Mayor Wayne Smith's Speeches

Two-Year State of the Township Address

"The Second Year: Back to Basics.Stabilizing and revitalizing"

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

I thought it only fitting to begin this speech reflecting on the beginning of my term in office, which, started with the meaningful action in attempt to rebuild our neighborhoods, commercial districts and industrial areas. Today we are starting to see the growth and development of some of the items previously outlined by my administration. In my second year we have continued to use The Township’s economic recovery blue print, the Master Plan, it is being distributed widely as a publication on the Irvington website and as abound document. The Township’s Zoning Ordinance has undergone a comprehensive update featuring new land uses, greater flexibility in its code to facilitate land development. The land development review committee continues to meet weekly to assist land developers with producing improved plans that gain Planning Board and Board of Adjustments approvals. The Irvington Bus Terminal now owned by NJ Transit, is undergoing a 4.4 million dollar rehabilitation, which includes upgraded lighting and elevators at the Nye Avenue Garage that have already been completed.

We have Provided Incentives for Successful Development

Worked to gain passage of the NJ Abandoned Property Law and saw to the Adoption of an enabling ordinance to implement the NJ Abandoned Property Law in Irvington. Released to developers a study showing strong demand for retail and Commercial development in Irvington. We have continued to gather developers and township officials in a weekly Interagency Redevelopment Group to identify private redevelopers and foster private investment in Township land. Engage monthly with the Municipal Council Housing and Redevelopment Committee to engage input from the Township’s legislative leaders early in the redevelopment program for Irvington.

Begun to implement Strategic Economic Recovery

Designated two new redevelopment areas in the Township:

o East Ward/Springfield Avenue Area enclosed by Grove Street, 18th Avenue, Springfield Avenue and the Newark border.

o Mill Road Area at the corner of Mill Road and Stuyvesant Avenue

Successfully designated five properties within the Township’s Brownfield

Designation Area, which will engage NJDEP as a partner in facilitating redevelopment of:

• 42 and 46 Cordier Street. Negotiations are underway with a prospective Hotel redeveloper

 

• 1138 Grove Street. Negotiations are underway with a private owner to build a new retail use.

 

• 123 and 127 Coit street as an adaptive re-use of former industrial buildings

Begun preparing a scattered-site acquisition effort to assemble dilapidated

Properties for transfer to prospective land redevelopers.

 

• Started several key redevelopment projects:

 

• Phase I East Ward residential redevelopment of nine dilapidated parcels; forged a redeveloper partnership between a local non-profit developer and a private housing developer who will develop the land.

 

• Selected a redeveloper who will build a new Auto Zone store at 514 Lyons Avenue.

 

• Working with Manufacturers Reserve to expand its building and operations in the Coit Street Redevelopment Area.

 

• Worked to transfer seven properties in an area south of Clinton Avenue to the IHA who is now selecting a redeveloper to build new housing.

 

• Inspired the C-Town and Village Diner property owners to work on a comprehensive development concept for the newly designated Mill Road Redevelopment Area.

To date we have 5 property auctions and raised almost 7 million dollars. We have hired both an in-house electrical inspector and a full-time zoning officer to replace the previously used independent contractors. In addition, to instituting a fee for the issuance of a zoning permit. We issued 6% more demolition permits and 5% more construction permits than in previous years. Our Public Works Department received the following grants:

• In April 2004, the New Jersey Dept. of Transportation initiated a grant funding for 20 Municipalities with $25,000.00 for the
“ Urban Gateway Enhancement Program” This program was developed to provide our youth with an excellent opportunity to learn valuable work skills while making meaningful contributions to our Township. The sites designated for Graffiti Clean up are: 18th Avenue & Eastern Parkway, Clinton Avenue and Montgomery Street, remove graffiti in the vicinity of the Thurgood Marshall School and 16th Avenue and 21st Street.

• The Engineering Division applied for state aid and received a Transportation Trust Fund Grant in the amount of $ 85,000.00 to improve the traffic signal at the Washington Avenue-Clinton Avenue intersection in order to accommodate the needs of the new NJ Transit Bus Station. Additionally, a second Transportation Trust Fund Grant in the amount of $ 65,000.00 was received to resurface 38th Street.

