As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, the Queen City is now working to attract new retail, recreation and dining options to support its growing population. Look no further than PickleRage, the new 40,000-square-foot pickleball club that just opened under a project by ECA Developers. That’s just one example, according to the story by Marlaina Cockcroft, coming alongside a new $10 million aquatics complex that debuted last summer and plans for a 55,000-square-foot recreation and cultural center with a pool, event and performance space, workforce development facilities and an art gallery, as well as a building with 220 affordable units.
A guiding force: Why time with Newark Alliance will loom large for new EDA chief Weiss
Evan Weiss had his reasons for leaving state government in 2021. One of them, he recalls, was “because I started to feel so removed” from the constituents who were affected by the sweeping policies and billions in funds he helped deploy as a top adviser to Gov. Phil Murphy.
He rediscovered that connection as head of the nonprofit Newark Alliance, a role he held for four years — and one that will loom large as he returns to Trenton as CEO of the state Economic Development Authority.
Is Newark a magnet for capital? Yes, but it’s complicated.
It was a reminder of Newark’s allure as a destination for those who see the value of its workforce, transit access and deep network of anchor institutions. Capturing that upside is far more complicated, according to panelists who explained why and how developers, investors and other stakeholders are making deals work in the city.
