Spring 2012

MPP NEWS
Promoting
Business and Community
MOUNT PROSPECT
PARTNERSHIP
The Newsletter of Mt. Prospect Partnership SID
SPRING 2012
COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR SUCCESSFUL
SPRING PLANTING AND DISTRICT CLEAN UP
Under beautiful blue skies, more
than 30 North Ward community
members joined representatives
of Mount Prospect Partnership
(MPP), Newark Councilman Anibal
Ramos, Jr., Essex County Freeholder
Rolando Bobadilla and members of
Newark Law Enforcement Explorer
Post 2308 for the annual Spring
Planting and District Clean Up. The
volunteers joined the Partnership’s
“Clean and Green Team” to perform
landscaping and clean-up activities
to help make Mt. Prospect Avenue a
welcoming place for all.
Continued on to page 4
(Left to Right) Mt. Prospect Avenue
property owner Rich Conway thanks MPP’s
Clean Team Coordinator Chris Bernardo
for the work being done to keep the
district clean and welcoming to community
members and visitors, like cleaning up
graffiti on local buildings.
WELLS FARGO
DONATES $5,000
TO MT. PROSPECT
PARTNERSHIP
Wells Fargo contributed
$5,000 to the Mt. Prospect
Partnership (MPP) to be used
towards ongoing streetscape
revitalization efforts in the Mt.
Prospect District in Newark’s
North Ward.Wells Fargo has
previously contributed to the
purchase of new trash receptacles on Mt. Prospect Avenue
to help keep the area clean and
welcoming to local residents
and visitors.
UEZ STREETSCAPE UPDATE;
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT
GRANTS
The Newark Office of the Urban
Enterprise Zone (UEZ) is very excited
to announce that construction will
soon begin on the approximately $2
million streetscape improvement project
targeting a stretch of Mt. Prospect
Avenue (between Heller Parkway
and the Newark/Belleville city line).
These improvements will include new
pedestrian lighting, sidewalks, traffic
signals, trash receptacles and a bike lane.
Continued on to page 2
Participating in the presentation of the “Big Check” from
Wells Fargo were (left to right)
Joel Vicioso, Manager of Wells
Fargo’s Heller Parkway store,
MPP Treasurer Jose Cohen,
Wells Fargo Senior Vice President and Community Bank
President Greg White, MPP
President Fred Williams and
MPP Secretary Chris Virginio.
SPRING 2012
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
What a great day on Mt. Prospect Avenue for our annual Spring Planting
and Clean Up event. With the help of volunteers from the North Ward
community, we replanted our street barrels to bring a touch of color to
the streetscape, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. We also assisted
our Clean & Green Team with graffiti and trash removal efforts that really
help the Avenue shine. Thanks to the community volunteers, as well as
Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr., and Essex County Freeholder Rolando
Bobadilla and members of the Newark Explorers Post for joining our efforts.
The Partnership’s Board is committed to continually improving quality of
life in the district. Once the UEZ’s streetscape project between Heller
Parkway and Tiffany Boulevard is completed, we are prepared to place as
many as 12 additional new trash receptacles along Mt. Prospect Avenue
with the help of a $5000.00 grant from Wells Fargo. Our new website,
GoMtProspect.com is up and running and provides lots of information
about the programs and services the Partnership is providing.You can also
follow the Partnership on Facebook!
In keeping with our security and clean streets objectives, we are in the
process of obtaining proposals to install monitoring cameras along certain
sections of Mt. Prospect Avenue that will enhance and extend our security
needs beyond our patrol times. Come on down to shop, dine or visit the
new, cleaner and safer Mt. Prospect. We look forward to seeing you.
- Frank Petolino, Executive Director
FROM THE COVER
UEZ STREETSCAPE UPDATE
Façade grants are also available to business and property owners of this
same area, where up to $50,000 is available to improve the exterior
facades (i.e., new windows, signage, lighting, etc.). The goal of both
of these initiatives is to enhance the
attractiveness and appeal of the Mt.
Prospect Avenue shopping district, in
the hope of attracting more visitors
and customers. For more information
on these projects and other valuable
resources (i.e., free business counseling
and technical assistance) currently
available to UEZ-certified businesses,
please contact UEZ Director Ollyn J.
Lettman at (973) 424-4154, ext. 1010.
BOARD OFTRUSTEES
Officers
Fred Williams
President
Michael Sheehan
Vice President
Chris Virginio
Secretary
Jose B. Cohen, CPA
Treasurer
Felix Lopez Montalvo
Ethics & Compliance Officer
Hon. Anibal Ramos, Jr.