Furthermore the following locations have been resurfaced:
• Allen Street, W. Allen Street, 39th Street and portions of Nesbit and Nye Avenue. This project is funded from the Township’s Capital Improvement Fund and it is anticipated that this project will commence in the summer of 2004.

 

• Orange Avenue (Section 3) Union Avenue (Sec 2) and Myrtle Avenue. A Transportation Trust Fund Grant funded this project and it is anticipated that this project will commence in the summer of 2004.

• Smith Street and Cordier Street. A Transportation Trust Fund Grant funded this project and it is anticipated that this project will commence in Spring 2004.

 

• Eastern Parkway. The Town Engineer will prepare plans. A Transportation Trust Fund Grant funds this project and it is anticipated that this project will commence in the summer of 2004.

 

• 38th Street, plans were prepared by the Town Engineer. A Transportation Trust Fund Grant funds the project. It is anticipated that this project will commence in the summer of 2004.

Furthermore, our Earth Day 2004 was a Major Success! Many volunteer participated included a Girl Scout Troop, Residents and Local Organizations. , a clean-up of Montgomery Park and Civic Square Park as well as other locations were accomplished. Augusta Street School held their Annual Fair on Earth Day, supplies were donated and Patricia Kirkland made an appearance. Berkley Terrace, Florence Avenue, Augusta Street School, all participated in Earth Day. Florence Avenue School submitted essays and pictures, which can be seen in the Lobby of Town hall.

Educational material and promotional items were donated to the University Six Middle School Career Day. Director Marcus La’Quer and Recycling Coordinator, Patricia Kirkland attended and discussed their Titles and Responsibilities within the Township as well as the importance of having a Clean Community.

History of the Township of Irvington UEZ Program

The Irvington Urban Enterprise Zone (IUEZ) was designed on May 6, 1996. Since its inception, over 332 businesses have signed up and have been approved for enrollment in the program by the State of New Jersey, resulting in the creation of over five hundred (500) new full time jobs. The success of the program is contingent upon the participation of businesses located within the IUEZ’s boundaries. A portion of the reduced 3% the sales taxes collected by IUEZ member businesses is deposited into a dedicated fund for Irvington to be utilized for State UEZ approved projects. Since its creation, the zone has collected in excess of $6.2million dollars in sales tax. Capital investments in the zone have exceeded $7million dollars and over $4million dollars has been spent on 35 projects designed to stimulate economic development.

CURRENT PROJECTS

• Business Marketing & Promotional Campaign- Year I- June 9, 2004- $ 696,607

DEFINING THE TOWNSHIP & THE IUEZ –For reasons unknown, the Township has never attempted to aggressively define itself in a positive light. Instead, it sat idly by while others painted the community as a lawless urban wasteland. In truth, Irvington is a diamond in the rough! Irvington is home to a highly diverse melting pot. It boasts thriving service, manufacturing, industrial, commercial and retail businesses and is centrally located near major highways, major universities, deep-water ports, cultural attractions, and bus, rail and world class air facilities.

If we are to attract new development and employment opportunities, it is essential The IUEZ develop a comprehensive marketing program to redefine our image, and attract new customers to strengthen its retail base thus increasing retail sales, and revenues for our coffers.

Summer in the Zone is the first phase of a unique, extremely comprehensive, and highly ambitious, business development marketing, and promotional campaign. This campaign is the Administration’s most recent use of the integrated project approach to employ projects designed by the IUEZ office to implement quality of life and economic revitalization initiatives designed to jumpstart the Township’s economic revitalization in order to attract new businesses, increased revenues for business owners and create employment opportunities for residents.

The Township has created a calendar of special events and commercial promotions that will run through the 2004-2005 fiscal year. Further, the IUEZ marketing strategy will tailor communications tactics to emphasize competitive advantages of shopping in Irvington resulting in stronger market awareness, induce trial shopping by first time shoppers and to cultivate repeat business traffic and customer loyalty.

IUEZ WALKING PATROL PROGRAM- YEAR SIX – JUNE 9,2004-$706,545

The State of New Jersey UEZ Authority approved the IUEZ’s proposal to continue, and expand the IUEZ Police Walking Patrol Unit for 2004-2005. Project funds will be used to pay for the salaries, benefits, equipment and training cost for ten (10) full-time Police Officers and two (2) Community Police Aids for the Walking Patrol Unit that patrols the entire UEZ. The visibility of the IUEZ Walking Patrol will serve to continue to strengthen the relationship between business owners and the officers assigned to the specific business districts, as the assignment will remain constant. The increased confidence of local business owners in the Township and the Police Department will continue to benefit the community by attracting more shoppers, increased UEZ business participation, decreased vacancy rates and additional employment opportunities for residents.
Since the beginning of my administration, IUEZ funds have been earmarked to purchase two camera-enhanced patrol jeeps, and a patrol vehicle for the unit.

