NEWARK , N.J. , December 10, 2008 – The Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) has joined forces with the Newark Police Department to co-sponsor the annual Holiday Toy & Coat Drive to benefit the city s needy children. Donations of new toys and new and good quality used coats for children ranging in age from infants to 18 years old will gladly be accepted until Friday, December 19 th .

“The Newark Police Department is dedicated to helping people and saving lives in our community and the IBID is pleased to again show our support to make the Holiday Toy & Coat Drive a success in these difficult economic times,” said Seth A. Grossman, IBID Executive Director.

“On behalf of the Newark Police Department and the Ironbound community, I would like to thank the IBID, the Portuguese Sports Club and the Ironbound s schools, churches, restaurants and businesses for their efforts as our partners in this important effort to bring some comfort and cheer during the holiday season to children and families in need,” said Detective Michael Silva, who is coordinating the effort in the Ironbound.

Donation drop off boxes are located at the following Ironbound locations:

• Lafayette St. School, 205 Lafayette Street
• Portuguese Sports Club, 55 Prospect Street
• Ironbound Community Corporation, 432 Lafayette Street
• Blitz Bar & Restaurant, 179 Wilson Avenue
• Café Opcao, 68-76 Wilson Avenue
• Holy Trinity Epiphany Church , 207 Adams Street
• Andros Diner, 6 Wilson Avenue

Pictured at the Lafayette Street School drop off location are, from left to right: Detective Michael Silva, Newark Police Department, Maria Merlo, Principal, Lafayette Street School and Seth A. Grossman, Executive Director, Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID).

For more information, please contact the IBID at 973-491-9191.

Ferry Street Construction to “Take a Break” for Holiday Season:

Ironbound Businesses and Restaurants Are Open for Business

November 12, 2008 –   Work on Phase 1A of the Ferry Street construction project will take a break for the holiday season – a busy time for the Ironbound’s business and restaurant community and for shoppers and visitors to the district. From Thanksgiving till after New Year’s, work on the $1.9 million first phase of the project, funded by the Ironbound Business Improvement District, the City of Newark, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, will be interrupted to keep potential sidewalk blockages and traffic detours from taking the “happy” out of the holiday season.

“While construction has been proceeding at a good pace since the project started on October 6^th, we recognize how important it is for our business and restaurant owners, as well as their customers, that no one is inconvenienced over the holidays,” said Seth A. Grossman, Executive Director of the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID), the communities liaison with the City and the project’s contractors. “The good times, great food and excellent shopping that people have come to expect in the Ironbound, especially during the holiday season, will not be impacted by the construction project to improve the Ferry Street streetscape,” Grossman added.

Phase 1A of the project began at Union Street and will encompass the four blocks on Ferry Street from Union to Madison Streets. In later phases, the project will include Ferry Street to Penn Station and Peter Francisco Park, and will continue down Ferry to Christie Street. The entire project extends for 26 blocks down Ferry Street and is expected to take several years to complete.

Grossman also reminded Ironbound residents, business owners and visitors to contact the IBID if they need information or experience construction-related problems such as excessive nose and dirt, blockage of your building, injury or unsafe conditions. “We urge you to contact us so that corrective action or assistance can take place,” said Grossman. “Business and commercial property owners, residents and visitors can contact the IBID at 973.491.9191 or email nwkibid@aol.com throughout the streetscape reconstruction effort.”

New Granite to be Used for Curbs; Trees to be Replaced

November 5, 2008 –   Ferry Street’s curbs will feature new, not recycled granite, as part of the streetscape improvement project that is currently under construction.

The Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) and Councilman Augusto Amador convinced City Hall to use new granite curbs instead of recycled granite curbing. Councilman Amador noted, "New granite curbs were installed on Broad Street. Ferry Street, one of Newark s showcases for visitors to the City in addition to being one its busiest commercial corridors, deserves a similar approach as provided to Broad Street – curbs and sidewalks that are not only functional but attractive as well," Amador added.  "This is a first rate job and we intend to keep it that way," Seth A. Grossman, Executive Director of the IBID concluded.

Phase 1A of the project began at Union Street and will encompass the four blocks on Ferry Street from Union to Madison Streets. In later phases, the project will include Ferry Street to Penn Station and Peter Francisco Park, and will continue down Ferry to Christie Street. The entire project extends for 26 blocks down Ferry Street and is expected to take several years to complete.

