Mayor Wayne Smith's Speeches

Three-Year State of the Township Address

Delivered on Thursday, July 21, 2005
at the Verizon Communications Complex in Irvington

"Recovering and Poised for Growth"

I bid you all a good evening and thank you for sharing the Third State of the Township Address with me. I especially thank my mom and family for staying and praying with me through the good and difficult times. The work my administration has pursued and the achievements, which have resulted, are indeed attributable in large measure to the cooperation we've received from the Irvington Municipal Council. I want to salute this Township Council and applaud them for staying the course.

I also want to express appreciation for the hard working directors and employees of the Township of Irvington for it is through their tireless efforts that we can stand before you tonight and declare that Irvington is Recovering and Poised for Growth. Indeed we are living the impossible dream. In addition, let me express thanks to all who shared in the planning and implementing of tonight's event. Our progress as a Township is indeed reflected in the improvements of how we now facilitate events and Township activities.

Our strength as a "Community of Opportunity" is demonstrated by our partnership with our clergy, business leaders, community leaders and residents. Irvington 's greatest strength is our diversity, which blends an array of folk in a common effort to move Irvington forward.

Introduction by Dawn Martinez

As you know, when I assumed the office of mayor, the Township of Irvington had long been thrust into turmoil. Our community was rapidly riding down the slope of decline and deterioration. But, as I stand before you, I am proud to report that where administrative lethargy once stood, meaningful activity abounds; where inaction was the norm, productivity is the standard; where despair hung like clouds of darkness, pride and hope for the future shine throughout our community. Let me outline the progress and results of the past three years.

From July 2002 to January 2003, we made a fast and furious start with several exciting, important initiatives that included:

•  attracting a state grant of $825,000 for demolition of eyesore properties

•  securing a state grant of $550,000 to renovate our parks and playgrounds

•  welcoming 25 state troopers to Irvington , sent in response to an agreement we initiated with the Office of the Attorney General

•  re-opening the East Ward Police Mini-Precinct, which had been closed by the prior administration

•  opening the South Ward Police Mini-Precinct

•  creating a civilian police academy

•  launching a discount prescription drug program with free enrollment for Irvington residents

•  renovating the exterior of the Irvington Senior Citizens' Community Center

•  establishing an agreement for the sale of town-owned property to make way for the $5 million Irvington Bus Terminal

Today, the victorious results of these efforts are as follows:

•  Almost 100 properties have been demolished, preparing the land for redevelopment as modern, attractive residential and commercial structures. As an example, the razing of the mammoth property at 514 Lyons Avenue that housed the landmark Drake's Bakeries will be resurrected at the end of this year as an Auto Zone---the township's second location of the national auto parts retailer; the first also opened under my administration. The 6,500-square-foot store will have about 12 to 15 full- and part-time employees and 45 parking spaces.

•  Speaking of demolition, the former Irvington Bus Terminal was torn down last year, and in June 2005, we celebrated the grand opening of a new facility that---at 2,000 square feet---is double the size of its predecessor. The terminal is second only to Newark Penn Station in its accommodation of 12,500 passengers daily and the more than 400 bus arrivals and departures each on a daily basis. The structure boasts an eye-catching, elongated column; an overhang with a striking color scheme; a clean, sleek waiting area and new lighting. Wider bus lanes enhance the environment and allow safer maneuvering of the nearly 1,000 buses that use the terminal daily. In addition, the parking lot next to the facility was resurfaced, and pedestrian links featuring brick paving for passengers accessing the terminal from the Nye Avenue Municipal Parking Garage were improved.

•  Forty-two persons graduated from the civilian police academy, and of those, sixteen are volunteer members of the Irvington Police Auxiliary, which was revived under this administration.