• Mill Road Streetscape - PHASE I – May 12, 2004 $102,125.00
This project seeks to recreate the unique ambiance and flavor of what was formerly known as, “Stuyvesant Village”, (the Village”) the Township’s second largest retail district, however its appearance leaves much to be desired. The implementation of a streetscape project will help to restore the by-gone charm and unique “Village” identity of this local. This much needed face lift will include resurfacing Mill Road, the complete restructuring of existing sidewalks to include a unique pavement design with new ADA compliant sidewalk, curbs and handicapped accessible ramps as needed, the reconfiguration of cross walks and a traffic intersection for pedestrian safety, installation of historic period lamps, street furniture gateway signage, banner poles, trees and other amenities.
Upgrading the appearance and infrastructure of this area will help to attract both new customers and private investment in underutilized structures thus, providing jobs for residents, and new revenue streams for businesses, the Township, and IUEZ zone assistance account Moreover, The IUEZ will encourage Village merchants to install new street signs and facades by underwriting 50% of the cost of installing new signage up to $10,000 a sign

• IUEZ CLEAN TEAM YEAR II- April 14, 2004 $309,374.00
This project will continue and expand the highly successful team Clean Team. This project will pay for the salaries, benefits and equipment to maintain the five (5) current employees and ad three (3) additional Public Works laborers to maintain the appearance of the IUEZ. Funds will also be used to purchase a new crew truck for the Unit.

Since its inception last year, in addition to salaries and benefits, IUEZ has utilized zone assistance funds to purchase two (2) mad vac machines; two (2) crew trucks with plow packages, and a new street sweeper.

U.E.Z. Clean Team Division Accomplishments:
New Vehicles and Equipment Purchased July 2003-June 30, 2004
(2) 2003 Mad Vac $ 30,578.00
i. 2004 Elgin Sweeper 123,000.00 ($14,00.00 in parts)
(1) 2003 Green-Dual Axle Trailer-$4,488.00
(1) BAC-PAC Blower-$399.00
(1) BAC-PAC Blower-$399.00

• GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION PLANNING SYSTEM- April 14, 2004 $222,000.00
The funds from this project will assist the Township of Irvington develop a geographic information system (GIS) to maintain and use geo-referenced (spatial) information to support economic revitalization through: redevelopment and demographic investigation, business location study, facilities maintenance, crime analysis, property ownership assessment and neighborhood restoration. The GIS will be comprised of a networked computer system, large format plotter and scanner, digitized map layers, a mapping engine, and spatial analysis applications that provide solutions in a variety of tabular and map formats: displays, plots and reports. The GIS will be a state-of-the-art system, featuring a best practices implementation of spatial analysis.

The GIS will help the Township manage its complex of spatial data and information in an electronic form. Information such as parcels, zoning, land use, addresses, demographics, employment, transportation and sewer networks, housing stock and buildings are now handled on paper and in tabular files. The Township will develop and deploy computer-based tools and GIS technology to design and map its neighborhoods, retail corridors, service locations and industrial areas where economic recovery is both desired and planned. The GIS will be used to provide decision-support through visualization of significant indicators and trends. The economic recovery visioning now going on in Irvington will be transformed into implementable strategic action plans, which through maps and displays will render understandable conclusions to persons who need to make decisions and to aid in the general public’s comprehension of complex analysis.