North Ward Councilman
Rolando Bobadilla
Freeholder District 1
Board Members
Valerie Murphy
Sal Alessandra
Julia Ferreira
Mario Moyano
Jerry Moriarty
Mario Purro
Sylvester Bautista
Arthur Badillo
Ronald Ollie
Arcelio Aponte
Jesus Casiano
MPP Staff
Frank Petolino,
Executive Director
Chris Bernardo
Deputy Director/Public Space Manager
The Newsletter of Mt. Prospect Partnership SID
COMMUNITY
CORNER
Dear Friends and
Neighbors,
Spring is always a great
time of year in the
North Ward to take
a stroll through the
historic Forest Hill
neighborhood or enjoy
the incredible display of
cherry blossom trees
in Branch Brook Park.
While the blossoms
peaked earlier than usual, they served as the perfect
kickoff to warm weather and sunny skies and the
promise of a great summer ahead.
A recent sunny Saturday brought out many North
Ward community members to join me, Mt. Prospect
Partnership, Newark Explorers Post, other elected
officials and community leaders to participate in the
Spring Planting and Clean Up. I was proud to be a part
of the event, and excited about the positive changes in
our neighborhood shopping district on Mount Prospect
Avenue and the Partnership’s efforts to beautify the
district for our residents, shoppers and business owners.
In addition to maintenance/beautification efforts, Mount
Prospect Partnership’s commitment to increased
security patrols to support the Newark Police
Department’s efforts, are contributing to public safety
and a better quality of life in the North Ward.
This summer, we are looking forward to the start of the
new streetscape project on Mount Prospect Avenue.
While this work may cause some inconveniences, I urge
everyone to keep the long-term benefits in mind. These
improvements will build upon efforts by our community
partners to reinforce the North Ward’s reputation as a
great place to live, to work, to learn, and to visit in the
City of Newark.
Anibal Ramos, Jr.
North Ward Councilman
FOLLOW MT. PROSPECT
PARTNERSHIP ON
FACEBOOK!
The Partnership’s marketing team has
expanded communications efforts in
2012 to include social media networking
through a new Facebook page. Local business owners are encouraged to like the
Partnership’s Facebook page to be able to
post about special promotions and other
activities (like daily restaurant specials!)
so they can promote to people from the
Mt. Prospect community and beyond.
Local residents and consumers are also
encouraged to like to page to gain access
to special coupons and other deals offered by businesses and restaurants in their
community. “We hope our Facebook page
becomes a vibrant and active online community representing the people, businesses
and organizations who make Mt. Prospect
Avenue a great place to live and work,”
noted MPP President Fred Williams.
SPRING 2012
CONTINUED FROM COVER DISTRICT BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
“I was excited to be a part of this important
community event in our neighborhood
shopping district on Mount Prospect Avenue
and to join with Mount Prospect Partnership
in support of continuing efforts to beautify
the district and enhance public safety through
the Partnership’s security patrol program for
our residents, shoppers and business owners,”
noted Councilman Ramos.
“MPP’s mission is to develop a vibrant and
prosperous business district, while improving
the quality-of-life for those who reside in the
greater Mount Prospect Avenue neighborhood,”
said Fred Williams, the Partnership’s President.
“By working together with Councilman Ramos,
Freeholder Bobadilla and other community
partners, our efforts provide a tangible
and visible example of the North Ward’s
revitalization and continued strength as a great
place to live, work, visit and invest.”
Rich Conway has been so pleased with the
work of the Partnership’s Clean Team that
he decided to donate $250 to support the
Freeholder Rolando Bobadilla helps remove graffiti
on a Mt. Prospect Avenue storefront security gate.
project. Conway, who ran Atlantic Elevators
for many years and has owned the property at
841 Mt. Prospect Avenue since 1978, believes
that keeping the area clean and safe is the key
to a better future for the community. “The
Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the Spring Planting and Clean Up event.
The Newsletter of Mt. Prospect Partnership SID
Avenue is much cleaner
and the security patrols
provided by the Partnership
are making it much safer,”
Conway noted. “Things
are looking a lot better in
Newark’s North Ward.”
Volunteers met at Petolino
Florists (650 Mt.Prospect
Avenue) at 9:00 am. All
equipment and supplies
were provided, and
delicious coffee and snacks
were served. Mt. Prospect
Partnership distributed
Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr.
informational materials
joined Newark Explorers for
clean up efforts that will provide
provided by the City of
Mt. Prospect Avenue with a little
Newark that explain the
extra curb appeal.
schedule, proper method of
placement for pick-up and list of acceptable/
prohibited materials for bulk pick-up.
As part of the effort, MPP’s Clean Team also
performed routine duties including changing
out garbage cans and sweeping, and worked
with volunteers to collect tree branches and
vegetation for pick up by the City. Volunteers
also helped the Clean Team pressure clean
security gates to remove graffiti and dirt and
paint over graffiti. District sidewalks and
awnings were also cleaned to remove stains
from garbage, cooking oil and dirt.
“It was great to see so many people
contributing to a cleaner and greener
community,” concluded Frank Petolino, the
Partnership’s Executive Director. “By working
together, local residents and the business
community are making a difference that people
are noticing and commenting on the positive
changes they have seen.”