•  New playground equipment consisting of slide systems and swing sets has been installed at our parks and playgrounds, under the auspices of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Next month, construction of a skate park is expected to commence at Chancellor Park . This site is slated for a $1 million facelift, which in addition to the skating area, will include such features as new basketball courts, baseball/softball fields and a multi-purpose community center. Last week, the County of Essex announced a $ 1 million, two-story addition to the field house at Irvington Park , which previously was upgraded with new basketball and tennis courts, in addition to a rubberized playground surface. Earmarked for completion at the end of the year, the expanded building will continue to house operations of the Irvington Amateur Radio Team but will also serve as a community center.

The first year of my administration was also marked by the formal introduction of the Anti-Crime Partnership. The law enforcement powerhouse is headed by the NJ State Police and is also composed of the Irvington Police Department; 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 agencies---the FBI; the Drug Enforcement Agency; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Among the major achievements of the partnership to date are the arrest of almost 2000 suspects, in addition to 695 fugitives placed under arrest, and the confiscation of $162,000 from drug dealers and other lawbreakers. Furthermore, during the past year, arrests by the Irvington Police Department have surged significantly, and accordingly, overall crime rates have decreased.

The department recently sent ten recruits to the Essex County College Police Academy , and they will hit the streets in late fall of this year.

Other accomplishments include the purchase of a fingerprint machine; the activation of our local wing of the Essex County Domestic Violence Response Team, after many months of planning; and the purchase of five 4x4 emergency response vehicles. By the end of the summer, the department will begin classes for new police auxiliary recruits.

Members of the police department and our social services agency---the Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corporation---are part of the multi-faceted contingent for Operation Ceasefire. Launched in May of this year, the program's mission is to end the cycle of violence along the Newark/Irvington border. As nighttime falls, teams of clergy members, social service providers, outreach workers, and criminal justice partners meet with young adults to reclaim them from the clutches of dangerous alliances and behaviors. We are dedicated to meeting this critical challenge, as public safety is fundamental to a flourishing community.

Let me interject here that the police department usually receives most of the attention---good and bad---while the Irvington Fire Department, without much clamor, goes about the business of protecting lives and properties during incidents no one thinks about until they hit home. However, during the past year, the department attracted about $500,000 in various grants to enhance services and completed preliminary site work on the planned $500,000 regional fire service training and joint emergency response facility, to be housed at the site of the former fire training tower at 537 Union Avenue . In addition, the department inducted eight new fire officers.

Our solid record of accomplishments and activities continued into the second year from 2003 to 2004, as, among numerous other initiatives, we opened a 12-unit residence in the East Ward for families in transition; launched a wellness resource center at our senior citizens' center; held several seminars by the Department of Health; received a $177,000 state grant to upgrade the Little League baseball field and rehabilitate the field house that sustained heavy damage due to a fire (renovation was completed this year); secured designation as a Weed and Seed community by the U. S. Department of Justice, allowing us to apply for a maximum of $175,000 in grants annually for five years to "weed" out social ills and "seed" in revitalization through improved safety, job training and other programs; opened an office of the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network at the Service Men's Clubhouse; repaid the balance of the $3.9 million debt incurred by the former administration to the Irvington Public Schools, after the first installment of $1 million was made in September 2002; attracted grants from the internationally recognized Dreyfus Foundation for a variety of community-building projects; and created a boxing program, hosted the legendary Bill Cosby at a community forum, and welcomed Mike Concepcion, founder of the Los Angeles Crips, for frank discussions on the harsh realities of street life with selected audiences at our schools---three of several initiatives designed to change hearts and minds and redirect at-risk youth to positive alternatives.

Change was everywhere, and it was during this time span---in the spring of 2003---that we formally launched a program that will alter Irvington 's future in a positive, drastic and lasting way: the Strategic Redevelopment Plan.

Concentrated in the East Ward, but scattered throughout the township, our ambitious program has lured about $65 million in expected and emerging development. Last month, we unveiled the East Ward redevelopment projects, which are as follows:

•  Kay Gee Development, LLC of Passaic---$2 million conversion of vacant lots into ten two-family, market rate homes on Grove Street and on Tremont Terrace with features that include three bedrooms, bay windows, modern kitchen with appliances, hardwood floors, two baths, garage and central air and heat.