• SPRINGFIELD AVENUE CENTER BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT-YEAR-XXX November 13, 2003 $60,000

This project provides matching funds for the Springfield Avenue Center Business Improvement District Project. The funds will be utilized to finance various activities to help redefine and promote the SACBID as a safe and clean shopping environment for consumers and merchants

• CLEAN COMMUNITY INITIATIVE YEAR ONE-October 15, 2003, $309,374.00
It is our belief that a comprehensive campaign that reaches out to all segments of the community to educate businesses, civic, educational and religious organizations to clean up and beautify the community and “Keep America Clean” is essential to achieving the vision of economic resurrection of our Township. 1. Establish 501 (c) 3 non-profit Keep America Beautiful Affiliate-More than five- hundred (500) communities throughout the nation have implemented the Keep America Beautiful Systems (“KAB”) as certified affiliates. Twice each year, for an eight-week period, the national organization sponsors a nationwide Great American Clean Up Program. After paying a one-time certification fee, these communities receive the benefits of membership in a network that provides well-tested, long-term solutions to eradicating quality of life issues. Working with all segments of their communities, KAB affiliates can use the national organization’s credibility, and name brand recognition to leverage public and private dollars and to attract volunteers.

Create the Mayor’s Clean Neighborhoods Program- This is a comprehensive neighborhood oriented strategy to combat existing litter, graffiti, and illegal dumping in selected neighborhoods and heavily traveled transportation corridors. This program will focus upon enforcement, education, and beautification projects using the participation of the school system, residents, and businesses, religious and civic groups. This program would utilize the Keep Irvington Beautiful’s (as gleaned from KAB,) effective system for organizing communities to work in partnership with the municipal government to eradicate and control blight in their areas. Several key elements essential to this program are: community organization, training of community and business leaders, assessment of litter/solid waste problems in the business, industrial, and residential sections of the Township and establishing the following cleanup/community initiatives:

A. Adopt-A Block Program
B. Create a Comprehensive Web Site
C. Community Gardens
D. Resource Guide Handbook
E. Blow the Whistle on Illegal Dumping
F. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
G. Education
H. Graffiti Abatement

It is our mission that with the development of these programs we will enable the Township to reverse economic decline, achieve economic growth, provide meaningful employment opportunities for our residents, and create a business climate that will spur expanded private sector investment in the community in order to improve the quality of life for Irvington residents.

Our Community Development & Planning Office
As the recipient of HUD funds the Township of Irvington, Office of Community Development and Planning received block grants funds in the amount of $1,265,000.00 We have allocated said CDBG dollars as follows:
Youth Services $106,366.00
Mental Health Services $82,233.00
Social Services $74,500.00
For a total of $263,094.00

Through the use of CDBG funds, our youths are able to participate in many wholesome and varied acitivities including performing arts, a variety of athletic activities including but not limited to basketball, boxing, football, baseball leagues and tennis. Other activities that support academic success and positive social development and skills are classes in computer technology, career training and a mentorship program.
Additionally, expenditures toward public facilities throughout the Township included: the Irvington Fire Dept., the Irvington Public Library, the Irvington Public Works Department and Irvington Community Policing totaling $163,165.00.

In addition we receive Home Investment Partnership funds, also known as Home Program Funds in the amount of $730,535.00 Home funds, are exclusively directed toward the Township of Irvington housing stock and spent in the areas of housing rehabilitation and Irvington Homebuyer Program. Eight families purchased homes, 24 units of income eligible housing were created in addition, 11 privately owned properties were rehabilitated and code violations eliminated throughout the Township.

Our Health Department has
• 110 tobacco retailers visited for Tobacco Age of Sale (TASE) compliance checks-summonses were issued in every case of non-compliance.

• All (44) Irvington day care center records audited for immunization records – 100% for immunization records and 85% compliance in blood lead screening for day care enrollees

• Expedite removal of all stray dogs and cats and timely investigation of all animal complaints

• In 2004, all licensed nurses and health inspectors completing at least 15 credits of continuing professional education

• Expedite handling of all environmental complaints

• Communicable disease investigation using new State software reporting system entitled CDRS

• Recording of all immunizations given using new software of the New Jersey Immunization Registry (1936 immunizations given in 2003 to 853 school children)

• Satisfactory progress in managing Lead Poisoning grant from State Health Department

• Implementation of Lead Interventions for Children AT Risk (LICAR) grant from Department of Community Affairs providing loans for lead abatement

• Planned Parenthood working to perform STD examinations and treatment for Irvington men with STD

• Case Management of all reported Irvington pregnant women with Hepatitis B
• Free bloodwork for 273 women and children for W.I.C. program

• Formation of Irvington Community Health Coalition

• Health Fair planned for August 21st in rear of Municipal Building

• Ongoing tuberculosis control clinic and case management of clients on preventive medicine

• Our unity Day brought out over 4,000 residents and participants. Our largest crowd to date, and included for the first time a nation recording artist Jaheim.

