With its shortage of greenery and abundance of asphalt, Newark is what’s known as a heat island, a place that absorbs and traps heat, aggravating hot weather and its adverse effects on a range of conditions from health to student performance.

Newark’s heat island effect is compounded by emissions from the city’s many heavy industries, power plants, aircraft and port-related truck traffic, and other sources, which more trees would help cleanse from the air.

To help offset the situation, city officials this week announced a plan to plant 5,000 trees in the state’s largest city over the next decade, including at least 500 this year.

“This project is about more than just planting trees. It’s about planting hope, health, and a brighter future for our city,” Mayor Ras J. Baraka said Tuesday. “Future generations of Newarkers will benefit from the shade, beauty, and cleaner air that these trees will provide.”

Baraka joined Newark Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Hewitt-Cabral that day at Sussex Park, a .3-acre triangular patch of grass at Central and Sussex avenues in the city’s University Heights neighborhood, to launch an initial planting of 70 trees at the small park and elsewhere along Central Avenue.

They’re among 400 samplings officials said would be set down throughout the city’s five wards this spring.

In addition to plantings in areas designated by the city, Newark will also take resident’s requests for plantings in areas they would like to see shaded. Residents can use a newly created online portal to pinpoint a planting location on an interactive map.

“We want every resident to be a part of this movement,” Baraka added. “If you want a tree in front of your home, we will make it happen.”

Hewitt-Cabral’s office is creating the city’s first “official City of Newark Tree Manual,” setting standards for tree planting and maintenance.

Her office is also creating a Shade Tree Committee made up of professionals in the field.

“For the first time in over a decade, the City of Newark is taking the lead in growing and caring for our urban forest,” Hewitt-Cabral said Tuesday.

The manual and other information is available on a Rooted in Newark page on the city’s website, including information for protecting existing trees or reporting when trees are cut down.

“If you witness unauthorized tree removal or vandalism, you should report it to Code Enforcment,” the page informs residents.

Newark is collaborating on the tree planting initiative with the New Jersey Forest Service, a branch of the state Department or Environmental Protection, which awarded a $2 million grant that the city will draw from to cover planting costs.

The forest service’s urban and community forestry coordinator, Brian McDonald, joined city officials for this week’s announcement.

“We’re thrilled to see this project take root,” McDonald said.

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Steve Strunsky may be reached at [email protected]

Researchers at Rutgers University-Newark released a report on how gentrification is impacting Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City, and discovered the experiences of three urban centers vary, though in each case, job creation is lacking.

The report, “The Other Cities: Migration and Gentrification in Jersey City, Newark and Paterson,’’ was published by Rutgers Law School’s Center on Law, inequality & Metropolitan Equity (CLiME) and explores how each city fits the traditional model of gentrification and how they depart from it.

To summarize the findings, Jersey City is fully gentrified, Newark is in transition, and Paterson is on a different path. In all three cities, long-time residents are being uprooted by rising property values, and each city struggles with job creation that’s normally part of gentrification, according to the researchers.

The report describes housing trends and neighborhood changes in these cities — which have experienced large population growth — a persistent lack of housing affordability, and a decrease in African American residents. The researchers said mid-sized cities such as the ones studied are often overlooked.

“Quietly, their costs are rising, and homelessness is expanding,” said the report. “They are grappling with change amid efforts to revitalize and jobs are not attracting newcomers,’’ according to the report.

Of the three cities, Jersey City and Newark show signs of gentrification, driven by an influx of more affluent newcomers who commute to jobs in New York City, said David Troutt, director of CLiME. He cited Jersey City’s “street level gentrification assets” such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Newark, by contrast, “privatizes many of those attractions within the developments themselves. That’s why you see buildings that contain their own playrooms, theatres, gyms and other amenities,’’ he said.

In contrast, Paterson is experiencing a sharp increase in real estate values without the trendy commercial spots that often result from gentrification, said Troutt.

The study divides the cities into three categories:

Additional findings from the report:

Newark, NJ (April 23, 2025) – An injury accident on the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur Southbound near I-280/Exit 15 was reported late Wednesday night, resulting in the closure of the left lane and prompting an emergency response. The incident was first reported around 9:35 PM, adding to existing traffic congestion in the area.

While authorities have confirmed that injuries occurred, the exact number of vehicles involved and the severity of injuries have not yet been released. Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the scene to provide treatment and facilitate any necessary transports.

This section of the NJ Turnpike Western Spur, a critical connector between I-280 and the broader turnpike system, is known for its heavy traffic volumes—particularly during evening hours. Lane closures in this corridor frequently lead to substantial delays and increased risks for secondary accidents.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when approaching the scene, follow posted detours, and expect traffic delays as responders work to clear the accident and restore full traffic flow.

We extend our well wishes to those injured and acknowledge the efforts of emergency personnel working in challenging traffic conditions.

High-Speed Crash Risks on the New Jersey Turnpike

Accidents on high-speed sections of the New Jersey Turnpike, especially near major interchanges like Exit 15, often result in serious injuries due to the combination of speed, volume, and lane complexity. The Western Spur, in particular, sees frequent use by commercial vehicles and through traffic, increasing the risk of high-impact collisions when lane changes or sudden stops occur.