•  Topaz Housing Development Corp. of East Orange---$500,000 conversion of one vacant lot and one demolition-ready structure into two two-family, affordable rate homes that feature two and three bedrooms, central air and heating, full service electronic security, garage and handicapped accessibility.

•  Risan Development Corp., LLC of Newark---$1.5 million conversion of vacant lots on lower Springfield Avenue into five two-family, market rate homes with three bedrooms, two baths, hardwood floors and central air and heating.

•  New Visions Redevelopment Associates, LLC of Hillside---$6 million subdivision and conversion of 14 vacant lots and six demolition-ready properties into 25 two and three family, market rate homes with, among other elements, four to nine bedrooms in each structure, garage, recreation room and central air and heating.

•  NJ Schools Construction Corp.---a $25 million community middle school that combines traditional education with classes and facilities, such as a dental station and medical examining rooms, to serve an underprivileged population.

•  Maharaj Corporation---the $500,000 conversion and expansion of a 15-year-old liquor store into a franchise of Krauszer's, an upscale mini grocery chain with stores throughout the Tri-State region. The building will feature a textured brick exterior, security lights and surveillance system, while shoppers can enjoy such services as faxing, copying and Internet accessibility.

•  Tri-State Huskies---the $ 1.5 million transformation of vacant lots into eight two-family, affordable rate homes.

Start of construction for some of these projects is planned for later this year, and completion is targeted for next spring; construction of the middle school is expected to commence in 2007.

In addition, demolition is steadily proceeding on the 10-acre Pabst Brewery site, one fifth of which lies in the East Ward of Irvington. Long-term plans call for the $40 million revival of this historic structure as a commercial and residential complex.

Developments---so to speak---throughout the remainder of the township are as follows:

•  We are conducting negotiations on a proposed $1.7 million, 44-room hotel in the South Ward, capitalizing on the Route 78 corridor.

•  Township-owned real estate parcels have been sold to the Irvington Housing Authority (IHA), which plans to develop them as eight two-family homes. A developer has been assigned, and groundbreaking is anticipated for next spring. This is not only a business transaction but a prime example of the unity among the three governmental entities---the Township of Irvington , the Irvington Public Schools and the IHA-that has characterized my administration.

•  A $1.5 million condominium project has been proposed for the South Ward.

•  An 18-unit, $2 million condominium project in the North Ward recently secured approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

•  A $15 million mixed-use redevelopment plan for Mill Road , that as a focal point, will upgrade the usage of the C-Town supermarket lot, will be enhanced by a streetscaping project already under design.

These early successes are the result of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy that now makes Irvington a sought-after site for developers by employing these tactics: holding weekly meetings of the Mayor's Land Development Review Committee to provide guidance and direction in site plan preparation; gathering developers and township officials in weekly Redevelopment Group meetings to foster private investment in township land; creating a market for development of undersized lots by establishing special incentive zoning for projects that would otherwise be ineligible; maintaining an application process to formally select developers; and holding semi-monthly meetings of the administrative team and the Municipal Council's Housing and Redevelopment Committee to gain early input from the governing body.

Currently, we are fielding a number of serious inquiries from major developers in a facelift for the Springfield Avenue eastern gateway to complement the bus terminal. Renovation of the area, which includes the "Center" business district, will be stimulated by flexible zoning for retail, commercial, office and downtown residential uses, and the easing of parking requirements to facilitate construction of plazas and other pedestrian-shopper conveniences.

Established professionals are not the only ones building in Irvington . In April 2005, we kicked off an innovative program called Operation Jumpstart, a home construction training course for residents who are at least 18. Funded by our Department of Community Development and Planning---which oversees the provision of affordable housing---the three-month program consists of four weeks of theoretical work in the classroom paying $50 weekly, and two months of field experience that provides a $9 per hour salary, with a holistic component that seeks to instill self-development skills. Graduates are guaranteed job placement and can go on to purchase a home they may have worked on. Not only do they learn and earn in their hometown, but they make important contributions to the community through homeownership.

