By David Cruz
Correspondent
There were audio problems throughout this morning’s press conference, an apt metaphor for an administration still struggling with its communications operation. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was here to discuss his new “Model Neighborhoods” initiative but reporters wanted to know if — as had been reported — the police department was really recommending residents file criminal reports with the courts rather than calling a cop. It was not what Baraka wanted to talk about.
“I know that you want to talk about something that, in your eyes, sells some time or press or whatever but we’re really here to talk about the Model Neighborhoods,” snapped the mayor. “People can report crime at every precinct that they’ve been reporting crime at. What we really want to talk about is how we reduce crime.”
Police Chief Anthony Campos said critics were creating a phantom controversy and that the policy on how to report crime, which includes reporting directly to the courts and calling a cop have been the same for as long as he can remember. As for Baraka’s Model Neighborhoods plan, the mayor is planning to target two neighborhoods: a 20-block section in the West Ward and a 38-block section in the South.
“These two areas need attention above and beyond what’s normally produced,” said Campos. “So that’s why we committed the resources. That’s why we’re committing eight officers to these areas.”
As well as a small army of city officials from departments covering health, economic development, employment, code enforcement and others. The idea is to occupy a neighborhood, for six-month periods, not in the physical sense, but in a way that reminds residents that they have a genuine partner in improving their communities.
South Orange Avenue used to be one of the city’s best shopping districts, but that was a long time ago. Baraka’s “Model Neighborhoods” plan targets this strip and others like it for not only crime suppression but also economic development.
“Right now, we wait for people to come downtown and say I need a job,” said Baraka. “What we’re going to do is go into these Model Neighborhoods and identify people and say, ‘You need a job,’ and begin to connect them to the jobs, which is a difference.”
Baraka says you can already see signs of residents organizing themselves — with help from the city — to restore their neighborhoods. The city will help by investing over $50 million to build new housing in both neighborhoods and start a pilot program to encourage physicians and other professionals to hang a shingle in neighborhoods like this one around Beth Israel. On South Orange Avenue, the news of a municipal surge draws a mix of skepticism and hope.
“They make promises that they don’t really keep because they want people to vote for them,” said West Ward resident Aeka Brooks. “So they’re going to say what we want to hear.”
Walking to work along South Orange Avenue, Demetrius Robinson said he wasn’t aware of any new anti-crime effort but said he felt police were paying a bit more attention to the neighborhood. “They’ve been working on it for sure,” he said. “They’ve been having more police activity in the area, a lot of cops patrolling and stuff like that, so that’s a good thing.”
Baraka says this plan is not about showy press conferences and ribbon cuttings. Unlike his predecessor, this mayor wants to avoid the spotlight, even when he’s trying to get attention for his most important programs.