• Started the work and now near completion, the renovations on the little League Field House with a secure grant of $ 177,000.00.

• We opened the Parkway shelter house as a after school recreational site, giving the children of the East ward a safe place to play

• Mayor sponsored the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Writing Contest and awarded the winners with twenty (20) US Savings Bonds totaling $100.00 each

• An initial $500,000.00 grant from Green Acres was used to purchase and install new playground equipment in seven of the Townships area parks. An additional matching grant was secured for Phase 2 Chancellor Park renovation.

• Our Gospel Fest 2004 showcased area talent and was participated in by area churches and vendors and provided Irvington residents with a day filled with spiritual inspiration.

• We have made numerous renovations at the Servicemen’s Club House, which is used for various community related offices, meetings, activities, functions, trainings, and seminars.

• Established the first ever Biddy League ages 6 to 9 years, with a registration of more than eighty (80) participants. Recently in June, the first ever trip to Chester, Pa, to compete in a major playoff. Over 65 people from the Township accompanied the team.

• Gym “Gifted Young Men” came on board as mangers of our Small Fry League and took the team to Orlando Florida to compete in the National Small Fry Basketball Competition

• Irvington’s new, first ever, Mayors Boxing Team, won a medal in the Golden Gloves competition this year. Membership is currently at 60 and rising.

• New Diamond Cheerleaders Program with a membership of 30 participants, won their first Championship in the Golden Knight Cheerleading competition and also the Hoboken Cheerleading Competition

• We have secured a $ 50,000.00 grant from Statewide Livable communities to construct a first ever Skate Park in Chancellor Park.

• Started a New Karate Program with Sensei Holmes with over 70 participants at the Gatling Center.

• New Karate Program at the East Ward Recreation Center with Sensei Harris from Futures Now CDC with over 40 participants

• Introduced first time ever Arts For Kids at the East Ward Recreation Center. Presented by Damien Clarke to include classes in art and drama.

• FIRE ACT GRANT: Successful application for a (second) federal “Fire Act” grant in the amount of $ 125,065.00 for the provision of diesel exhaust removal systems in all fire stations, replacement of outdated communication repeater systems with two new units, and access to FETN satellite training programs for our firefighters.

• FEE COLLECTION: Total collection of $ 65,148.31 in fees by the Division of Fire Prevention. This amount includes fees collected in the Bureau of Combustibles Account, the Uniform Fire Safety Account, and the Local Enforcing Agency Rebate Account.

• FEMA REIMBURSEMENT: Total reimbursement of $ 52,922.73 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Township of Irvington for overtime and related costs incurred on snow emergency operations.

• CDBG AIR COMPRESSOR: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in the amount of $ 80,000.00 for the installation of a new state-of –the-art-breathing-air compressor needed to refill firefighter self-contained-breathing-apparatus (SCBA) air bottles

• POLICE AND FIRE MEMORIAL: Major improvements and aesthetic enhancements to the Irvington Police and Firefighters Memorial Grounds on Civic Square as funded by the Springfield Avenue Center Business Improvement District (SACBID)

• TRAINING TOWER PLANS: Preliminary design drawings completed for the FIRSTEC (Fire Initiative for Regionally Standardized Training in Essex County) Project. The architect, Mr. Richard Gascoyne, has offered his considerable services at no cost to the Township. Plans to begin construction of the regional fire training /response facility are set for the Spring of 2004.

• LEGISLATIVE VENUE: Efforts in support of several important legislative proposals helped to move at least two favorable bills into acts of law. A1775/S1227 Fire Service Resource Emergency Deployment Act: Requires each municipality and county to prepare and adopt a fire mutual aid plan; also provides for coordinated deployment of fire service personnel and equipment throughout the State to large scale emergencies and disasters. Signed into law 3/10/03, P.L.2003, c.28. A2543/S1675 Abandoned Properties recovery Act: Expands the municipal scope of authority to address legitimate concerns regarding abandoned properties. Signed into law 1-8-04,P.L. 2003, c.210.

• GOVERNOR’S FIRE SAFETY TASK FORCE: Chief of the Department has been appointed to sit on the Governor’s Fire Safety Task Force, a body which has been directed to make written recommendations to Governor James McGreevey on the concerns, issues and needs of the fire service in New Jersey. The committee on which the Irvington Fire Chief serves is the “Shared Service” Committee.