Work on Phase One of the $1.9 million project, funded by the City of Newark and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, began on October 6th. "It does cause a bit of a disruption, but so far we are very pleased", said Steven T. Yglesias, IBID President.

Construction is moving along at a good pace, but will be interrupted between Thanksgiving and slightly after New Years. Councilman Amador indicated that funding for the remainder of Phase One (from Madison Street to Wilson Avenue) will be provided by Newark s Urban Enterprise Zone Authority (UEZ).

Grossman also noted that the existing trees on Ferry Street will be removed and replaced by new trees. "We tried to preserve the old trees,” he pointed out. “But almost all of the old trees are either planted in the wrong place, have deteriorated root systems, or are in such poor condition that they will not last very long.  New trees will be healthier, easier to maintain, allow uniform tree grates, and there will be more of them."

The IBID has been designated as the community’s liaison with the City and the project’s contractors. “If you need information or experience construction-related problems such as excessive nose and dirt, blockage of your building, injury or unsafe conditions, we urge you to contact us so that corrective action or assistance can take place,” said Grossman. “Business and commercial property owners, residents and visitors are urged to contact the IBID at 973.491.9191 or email nwkibid@aol.com throughout the streetscape reconstruction effort.”

CITY OF NEWARK LAUNCHES STREETSCAPING WORK ON FERRY STREET

WITH PUBLIC CEREMONY AT MADISON AND FERRY

Phase I construction to begin on
October 1 from Union to Madison Streets;

Massive rehabilitation of Ironbound corridor will improve
safety conditions for pedestrians

Newark, NJ - September 30, 2008 - Mayor Cory A. Booker, East Ward Council Member Augusto Amador, and other dignitaries began the streetscaping of Ferry Street with a public ceremony this afternoon. This project is a partnership with the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) and will enhance the Ironbound’s central artery and gateway to businesses and restaurants in the East Ward, as well as improve safety conditions for pedestrians crossing the busy thoroughfares.

The $1.9 million project, funded by the City of Newark and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, will focus on Ferry Street. State-of-the-art sidewalks with planters and decorative lighting will be placed down Ferry Street from Union to Merchant Streets. These sidewalks will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians. Berto Construction of Rahway, New Jersey, is the contractor.

(left to right) East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador, Police Chief Anthony Campos, Mayor Cory A. Booker, IBID President Steven T. Yglesias and IBID Executive Director Seth A. Grossman participated in the ceremony marking the start of construction on the Ferry Street Streetscape Improvement Project.

Acting Engineering Director Mehdi Mohammadish said that when construction begins, it will take place daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Motorists are urged to plan alternate routes during those times, as only two lanes will be open in each direction. Announcements will be made in advance of the actual work.

The streetscape will reconstruct sidewalks, utilities and drainage, create fence panels and utilize already existing bike paths. New street furniture, signage and traffic lights will also enhance safety and provide sanctuary for pedestrians.

“As part of Newark’s urban transformation we are working to improve the appearance and safety of the Ironbound’s main thoroughfare to ensure a safe and expedient commute for motorists and pedestrians. The completion of this streetscape project will enhance the attractiveness of this dining and shopping destination for our residents and visitors,” Mayor Booker said. “I congratulate our city’s engineering team on continuing with this important project.”

“Ferry Street is the spine of the vibrant Ironbound neighborhood. We want to congratulate Councilman Amador, the Ironbound Business Improvement District, and community stakeholders for advancing the enhancement of this key artery. Streetscape improvement is a form of public investment that yields private sector activity and job production. Combined with our broader business attraction and support efforts, these Ferry Street improvements will make an enormous difference for the Ironbound and for Newark,” said Deputy Mayor Pryor.

“Improving the public environment of our cities, towns and neighborhoods is an important aspect of our responsibilities as elected officials. The Ferry Street Streetscape project represents the realization of a dream held by a number of stakeholders throughout the community over the last four or five years. The rehabilitation of the street’s sidewalks and the replacement of its public lighting, signage, and so on, will offer a friendlier environment to those who visit the Ironbound to shop or dine. I’m happy that Mayor Booker has committed to the type of partnership with our community that results in benefits such as this project,” said Council Member Amador.

“This streetscape project is an example of how government and business working together can successfully move a community forward. We are proud of our team including professionals, citizens, government, and the Ironbound community for hanging in there to make this happen and to continue work the work necessary to complete the entire project from Penn Station to Christie Street.” said Seth A. Grossman, the Ironbound Business Improvement District’s Executive Director.

