A Native Son’s Plans for Newark
The weekend Times covered the planned One Riverview tower, which is contracted out to a developer who is partnering with Newark-native and Phoenix Suns center, Shaquille O’Neal.
You realize, of course that we absolutely must call this building “Shaq Tower.” While some question the timing of the construction — occuring during one of the worst economic downturns in recent memory — I really applaud the developer’s boldness in their timing.
This is a turning point in Newark’s history, and as long as the crime trends continue the sharp downward turn and investment comes into the city, the Newark of two years from now will be a decidedly different place than the Newark of two years ago.
“Because the region is experiencing economic woes,” he added, “individuals and businesses alike are looking for cost savings in every decision they make. Residents are looking for easy commutes to job centers such as Manhattan from places that offer low-cost, high-quality housing. Businesses are looking for savings anywhere they can find it.”
They can all find those things in Newark, in a downtown with two commuter rail stations, light rail, extensive bus service, and a revitalized business and entertainment center. We have all that to offer and the economic pressure is on. Otherwise, the moves going on now would never have been contemplated.”
The Daily Newarker 