• REDUCTION OF JOB-RELATED INJURIES: Significant reduction in the overall number of job-related injuries, down from 70 in 2002 to 46 in 2003. Based largely on the data provided from our monthly in-house Safety Reports, we continue to monitor and assess causes of injuries, mitigating same with proper training and education of all members.

• PERSONNEL ACTIONS: Appointment of four (4) Entry-Level Firefighters;
Promotion of two (2) members to rank of Fire Lieutenant;
Promotion of two (2) members to rank of Fire Captain;
All of the above personnel actions were made to fill open, vital positions in our Department Table of Organization.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Act Grant application made for the acquisition of a new special rescue fire pumping apparatus to be utilized as part of our planned joint regional Fire Assist and Search Team(FAST) initiative with neighboring fire mutual aid communities.

• Conversion of our 1992 International Diamond Reo Truck in to a Fire Department Special Operations Unit designed and equipped to respond as a multitask company with added designation and capability to respond on a county-wide/regional basis as a hazardous material decontamination support team.

• No cost acquisition of special hazardous material mitigation supplies and equipment from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) including a decontamination tent and water heating unit to be utilized as part of our efforts to provide the decontamination support referenced in Item 2 above.

• Implementation Assistance Grant Application to the NJ Department of Community Affairs “Share” (Sharing Available Resources Efficiently) Program to seek funding to underwrite our fire dispatchers (uniform firefighters) with eight civilian public safety telecommunicators. This action would allow us to provide fire dispatch services to neighboring fire mutual aid communities (i.e. Maplewood, Hillside, etc.) for a pre-negotiated annual fee by way of interlocal government agreements.

• In April 2003, a number of civilians graduated our Civilian Police Academy held at the Union Avenue South Ward Mini-Precinct. A number of citizens have already signed up for future classes.

• In July 2003, the newly formed Essex Anti-Crime Partnership was established and is currently housed at the East Ward Mini-Precinct located at 16th Avenue and 20th Street in Irvington. Members of this elite team includes Officers from the New Jersey State Police, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Irvington Police Department with the assistance of several Federal Agencies as well. Since inception of the Partnership and to date, 1,406 arrests have been made, 5,111 charges have been filed, in addition 392 fugitive arrests were made, 65 firearms were taken of the streets of Irvington, 735 motor vehicle summonses issued, 154 vehicles were impounded, approximately $ 60,000.00 US currency has been seized as a result of the teams efforts.

• Since July 2003, eight (8) new Block Associations have been started in Irvington. A number of citizens have expressed interesting starting new Block Watch Groups and the Police Department is currently working towards that objective.

• In September 2003, fifteen (15) Police officers were assigned to every school in the Township under the “COPS IN SCHOOL PROGRAM” to detect and deter illegal activity and to provide assistance to school children as needed. We also received funding from the ATF to create a program termed “G.R.E.A.T.” (Gang Resistance Education and Training) and specially trained officers are working with children to deter their involvement with gang activity

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• In September 2003, the Irvington Police Department provided specially programmed cell phones allowing the Police to contact the School Guards and the School Guards to contact the Police when an emergency occurs on their posts. This provides an extra 40 pairs of eyes and ears to assist the Police Department in their crime fighting efforts. The program has been termed “T.I.P.” (Telephone Irvington Police)

• Ten (10) new Police Officers graduated from the Essex County Police Academy in 06/04 and are currently working at various Divisions throughout the Department

• Background checks are being conducted on a number of new police applicants in anticipation of their assignment to the 08/04 Police Recruit class

• Sixteen (16)Auxiliary Police Officers have graduated from the Essex County Police Academy. These volunteers patrol out streets in marked police vehicles and are contributing to the Police Departments crime fighting efforts and have proven to be a tremendous asset to the Irvington Police Department. Several new applicants are being checked in hopes of attending the Fall 2004 Classes.

• In July 04, a number of walking patrols will be assigned to special target locations in response to a number of citizens complaints. These officers have special training in Community Policing and are to address specific needs of the citizens in those areas they are patrolling.

• The Department recently acquired four (4) new police equipped bicycles with funding provided by Community Development Block Grant monies. These trained officers will be assisting with traffic duties as well as special summer projects.