John P. Williams, MKW + Associates, LLC, of Rutherford, NJ, and principal architect of the project explained, “All of us at MKW are very pleased that this first phase of the Ferry Street Streetscape project is about to begin construction. Our design for this streetscape is unique, and very much a reflection of the vitality, diversity, and culture of this wonderful neighborhood and of the City of Newark itself. The patterns, colors and rhythm of the sidewalks, coupled with new shade trees and distinctive street lighting, help to strengthen and enhance the image and identity of the Ironbound community. This streetscape design is the result of a long and fruitful collaboration with the City, the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID), and, most importantly, the local community. City of Newark and IBID committee meetings and discussions and several major public presentations helped us to develop a streetscape design that expresses the Ironbound community’s vision for the future.”

IRONBOUND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (IBID) JOINS CITY OF NEWARK’S “ADOPT A MEDIAN” PROGRAM

City-wide Initiative to Beautify Streets and Medians Modeled After National “Adopt-A-Highway” Program

NEWARK, N.J., September 2, 2008 – The Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) has become the second partner to join the City of Newark’s “Adopt A Median” program. The IBID has adopted the median dividing Raymond Boulevard from Market Street between Prospect and Madison Streets. The City of Newark has marked the location with a sign that notes the IBID’s “adoption” of the site.

Seth A. Grossman, the IBID’s executive director, noted that the organization will clean the median of debris twice monthly using the IBID’s professional cleaning service provider, Ironbound-based Lisbon Cleaners, as part of its supplemental service program to support and enhance the efforts of the City’s Department of Sanitation. In addition, the IBID will ensure that the median is weeded on a regular basis, again using a local company, Carlos Landscaping Services.

The program was announced in June by Mayor Cory A. Booker and Engineering Director Mehdi Mohammadish to enable community organizations, neighborhoods, families, businesses, and schools to take over the maintenance and cleaning of street medians all across the City, an initiative similar to the popular “Adopt-A-Highway” programs that exist across the nation. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center was the first organization to join the program, adopting Route 21 (McCarter Highway) between Raymond Boulevard and Fulton Street.

Under the Adopt-A-Median program, community groups can sign up to adopt a median for a minimum period of two years and conduct litter removal activities and/or landscape maintenance on the median. Any group, business, organization, family, even individuals can qualify and there is no cost to join this program. There are currently twelve sites across the City of Newark available for adoption.

IBID President Steven T. Yglesias stated that participation in the program is another example of how building strong public-private partnerships can help solve quality of life issues for residents, merchants and visitors to Newark and the Ironbound. “The IBID has made cleanliness and safety a top priority to reinforce the welcoming environment that people have come to expect in the Ironbound District,” he added. “The Adopt A Median program is another way our organization can work cooperatively with the City and contribute to the positive changes in Newark.”

East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador believes that efforts on behalf of clean communities are valuable investments in Newark that will pay dividends as the spotlight continues to focus on the City. “The Ironbound draws countless visitors to Newark on a daily basis, and their impressions are important. Joining the Adopt A Median program demonstrates that the IBID is committed to keeping the district clean, adding to a better image and perception of Newark.”

For more information on this program, contact the Jack Nata at the Division of Traffic and Signals at (973) 733-6183, or by mail at the Division, at 255 Central Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07103, or by e-mail at nataj@ci.newark.nj.us

Email would go to the IBID address – nwkibid@aol.com

Millennium bcp Bank & Lisbon Cleaners Sponsor Effort to Help Keep the Ironbound Clean

NEWARK, N.J., May 22, 2008 -- The Ann Street School won the fifth to eighth grade trophy and the Wilson Avenue School won the first to fourth grade award in the Ironbound Business Improvement District s sixth annual Anti-Litter Poster Contest. Ann Street School also won the second prize for first to fourth grade students, with Lafayette Street School taking second prize for fifth to eighth graders. More than thirty posters were entered by students from Ironbound elementary and middle schools participating in the contest, sponsored by Millennium bcp Bank and Lisbon Cleaners, which draws attention to the IBID s “Let s Work Together to Keep the Ironbound Clean” quality of life initiative.

Sixth graders Claudia Sa, Stephany Ortega and Alexa Aleguin and fourth graders Carolina Almeida, Ana Rita Torouco and Cyan Pitts, accompanied by art teachers Brian Bromborsky and Marilyn Richardson, represented the Ann Street School. Student poster artists Lauren Sousa and Adrian Dias, accompanied by art teacher Randi Wolfman, represented the Wilson Avenue School. Seventh grader Juluen Nunez represented Lafayette Street School.

