Mayor Wayne Smith's Speeches

One-Year State of the Township Address

Delivered on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at Civic Square Park

"The First Year: Second to None"

Good evening. It is with deep joy and privilege that I come before you—my family, colleagues, friends, supporters and concerned citizens—to deliver the One-Year State of the Township Address for Irvington.

I begin this speech with the impending revitalization of the Irvington Bus Terminal, because its history provides a most profound example of how a government that is strong, proactive, receptive and united can stimulate change that is real, dramatic and long-lasting. I am proud to state that we are that government.

Let me briefly explain the process, which began more than three years ago, when New Jersey Transit approached the former administration about reconstructing the facility. In order to proceed, New Jersey Transit had to acquire the land housing the terminal and the adjacent parking lot from the township. Simply stated, the prior administration did not respond and failed to coordinate any effort that would have resulted in the sale of the land. 

New Jersey Transit decided that redevelopment of the bus terminal was indeed terminal—in the medical sense of the word, and the plan was declared dead. This administration, however, welcomed New Jersey Transit with open arms and embraced this exciting opportunity not only to drive economic development but to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our community. Today, the land exchange has been made and the project is alive and well…so much so that construction of the $4.4 million building is expected to begin in a couple of months. In a little more than one year, the Township of Irvington will be home to a facility that is second to none.

With 444 daily bus departures and arrivals each, the Irvington Bus Terminal is the second busiest bus transportation hub in the State of New Jersey. One would never fathom that fact, however, considering the building’s present constitution. But now, it will be first-class all the way. The modernized Irvington Bus Terminal—at twice its existing size—will feature such amenities as new lighting, signage and shelters; and brick paving. In addition, bus lanes will be widened to ensure safe passage; a new parking lot will be built; and a walkway will connect pedestrians from the terminal to the Nye Avenue Parking Garage. Our citizens are not second class, and we deserve the very best.

As with the Irvington Bus Terminal, redevelopment of other parcels was practically non-existent. I began my term of office by taking meaningful action to rebuild our neighborhoods, commercial districts and industrial areas. The Master Plan, which is the blueprint for neighborhood and economic recovery, is not languishing on a desk, but is a living, breathing document that is in the initial stages of implementation.

My economic recovery plan is grounded in the Master Plan, the key elements of which include: restoring and upgrading struggling residential areas with stable, attractive housing; redefining our central business district that encompasses Springfield and Clinton Avenues with mixed-use residential and commercial properties anchored by such brand-name businesses like TJ Maxx and Radio Shack, for examples; duplicating this plan in the secondary commercial corridors that include Lyons Avenue, Chancellor Avenue, upper Springfield Avenue, Grove Street, 16th Avenue and 18th Avenue; attracting white-linen dining establishments to these areas; and revitalizing the industrial sector, which will include creating compatible retail uses.

I have organized my administration to be primed for the successful execution of our plan. A Land Development Review Committee consisting of our business administrator, construction code official, zoning officer, and township engineer was formed and meets weekly to review site plans submitted by land developers to ensure that our township can secure high quality, attractive projects. In fact, we are poised for action at all levels of government. Working in partnership with the Municipal Council, we presented the first-ever zoning seminar that also included the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

You may recall that I identified business and economic growth as one of the three keys to Irvington’s long-term stability. We now have a business-friendly environment that encourages developers to invest in our community, creating a win-win situation for them and our residents. We have streamlined the process of securing permits and issued almost 600 to date. In addition, about 400 certificates of occupancy and habitability have been granted; and 8500 certificates of approval have been issued for commercial projects.

Let me make one thing crystal clear, however: friendliness is not a license for freewheeling. As Mark Holmes, the Director of Community Development and Planning, said at a contractors’ seminar that we held in April, “We will not tolerate the slick stuff.” Just ask any one of those we have nabbed for incomplete, shoddy or hazardous work. To date, almost 300 summonses for housing code violations have been issued, and about $130,000 in fines have been levied against and collected from unscrupulous builders, contractors and property owners. Make no mistake about it: In Irvington, it’s the right way…or no way.

Many of the abandoned, decayed properties that were allowed to blemish our community and dampen our collective spirit have been demolished. More defunct residential dwellings—20 to be exact—have been torn down in one year than were razed during the past several years. We anticipate the demolition of almost 40 properties over the next several months. These buildings are more than eyesores; they have provided refuge for the illegal and unsanitary activities that have been allowed to thrive for too long. So, for every structure that comes down, hope goes up for us to reclaim the clean, safe and proud Irvington that many of us can fondly recall.

We were at the forefront of the push for adoption of two state bills for urban municipalities to seize and abate abandoned or neglected properties. To summarize, the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Receivership Act will allow municipalities, in addition to tenants, neighborhood-based organizations and other responsible parties, to institute receivership action……give courts the discretion to appoint receivers……extend the grounds for action from health and safety violations to criminal and drug activity…… and allow the receiver to borrow funds to place liens on the targeted property.

The Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act will streamline cumbersome and complex foreclosure proceedings by: allowing the municipality to seek a court order to demolish or stabilize properties within 14 days and to obtain the title in cases of non-compliance; and reducing the time limit from 18 to six months before properties are put up for tax sales, among other measures.    The Township of Irvington was one of just three municipalities statewide to host hearings by the Senate Urban and Community Affairs Committee. About 50 members of our community came out for the hearing, and we appreciate your support. We are very hopeful about the prospects for passage of these bills.

We have granted about $1.2 million to residential property owners and private investor owners for the rehabilitation of multi-family dwellings. Two six-family buildings on 17th Avenue are nearing completion, and in the next few weeks, we will celebrate the grand opening of 599-601 20th Street. The 12-unit dwelling features two- and three-bedroom units with wall-to-wall carpeting, kitchen appliances, baseboard gas heat and an intercom system.

These and other achievements of the past year will not be sustained without a safe and secure community. One year ago, I named public safety as the number one priority in the Township of Irvington. Today, it remains the defining issue for our future well-being and prosperity. That is why I am proud of the progress we have made to date.

Our persistence for state assistance paid off handsomely late last year when 25 state troopers were dispatched to Irvington to bolster local efforts in attacking crime. After months of gathering intelligence and undercover surveillance—which resulted in several drug and gang raids—the troopers are now also engaged in covert operations. They are patrolling the community in marked NJ State Police cars. Their efforts will free up our own police officers to answer service calls in a timely and efficient manner. Your pleas have not fallen on deaf ears; we have heard you loud and clear.

This community policing program will be in effect for 24 months; we will, however, maintain a permanent partnership with the NJ State Police in varying degrees as needed. We will always seek the best in services, because you expect and deserve it. You are second to none.

You can be assured that advocacy for Irvington is fervent and far-reaching. We lobbied not only state officials, but county and federal government as well, resulting in the formation of the law enforcement coalition that is now known as the Essex Anti-Crime Partnership. The group is composed of the Irvington Police Department; New Jersey State Police; the Newark Police Department, for border patrols; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office; and the Essex-Union Auto Theft Task Force, with personnel and technical assistance provided by three federal entities—the FBI; the Drug Enforcement Agency; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

As with all of our initiatives, the coalition will not flourish without the concern and involvement of good citizens—residents like Charles Motley, who attends weekly meetings of the anti-crime partnership. He also organized last month’s meeting that formally introduced the New Jersey State Police to our residents and explained its community policing program. Earlier that day, we celebrated another milestone by re-opening the East Ward Police Mini-Precinct, the command center for state police operations in Irvington.

Both events were well attended and indicate your interest in community developments. But, I encourage you—no, I implore you—to follow the lead of Mr. Motley……Rosie Greggs, co-chairperson of the East Ward Joint Block Coalition……and others who work diligently behind the scenes long after the events are over. Our police director, Michael Damiano, has always said that residents are the eyes and ears of the police. This is especially true with the state police initiative. As the troopers come through your neighborhoods, some of you will give them tips and detailed information. Others may choose to call or visit police headquarters on Civic Square; the East Ward Police Mini-Precinct, located at the corner of 16th Avenue and 20th Street; or the South Ward Police Mini-Precinct, at the corner of Lehigh Place and Union Avenue, one block in from Chancellor Avenue. Either way, it is incumbent upon us all to report suspected or actual illegal activity to those who have been sworn to serve and protect you. We will do our part and bring the full weight of the law to bear on serious criminal offenders. You must also do your part.

Other gains in law enforcement and community safety include: hiring 15 recruits, who graduated last month from the Essex County Police Academy and who are now full-time police officers; increasing arrests for prostitution and drug-related offenses, with assistance from the anti-crime partnership; adding 15 new black and white police cars equipped with computer terminals to quickly conduct license, motor vehicle and criminal checks; and graduating 42 citizens from the civilian police academy. Short-term plans for the department include: upgrading software, allowing officers to complete reports from the police cars; starting classes for the police auxiliary in mid-fall; and equipping school crossing guards with cell phones for 911 emergencies.

It is by design that I segue from the police department to discussing our children, because—like it or not—or—whether we admit it or not—an adult’s history with the criminal justice system is often rooted in his childhood experiences. Each one of us can—and should—play an active role in their overall development. In the Township of Irvington, we are certainly doing our part.

We recently received a $177,000 check from the NJ State Department of Environmental Protection to fund the repair of the Little League field house and to upgrade the field with the following improvements: installation of a sprinkler system, replanting/treatment of the outfield, resurfacing and leveling of the infield, replanting of the mound and home plate, resetting of bases, and repairs and/or replacement of field fencing.