“The Avenue is much cleaner
and the security patrols
provided by the Partnership
are making it much safer.
Things are looking a lot better
in Newark’s North Ward.”
Rich Conway, Local Property Owner
SPRING 2012
MT. PROSPECT AVENUE – NEWARK’S
GO-TO NEIGHBORHOOD FOR
AUTHENTIC CUBAN FOOD
If you are looking for authentic, affordable and
delicious Cuban cuisine in Newark, you’ll find
lots of great choices on Mt. Prospect Avenue in
Newark’s North Ward. While locals have their
favorites for breakfast and lunch specials, in the
know foodies from beyond the neighborhood
are making Mt. Prospect their go-to destination
when it comes to Cuban favorites like the perfect
pernil (roast pork) or pastelitos (guava & cheese
pastries) and cafe con leche.
A quick search on popular websites like Yelp
and Urbanspoon, where food fanatics debate
the merits of all types of
restaurants from the humblest
foodv cart to the fanciest dining
establishments, demonstrates
that non-Newarkers are also
fans of local food purveyors.
Glowing reports about the
Cuban specialties on Mt.
Prospect Avenue can be found
among the thousands of reviews
posted online.
“While Newark’s Ironbound
District has been recognized
as the place to go for great
Portuguese, Spanish and now
Brazilian cuisine, Mt. Prospect
Avenue is earning a reputation
as a great place to find your
favorite Cuban dishes,” noted
Frank Petolino, Mt. Prospect
Partnership’s Executive Director.
“While we have dine in and take
out restaurants offering other types of food, our
local Cuban restaurants stand out and are attracting
people from the neighborhood, other parts of the
City and beyond.”
From great bread and breakfast sandwiches at
Cuba Bakery at (665 Mt. Prospect Avenue), to
the steak and grilled chicken sandwiches and fruit
smoothies at Omar’s Café (646 Mt. Prospect
Avenue), the pernil at Melanie’s Restaurant (675
Mt. Prospect Avenue) and the cubano sandwiches
at Havana Restaurant & Café (849 Mt. Prospect
Avenue), there’s lots to discover. For complete
listings of restaurants and other businesses in the
neighborhood, visit GoMtProspect.com, follow local
news (or post your own!) about great places to eat
on the Partnership’s Facebook page.
The Newsletter of Mt. Prospect Partnership SID
AVAILABLE PROPERTIES - COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
For a complete listing of properties available in the Mt. Prospect Neighborhood Improvement District, or for
more information about programs and services provided by Mt. Prospect Partnership visit GoMtProspect.com.
383 Mt. Prospect Avenue, Offered For: Rent,
Contact: (732) 499-8192
684 Mt. Prospect Avenue, Offered For: Rent,
Contact: Calello Agency (973) 481-3400
840 Mt. Prospect Avenue, Offered For: Lease,
Contact: Angel Martinez (973) 444-3356
870 Mt. Prospect Avenue, Offered For: Lease,
Contact: (973) 578-4599
870 Mt. Prospect Avenue, Offered For:
Lease, Contact: (973) 578-4599
223-229 Verona Avenue, Offered For: Lease,
Contact: (973) 578-4599
TAX SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
MT. PROSPECT AVENUE’S
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
This spring, during the busy tax preparation season,
Jose A. Cohen, CPA (643-645 Mt. Prospect Avenue)
had time for little else besides his clients’ needs.
Cohen, who serves as MPP’s treasurer, knows that
the Partnership’s other professional tax preparers,
Moyano Travel & Insurance (669 Mt. Prospect
Avenue) and Syb Travel (437 Mt. Prospect Avenue),
were equally as busy serving clients from the Forest
Hills neighborhood, the North Ward, other parts of
Newark as well as other cities and towns.
“During the traditional tax season, professional tax
preparers are in the spotlight, but we serve our
clients all year long, and Mt. Prospect Avenue is home
to nearly 50 different service providers including
accountants, lawyers, and physicians,” Cohen noted.
“People from the community are fortunate to have
some of the area’s top professionals in different fields
right in their own neighborhood.”
Because of Forest Hills’ large population of
seniors, Mt. Prospect Avenue has earned a
reputation for its concentration of doctors
and medical service providers. The Forest Hill
Healthcare Center (497 Mt. Prospect Avenue) has
Promoting
Business and Community
MOUNT PROSPECT
PARTNERSHIP
643-645 MT. PROSPECT AVE, STE 2A
NEWARK, NJ 07104
earned state and national awards and accolades,
but there are dozens of other fine doctors,
dentists, physical therapists, pharmacists and more
located along the Avenue.
“The range of professional service providers
reflects the needs of local residents in terms
of the amenities, conveniences and services
they expect living in one of Newark’s premiere
residential neighborhoods,” concluded MPP
President Fred Williams.
Check out the directory of local businesses,
including professional services, provided along with
information about programs and other services
benefiting the local community, at Mt. Prospect
Partnership’s new website, GoMtProspect.com.