Seth A. Grossman, IBID Executive Director, pointed out that the IBID printed 20,000 posters and postcards featuring the work of the winning students for distribution in Ironbound schools and display in the storefront windows of merchants and restaurants throughout the Ironbound District. The postcards provide information about the Ironbound District s trash pick-up and recycling schedules as well as rules and regulations regarding waste disposal.

East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador, a longtime supporter of the contest and a member of the IBID Board of Directors, congratulated the students, pointing out that participation in the contest has increased every year, demonstrating that the Ironbound s young people are mindful of the need to keep their community clean.

“It all starts with the children, and I would be happy to see their commitment and concern inspire their families, friends and neighbors regarding an issue that impacts everyone in the Ironbound including residents, the business community and visitors,” noted Councilman Amador.

Jason Rocha, representing contest sponsor Millennium bcp Bank, stated that the bank considers the Ironbound its second home, and proudly supports programs that benefit the community. “The children are the Ironbound s future,” Rocha added.

Tony Heleno of Lisbon Cleaners, who manages the IBID s supplemental street cleaning service in the Ironbound District, attended the awards ceremony and believes the leadership of the IBID combined with the efforts of the City s Department of Sanitation, his clean-up crews and community members can help address the Ironbound s litter problem. “Many of our employees live and work in this community so they have a lot of motivation to do a great job,” Heleno stated.

“We all have a part to play to help keep the Ironbound clean,” concluded Ann Street School students Carolina Almeida, Ana Rita Torouco and Cyan Pitts. 

Ann Street School, 2nd place, grades 1-4 left to right – Marilyn Richardson, Carolina Almeida, Cyan Pitts, Ana Rita Torouco, Tony Heleno, Seth A. Grossman, Brian Bromborsky and Jason Rocha

Ann Street School, 1 st place, grades 5-8 Left to right – Tony Heleno, Brian Bromborsky, Jason Rocha, Claudia Sa, Alexa Aleguin Stephany Ortega and Seth A. Grossman

Wilson Avenue School, 1 st place, grades 1-4 Left to right – Tony Heleno, Randi Wolfman, Lauren Sousa, Adriana Dias, Seth A. Grossman and Jason Rocha

Lafayette Street School, 2 nd place, grades 5-8 Left to right – Tony Heleno, Seth A. Grossman, Juluen Nunez and Jason Rocha

Knowing that the newly opened Prudential Center would draw many new visitors to Newark who might be unfamiliar with the City and Newark’s Penn Station, the IBID has been working in cooperation with NJ Transit to provide a warm welcome with a staffed Information Kiosk.

In partnership with the City and NJ Transit, the IBID designed and purchased a colorful and portable “kiosk”, that is set up and staffed by IBID representatives on evenings when the Prudential Center is hosting events. In addition to handing out copies of the Ironbound Explorer’s Guide and the Ironbound Shopper’s Guide, staffers help out with directions and information, including recommendations for great places to eat and drink before or after their event.

Representatives of the New Jersey Ironmen, who capped off their first season in professional indoor soccer by making it to the playoffs, joined IBID representatives at the Kiosk to pass out information about the team. Seth Grossman, the IBID’s executive director, stated that the Kiosk was designed to be used as a general Newark information site as more and more visitors are attracted to the City’s many business, cultural and entertainment opportunities. “We have invited a long list of our Newark neighbors to use the Information Kiosk to join us in spreading the news about the great things the City has to offer,” he concluded.

IRONBOUND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (IBID) JOINS WITH COUNCILMAN AMADOR TO SPONSOR HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST

NEWARK, N.J., January 16, 2008 – The Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) joined with East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador to sponsor a Holiday Lighting Contest for businesses and homes in the Ironbound community.

“The contest was designed to bring Ironbound residents and merchants together during the festive holiday season to help create a sense of community and make the Ironbound a welcoming place,” noted Lizete Costa, IBID Treasurer.

Local businesses that donated prizes for the Holiday Lighting Contest included Natural Health Place, Vinhas Jewelers, Ferry Wines and Mompou Tapas Wine Bar & Lounge.

Councilman Amador presented trophies, certificates of appreciation and other commemorative gifts to the contest winners on behalf of the City.