Even a single-lane closure on the turnpike can create major traffic bottlenecks, reduce reaction time for following drivers, and elevate the chances of rear-end crashes. Nighttime conditions only heighten these risks, as visibility decreases and driver fatigue becomes a greater factor.

Drivers are urged to remain alert, reduce speed in incident zones, and obey all traffic guidance provided by emergency responders. Observing New Jersey’s Move Over Law is critical to ensuring the safety of first responders and preventing additional injuries.

If you or someone you care about was involved in this NJ Turnpike accident or a similar highway crash, Local Accident Reports can assist. We offer connections to experienced legal counsel, injury care providers, and support resources to help you navigate recovery. Reach out today to take the next step toward healing and justice.

Newark, NJ (April 24, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a serious traffic collision on McLester St North near the intersection with Southern Cross St, following reports of an injury accident at approximately 3:01 p.m. this afternoon. Updated reports confirm that at least one lane was blocked as responders arrived at the scene to assist those injured.

Newark emergency personnel, including fire and medical teams, acted swiftly to assess the condition of those involved. Several individuals sustained injuries and were treated on-site by paramedics. Additional victims were likely transported to area hospitals for more comprehensive evaluation. The right lane of McLester St North was closed to accommodate emergency operations and to allow for safe removal of vehicles and debris.

The crash occurred in the industrial and port-access area near Port Newark, an area known for its mix of commuter and commercial truck traffic. While the precise details of the collision have not been released, the congestion caused delays in both directions as cleanup and investigation efforts were underway.

The incident remains under active investigation by local authorities, who are working to determine the exact cause of the crash and whether any violations contributed to the accident. Drivers in the area were advised to seek alternate routes or expect delays while responders cleared the roadway and reopened affected lanes.

Our thoughts are with those injured and their families as they begin the recovery process.

Industrial Corridor Accidents in New Jersey

Accidents in high-traffic commercial zones like McLester St near Port Newark pose unique challenges, often involving a combination of large commercial trucks and private vehicles navigating narrow, heavily trafficked routes. With a steady stream of cargo transport vehicles and busy intersections, collisions in this area are both frequent and potentially severe.

Today’s crash at McLester St and Southern Cross St underscores the ongoing risk in port-adjacent zones. Congested road conditions, limited lane space, and blind intersections contribute to a heightened crash risk, especially during shift changes and peak delivery hours. The blockage of a northbound lane further intensified traffic issues and created additional hazards for surrounding vehicles.

The injured individuals in this incident were fortunate to receive prompt care, thanks to the proximity of local EMS teams and the coordinated response from Newark emergency agencies. However, the long-term consequences of such accidents—whether involving spinal injuries, fractures, or head trauma—often require ongoing medical care and support.

Drivers and commercial operators in these industrial corridors must exercise extreme caution, particularly when making turns, navigating near large transport vehicles, or during low-visibility weather conditions. Ongoing safety efforts in these areas may include improved signage, revised traffic patterns, and increased monitoring by city traffic enforcement.

If you or someone you know was injured in a crash within Newark’s commercial districts, it’s crucial to seek medical attention quickly and explore your options for recovery and support.

When industrial zone collisions happen—like the crash on McLester St—knowing where to turn for help is key. Local Accident Reports is here to guide injury victims through every step of the recovery process. From connecting you with medical professionals to helping you understand your rights, we’re committed to making sure no one goes through it alone. Contact us today to get started on the path toward healing and justice.

Newark, NJ (April 23, 2025) – A crash with injuries has caused significant traffic disruptions Wednesday night on Interstate 280 West, near Clifton Ave/Exit 14. The incident, first reported around 9:15 PM, resulted in the closure of the left lane and has created a traffic backup stretching to Cleveland Ave/Exit 16.

Authorities have confirmed that the crash involved injuries, though the number of individuals affected and the severity of their conditions have not yet been publicly disclosed. Emergency medical teams were dispatched to the scene to assist and transport any injured parties.

As of the latest update, stop-and-go traffic conditions persist, and drivers are being advised to expect delays of up to 10 minutes. Congestion continues to build as responders work to clear the wreckage and reopen all lanes.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by local and state authorities. Commuters are urged to seek alternate routes or prepare for extended travel times.

We extend our best wishes to those injured and recognize the emergency crews who responded swiftly to manage the situation.

Urban Interstate Risks in New Jersey

Injury accidents on busy corridors like I-280, especially in densely populated areas such as Newark, are unfortunately common. Interstates serving both local and commuter traffic are often the site of lane-changing collisions, rear-end impacts, and side swipes—especially during nighttime hours when visibility is lower and fatigue becomes a factor.

I-280 serves as a key connector between the Garden State Parkway and Newark city routes, making it a heavily trafficked stretch with complex interchanges. When a lane closure occurs, particularly the left lane, it tends to cause rapid congestion buildup and increases the likelihood of secondary crashes.

Drivers are reminded to remain alert, avoid distractions, and adhere to posted speed limits in congestion zones. Additionally, it’s critical to follow New Jersey’s Move Over Law, which requires vehicles to change lanes or significantly reduce speed when approaching emergency vehicles on the roadside.

If you or someone you love was injured in this I-280 accident or another traffic incident in New Jersey, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect victims with legal support, injury specialists, and recovery resources to assist them in navigating this difficult time. Contact us today for personalized guidance.