The skyline of Newark at sunrise Image © Holger W., 2007 Used under license from Shutterstock.com
Very few cities have a tougher time overcoming perceptions than Newark. The story of New Jersey's largest city is one that goes from a vibrant, industrial and residential community, to one of urban decay. Between 1950 and 1970, half of its population packed up and moved away. During the following decades, it had been written off, scoffed and generally avoided. Every effort to reinvent itself met with disappointment, either by corrupt politics, dishonest developers or both. Today, Newark is finally witnessing a Renaissance. In 1997, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) opened to rave reviews and sparked a renewed interest in the city. Soon, empty store fronts were being filled with trendy cafés and bistros. Businesses, turned off by the high rents in Manhattan, found Newark, just 10 miles away, to be a great alternative. Decaying slums have been torn down and replaced with town homes, attracting more families. In 2000, minor league baseball returned after a 40 year absence. The team, the Newark Bears, play in the 6200 seat Riverfront Stadium, a wonderful old style brick ballpark. The five colleges and universities are injecting a youthful energy. Old favorites, such as the Ironbound neighborhood and Branch Brook Park, are being rediscovered. In 2007, the Prudential Center, is scheduled to open. This state of the art arena will be the new home of the New Jersey Devils hockey team and Seton Hall Big East college basketball. Newark may still be rough around the edges (just see any Sopranos episode), but coming here will show a city in transition. Thankfully, the transition is in a positive direction.