• The Irvington Police Department has overseen the “Clean-Up Campaign” where ten(10) inmates from Northern State Prison cleaned approximately 50 Township owned properties at no cost to the Township. This program is expected to be re-established upon the availability of inmates in 10/04.

• The Police Department received grant money for new Hand Held Laser Radar Equipment. Special assigned Police Officers are completing their training and this traffic enforcement tool should be put into place within the next several days.

• In the past six months, four (4) Traffic Safety Check Points were conducted with the assistance of the Traffic Enforcement Officers, Essex Anti-Crime Partnership and others. Several hundred summonses were issued in this special Traffic Safety Campaign.

• With Grant money received from the State and others, the Police Department purchased a “ Mobile Command Post” which will be stopping at most of the streets throughout the Township to provide high visibility and to allow the officers manning this unit to talk to neighbors in an effort to solve neighborhood concerns.

• We have a great agreement with the Irvington General Hospital to come to the center twice a month to have health awareness; facilitators bring literature, refreshments and ask the seniors to participate. 40-50-session Participants

• Every Senior is asked to sign up for the new bus cards to use for the bus transportation 50-100 participants

• Last year we serviced the community with food vouchers to receive fruits and vegetables 400 participants

• We have had several gospel programs at the center with special guest Dr. Albert Lewis and Eloise Pitts, St. Leo’s Children Choir (locals), Roby Phillips, Peggy Horton, Ms. Nash, Brother Oscar Walker. They have sang, preached, praised Danced, poetry for Black History Month and Small Ceremony for St. Patrick’s Day. 50-70 participants.

• Seniors attended a Great Expo on Diabetes; key note speaker was Della Reese, Renowned Singer and Actress. Spoke about good health habits, good eating habits and specifies instructions on Diabetes both #1 and #2 can affect you. 10 participants

• For four months at the Center we offered tax preparation for 75 or more (people) to get their State and Federal Taxes Prepared. 75 participants

• End of the year Thanksgiving Dinner at Don’s Restaurant sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce was a great success coordinated by the entire staff. It was a great dinner enjoyed by all, the transportations supplied by the Senior Citizens Center and we had over 150 participants

• An organization and the Senior Citizens Center gave a holiday party. Gifts were passed out and delicious foods were served. Mayor and Family were in Attendance. 250 Seniors in Attendance

• All transportation staff received cell phones by the Mayor to keep in close contact with the Senior Citizens Center.

INIC has been the host Agency for a number of special happenings in the Township.

In October 2003, we partnered with the Dryfus Health Foundation to improve the overall welfare of the community by addressing health and social issues as they relate to citizens overall well being. Over 100 Citizens were recruited for a two day training. Trainees were divided into groups and given the opportunity to propose various projects that could receive funding for implementation. To date we have funded over twenty events in the amount of $ 44,000.00. In November 2003, the Township officially opened it transitional Housing Facility funded through a 1.2 million dollar HUD grant of which $ 400,000.00 is for rental assistance and $ 700,000.00 supportive services that we have dubbed a major step in an effort to help homeless families become self-sufficient.

In 2003, we hosted two anti-gang summits that were attended by the Mayors ad other official from Newark, East Orange, Orange and Maplewood in addition I was a presenter at a workshop titled , Gang and Youth Violence at the Annual League of Municipalities Convention held in November in Atlantic City.

We sponsored a school construction workshop on school construction and Project Labor Agreements to enlighten the community on the process in order to afford their participation. A pre-apprenticeship program has been established for training in construction and other trades.

INIC has started a catering business to help bring additional revenue to the Agency. Lastly, I’ve applied for Weed & Seed Official recognition and pending our scheduled site visit in August we will officially designate a Weed and Seed Site. In addition, we already prepare our application for funding due in September 2004.

While providing a number of supportive services, to the community we recognize the need to have a partnership with our Board of Education that’s why under the Smith Administration we have erased the 3.9 million dollar debt to the Board of Education making the final $ 900,000.00 payment in March 2004.

In addition, I have hosted to Educational forum to exchange ideas and develop solutions in promoting the progress of our children.
While this represents the highlight of the last year it in no way speaks to the voluminous amount of work managed by me and performed my many. It is my hope that with our collective work to date that Irvington’s future is brighter by the day.

Speech written by Dawn Martinez

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