage, windows, and lighting, as well as overall building improvements. She explained that the selected locations are often overlooked but are essential points of entry and exit to the city.

“The program will directly impact community neighborhoods where Newarkers shop, dine and play,” said Glover.

This is not the first time that such a program has come to Newark. In recent years, the Ironbound Business Improvement District and the Newark Downtown District have both worked to improve storefronts in their neighborhoods.