Due to a $500,000 grant also from the Department of Environmental Protection that was approved early on in my term, park improvements are now underway. The installation of new playground equipment consisting of slide systems and swing sets is underway at 40th Street Playground, Green Terrace Park, Parkway Playground, Eberhardt Playground, Civic Center Playground, Montgomery Park and Tiny Tots Playground. These sites will also be graced by new benches and upgraded fencing.

A few months ago, we opened the East Ward Recreation Center at Berkeley Terrace Park. The facility offers a full slate of activities, including karate, football, basketball, softball, T-ball, soccer, cheerleading, dancing, a drill team, volleyball and board games.

Our main facility, the Chris Gatling Recreation Center, also features these core programs, in addition to arts and crafts, homework assistance, martial arts and Movie Fridays. Furthermore, the center offers martial arts, cardiovascular kickboxing aerobics, and a fully equipped weight room for adults.

I am proud to announce that we are bringing a first-time boxing program to the Township of Irvington; installation of the regulation- sized boxing ring at the Chris Gatling Recreation Center is almost complete. Licensed by the U. S. Amateur Boxing Association, the two trainers we have hired are also repeat winners of the NJ Amateur Golden Glove Championships. As you know, boxing—like basketball or any other athletic activity—provides many benefits outside the physical arena, so to speak. They instill within children the discipline, determination, cooperative spirit and other qualities that will nurture their progress.

We will collaborate with any person or organization that shares our commitment to children. Just ask Catherine Sauls, who operates a girls’ leadership and mentoring program in conjunction with the Irvington Public Library, and who recently launched a girls’ ambassadorship program……Tammy Owens, the founder of You Better Sing Music and Arts Center of Irvington……the well-known Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, which we welcomed to our community in April with an office at the Servicemen’s Club House and a satellite location at the Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corporation……Gifted Young Minds, Inc., known for its basketball tournaments and overnight retreats for boys and girls…….and Determined to Achieve Parents Network, which operates social and recreational programs for disabled children and advocates for their families. We will make every effort to secure the technical assistance and financial resources for your organization.

Regarding partnerships focused on children, our most important one is with the Board of Education. I am proud to inform you, therefore, that we have made the second $1 million installment toward a $3.9 million debt incurred by my predecessor. This administration enjoys an excellent working relationship with the board, and we are united in the mission to provide our children with the safe, sound and structured environments that will stimulate their successful development.

It is ironic that some communities located less than 15 minutes away from the Township of Irvington are home to among the most acclaimed and respected school districts in the state. Our children should not have to settle for second best; it is our responsibility to make sure they don’t. This is why our administration was closely involved with the site selection process for the planned new school in the East Ward and why our redevelopment strategy includes the construction of quality homes around the school to create an appealing and supportive environment for our children.

Speaking of our surroundings, we are working diligently to improve and enhance Irvington’s aesthetic appeal. Under the Clean Team initiative, five of our residents will be added to the full-time staff of the Department of Public Works to clean the business districts. The unit will work Mondays through Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to clean and maintain curbs, sidewalks, streets and town-owned parking lots, in addition to replacing or repairing litter receptacles. Two motorized vacuums that operate on sidewalks and a large street sweeper will arrive in the next few weeks. Further, we looking at a number of community service programs and working with the Municipal Council to strengthen the ordinances governing the appearance of our township.

In this new era of governmental unity, we have been successful in addressing any and all issues that affect the citizens of our community. I look forward to working with the Council during the next three years on behalf of the citizens of Irvington.

One year ago, I asked that residents, businesses, churches, and all stakeholders in the Township of Irvington join us to improve our community…and you have come through in a big way. From the surge in the number of block associations to the sponsorship and organization of a variety of community events, you have affirmed that we are doing things the right way.

I would like to acknowledge Verizon, Comcast, PSE&G, the Irvington Chamber of Commerce, the Irvington Post Office, the Irvington Clergy Association, the Irvington Counseling Center, the Bridge, the Irvington Family Development Center, Famicare, New Jersey Citizen Action and others who are actively engaged in the revitalization of our community. At this point, I would like to mention our latest partner, the internationally-known and respected Dreyfus Foundation, which will fund a variety of proposed initiatives to improve the health and well-being of our citizens. We are currently recruiting individuals and organizations for an intensive training session that will take place in October. More information about this program will be forthcoming during the next few weeks.

We are encouraged by your response and promise that we will always make the maximum effort to secure the best for Irvington.

It has been my honor to serve as your Mayor thus far, and I look forward to your sustained support, as we make the Township of Irvington second to none. May God richly bless you and your families.

Speech written by Jacqueline Andrews

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