Students are currently assigned to a four-family house at 114 Ellis Avenue acquired at municipal auction by the Damian Corrente Memorial Foundation, which was founded by his mother, Pamela Corrente, in the aftermath of his slaying by a gang in New York . The township, the foundation and Quality Homes aRe Us---the latter of which does the hiring and field training---are committed partners in this much-needed and well-received effort that gives our young adults a "jumpstart" to productive and purposeful lives.

This past year, the completed projects funded by the department included the rehabilitation of six-unit homes at 297 Ellis Avenue and at 642 - 18 th Avenue . Numerous programs in health, youth/recreation and senior services received about $250,000; housing rehabilitation projects were granted almost $550,000; and more than $30,000 was dedicated to first-time homebuyers.

While other organizations or agencies hold a homebuyers' seminar just once per year, our department's ambitious agenda dictates the presentation of semi-annual homebuyers' expositions, allowing our citizens increased access to realtors, mortgage brokers, attorneys and related professionals in the quest for the "American Dream."

As we know, the benefits of homeownership are numerous, but with them come responsibility---and, one of the biggest concerns in this regard, especially in New Jersey , is property taxes. I am most privileged to state that we achieved fiscal stability without any major tax increases during the past three years. The Township has actually made even more progress---don't stop listening because I said no major taxes! Irvington was recently released from the state's Distressed Cities Program, with the return of $1.6 million as the final step in the exit process, meaning that we are operating with fiscal autonomy, an achievement that eluded the prior administration. In other accomplishments, we have received a bond rating from Moody's, generated almost $9 million in revenues from the six municipal auctions held to date, and are on track to hit a 15-year high of 94.5 percent in the tax collection rate.

Swelling the coffers is the collection of fines for municipal ordinance violations and fees for services, both of which have reached unprecedented levels. For example, the Department of Housing Services collected $78,000 after bringing a delinquent landlord into compliance to obtain certificates of habitability for a large, multi-family dwelling---one of several examples outlining our vigorous pursuit of negligent and arrogant property owners. This past year alone, as further testament to my declaration that Irvington is open for business ---and housing!---almost $500,000 was received for building and other contractors' permits issued by the department.

As a matter of fact, we are so business-friendly that in 2004, three enterprises opened within three weeks of each other, with two---Aamco Transmissions and Sunrise Professional Tax Service---holding grand opening celebrations the same day in October 2004. In September, Irvington Plumbing Supply---the state's only African American owned plumbing and heating supply firm---opened its doors. A few months ago, we welcomed two restaurants to town, and just two days from now, a bridal salon will hold its grand opening. A beauty salon called New U, which recently expanded its facility and services, is graced by charming décor and a pleasing atmosphere that rivals suburban establishments. Let me add that construction is expected to begin by the end of the year on a franchise of Advanced Auto Parts, and an automotive oil change facility is being erected. The time and finances expended by these businesses demonstrate the justified faith and confidence in the promise of Irvington .

To make our community shine and sparkle, the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ)---the three percent sales tax business development agency---in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, is implementing the Clean Communities Initiative, a comprehensive campaign targeting littering, graffiti markings and other activities that attack the aesthetics of our environment. The initiative's three primary components, which are in various stages of planning, are the: creation of the Keep Irvington Beautiful program (KIB) as an affiliate of the venerable Keep America Beautiful, for which the township held a required pre-certification workshop attended by more than 50 municipal employees and residents; Adopt A Block, in which a group agrees to clean litter from a designated area at regular intervals for a two-year period in exchange for equipment and educational resources from KIB; and Blow the Whistle on Illegal Dumping program, for which groups seek permission from owners of properties near dumping grounds to monitor offenders with cameras and report the findings to a hotline.

The UEZ is embarking on a new marketing campaign that will highlight Irvington 's strategic location in a region that is among the nation's most desired for shopping, travel and entertainment. It will continue to fund the police walking patrols and the Clean Team, a group of eight full-time Irvington residents employed by the Department of Public Works who perform a variety of cleaning and maintenance duties; plans mandate the expansion of this group to ten full-time workers. Future departmental initiatives include the revival of the façade improvement program, installation of surveillance cameras in retail centers, and expanding the roster of partners and sponsors to increase the scope of business development seminars.

