News

Cultivating Partnership, Trust and Collective Impact in Newark Neighborhoods

10.22.2021 — LISC Stories

In Clinton Hill, Neighborhood Revitalization Planning

GNL believes that neighborhoods thrive when rooted in what neighbors want for themselves, their families and the places they call home. To advance this approach, GNL provides resources and structures for convening, organizing, and implementing shared priorities.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Greater Newark LISC liaised with Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) and a Steering Committee of residents and local organizations to develop a neighborhood revitalization plan for Upper Clinton Hill. The process was coordinated by the Community Strategies team at New Jersey Community Capital and powered by a creative engagement strategy with over 350 Clinton Hill residents and stakeholders.

Managed by CHCA, the Upper Clinton Hill neighborhood plan was submitted to the N.J. Department of Community Affairs in June 2021 and became eligible to apply for nearly $1M to fund approved projects. The Upper Clinton Hill Neighborhood Plan illustrates a community-owned blueprint organized into five focus areas:

Throughout the planning period, community members emphasized that Public Safety and Creative Placemaking should serve as cross-cutting strategies that are integrated in each of the five focus areas. GNL will lead the implementation of Resident Empowerment and Capacity Building activities by mobilizing partners such as the Concerned Citizens of Clinton Hill and Clinton Hill Block Club Coalition. Through our signature leadership training programs, technical assistance and grassroots grantmaking initiatives, we propose to grow investments in solutions designed by those most affected by the opportunity gaps we are committed to closing.

Kaboom Park Playground Redevelopment in Fairmont Heights

Safety is central to the health and vitality of thriving neighborhoods. To maintain a sense of security, community residents need to know that their children can walk to school safely and should have access to quality green- and community-spaces to enjoy with their families and neighbors. GNL recognizes that safety is critical to attracting local businesses and ensuring that residents are engaged in crafting the visions for their neighborhoods. When communities are safe, local economies can flourish. When people are empowered, places are empowered.

As an effort to put this philosophy into practice, Greater Newark LISC has teamed with the Urban League of Essex County, the City of Newark, and Fairmount Heights residents to revitalize a pocket park in Fairmount Heights, locally known as “Kaboom Park.” GNL has led successful fundraising efforts to align and secure strategic resources by securing nearly $300,000 in grant funding from Mars Wrigley Foundation, the Victoria Foundation, and the ESPN RePlay Program.