Contest winners included local businesses Fatita Hair & Nails and Altas Horas Restaurant, and Ironbound residents Mr. Henrique Teixeira, Mr. and Mrs. Alberto Barandas, Mr. Wandeir Moraes, Mrs. Ana Pereira and Mr. and Mrs. Jose Bernardes.

IRONBOUND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT SPONSORS HOLIDAY CAROLING BY LOCAL STUDENTS

Newark, N.J., January 3, 2008 – As part of its marketing program to make the Ironbound festive and inviting for holiday shoppers and visitors to the district’s many restaurants, the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) sponsored a caroling program featuring 50 students from the Wilson Avenue School.  Under the direction of Music Teacher Ms. Tamam Ferreira, the students sang traditional carols along Ferry Street to the delight of residents, merchants and visitors alike.

The IBID also provided holiday light banners along the length of Ferry Street, as well as a decorated Christmas tree at Peter Francisco Park that welcomes people at this important entry point to the Ironbound community.

Contact: Vince Baglivo, 973.301.2200
vbaglivo@zero-to-sixty.com

NEWARK, N.J., December 20, 2007 -- The Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) voted to return its full slate of officers for 2008 in elections held at its Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors on December 3rd.  Steven T. Yglesias of Mompou Tapas Wine Bar & Lounge will return as president. Renato Baptista, a retired businessman, was reelected to the first vice president position. Local businessman John Peneda will continue to serve as second vice president.  Lizete Costa, New Lusitana Autobody, was reelected to the treasurer position.   Michele Palacio, Natural Health Place, will return as secretary. Licinio “Lee” Cruz will continue to serve as president emeritus.

“We look forward to a great year of rebuilding Ferry Street, and continuing to build partnerships with other Newark stakeholders to increase our quality of life and add value for our customers,” stated Mr. Yglesias. “Our Board of Directors is committed to making the Ironbound a world class destination for great dining, entertainment and international shopping.”

Members of the Ironbound Business Improvement District’s Board of Directors recently met with Mayor Cory A. Booker and East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador to discuss key issues including the Ferry Street Streetscape Project, the Prudential Center and quality of life issues.

Participating in the meeting were (left to right) Jose Mario Gomes, Executive Director Seth Grossman, Pedro Belo, Treasurer Lizete Costa, President Steven T. Yglesias, Mayor Booker, Councilman Amador and John Peneda.

The professional cleaning service will supplement the City of Newark’s Department of Sanitation, which is responsible for trash collection and street cleaning in the Ironbound District. The effort is a cooperative partnership between the IBID and the City of Newark that seeks to enhance the Ironbound’s reputation as a clean and safe cultural tourism destination, and a great place for residents, merchants and visitors.

“Newark’s residents, businesses and government are coming together to create not only a cleaner and safer city, but also a more vibrant Newark that offers a world of opportunities in terms of local jobs, new businesses and attractive cultural and entertainment options,” said Mayor Booker.

“The signing of this contract demonstrates both a commitment to a better quality of life for everyone who lives, works in or visits the Ironbound, and our desire to keep jobs in our community and create opportunities for local businesses,” stated Councilman Amador.

Tony Heleno, Director of Operations for Lisbon Cleaners, noted that the business has been located in Newark for 25 years, and employs many local residents.  “This contract provides an opportunity for our company to give back to our community in a more public way,” added Ana Brito, Lisbon Cleaner’s Director of Administration.

For the past six years, the IBID has worked to address one of the community’s most significant concerns – excessive trash and litter on Ironbound streets and sidewalks, as well as illegal posters and graffiti.  In addition, the IBID has promoted an initiative called “Let’s Work Together to Keep the Ironbound Clean,” sponsoring an annual anti-litter poster contest for local students to help make the community’s children aware of the problem and the need for everyone in the District to pitch in and do their part for a cleaner Ironbound.

“This effort is just the beginning of changes and improvements that the IBID is focused on to contribute to a better Ironbound and a better City,” said Lizete Costa, owner of New Lusitana Auto Body in Newark and the IBID’s Treasurer. “A cleaner community is just one example of the impact that is possible when people work together for a common cause.”

“The IBID is proud of our community partnerships,” added Seth Grossman, the IBID’s Executive Director.  “We don’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk when it comes to initiatives that will positively benefit our community and our City.”

 
Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker, East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador and At-Large Councilman Carlos M. Gonzalez joined representatives of the IBID and Lisbon Cleaners to announce the $135,000 cleaning services contract.