Newark Water & Sewer and West Ward Community Members Convene to Discuss Green Infrastructure
Updated June 25, 2024, 1:00pm
JUNE 20, 2024—Newark Water & Sewer engaged with community members at the Unified Vailsburg Services Organization (UVSO) to discuss the impact of the RainReady program on local West Ward neighborhoods.
RainReady, Newark’s green infrastructure program, is implementing rain gardens, permeable pavements, and tree canopies throughout the City to collect stormwater and prevent flooding.
The RainReady Newark banner at the entrance of 40 Richelieu Terrace in the West Ward where the community meeting was held.
Photo courtesy of Newark Water & Sewer.
Despite the heatwave, residents came out to ask questions, voice their ideas, and learn more about the sustainable benefits and job opportunities the program has to offer.
Local community organizations were also in attendance, such as the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) and the Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association (IHNA).
Director Kareem Adeem emphasized the importance of “making your voice heard” and “hearing input directly from the community”.
Currently, there are 9 proposed green infrastructure sites in the West Ward. HDR, the contracted engineering company for the project, has proposed the installation of rain gardens at the Bo Porter Sports Complex, porous concrete sidewalks at Homestead Park, and tree trenches at the intersection of Dayton Street and Foster Street.
Newark residents are invited to fill out a public form to provide their suggestions on where green spaces should be added in the City of Newark. The form can be found here.
A map of the 9 proposed green infrastructure sites in the West Ward of Newark, New Jersey.
Courtesy of the City of Newark, Newark Department of Water & Sewer Utilities and HDR.
Newark Water & Sewer Director Kareem Adeem addressing residents of the West Ward on Thursday evening.
Photo courtesy of Newark Water & Sewer.
Nicole Miller, Communications Consultant for RainReady, presenting to West Ward community members.
Photo courtesy of Newark Water & Sewer.
Nicole Hewitt-Cabral, Chief Sustainability Officer, speaking to community members.
Photo courtesy of Newark Water & Sewer.
More community meetings on the RainReady program are expected throughout the summer.
Community Resources:
Missed the meeting? No problem! Check out Thursday night’s community presentation HERE.
To learn more about RainReady Newark, visit the Official Program Website at rainreadynewark.org.
Read about the launch of RainReady in our previous article HERE.
We want to hear from you! What locations in Newark need more green spaces? Fill out the survey HERE!