In addition to its partnership with the UEZ, the Department of Public Works this past year resurfaced Smith Street and Cordier Street, and parts of Union Avenue, Orange Avenue, Nye Avenue---and after years of lengthy and inexcusable delays by the prior administration---Columbia Avenue, from 18 th Avenue to the Newark border. Myrtle Avenue, Nesbit Terrace, Eastern Parkway , 38 th Street, Ridgewood Avenue and Augusta Street are slated for service in the short term.

I know you will agree with me that a new spirit of energy and enthusiasm has swept the Township of Irvington . Perhaps you were one of the more than 10,000 people who rocked to the sizzling sounds of Stephanie Mills and Gerald Levert, or grooved to the smooth rhythms of Angela Bofill and Najee, or were enthralled by the sultry expression of Floetry last year, when we debuted Summer in the Zone. This program is administered by the UEZ---and, may I invoke some shopping terms here---offers upscale products with bargain basement prices. The only admission requirement for the concerts is a receipt from any UEZ business showing a minimum purchase of $15. The headliners attract customers who patronize our businesses, yielding an array of benefits for our community. You know I'm going to plug this year's event at Irvington Park---on Saturday, July 30, join us, as Freddie Jackson, Pieces of a Dream and Phil Perry take the stage, followed by Regina Belle and The Whispers on August 6.

Even the Irvington Public Library has gotten into the act, by hosting well-attended, festive ethnic celebrations concentrating on African American, Haitian and Ecuadorian culture. And, if you want to learn about Irvington 's roots, visit the librarys' Local History Room, which opened earlier this year.

The waves of excitement about our community are spreading far beyond our borders. For the first time, we have attracted a major sponsor of our annual Irvington Unity Day, and plans are being finalized for the $13,000 donation from a medical firm. We will see you on Saturday, August 20 at Orange Park , along with the musical lineup of Hunter Hayes, Brass Construction and BT Express.

I am deeply appreciative and encouraged by your attendance at---and participation in---school and community meetings, the growing membership of our Clergy Task Force, the noted surge in the formation of block associations, the volunteer turnout at block and neighborhood cleanups, and other indicators of a community on the move. You have responded, because we have listened---to your complaints, suggestions, comments and concerns---and we have worked diligently to address them in the timely, efficient and professional manner to which you are entitled.

Before closing, I am saving the best for last. A lot has been said and written about the importance of mayoral and council cohesion. To the Irvington Municipal Council, none of the gains made during the past three years would have been possible without your understanding, cooperation, and in some cases, disagreements, until we reached an accord. Your invaluable input has made my job easier and more rewarding, and on behalf of our citizens, I know that you hold Irvington 's best interests in high regard. I am privileged to work with you in fulfilling the vision for our beloved hometown. I cannot overlook the contributions of the more than 600 municipal employees who have worked so tirelessly to help make our goals come to fruition.

I would also like to acknowledge such stakeholders as 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, New Jersey Transit, New Jersey Citizen Action, and the dedicated residents, who through their community-based recreational, educational, mentoring, counseling, athletic and other programs---particularly those that seek to nurture the proper development of children---I grant to you my heartfelt gratitude and support. In this vein, allow me to make mention of one of our most recent partnerships---with YCS Mentoring, the state's largest private provider of social services for children. YCS is targeting children, ages 4 to 15, with incarcerated parents for the free delivery of mentoring services. I ask that you assist us in this worthy endeavor---or with any program of your choice---to continue building our community and our future, together as one.

It has been my honor to serve as your Mayor thus far, and I look forward to your sustained support, as we advance the agenda for a proud and prosperous Township of Irvington . Thank you for taking the time to join me this evening. May God richly bless you and your families.

Speech written by Jacqueline Andrews

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