Optimism is nothing new in Newark, with its rich transportation network, cultural institutions and key anchors in business, health care and academia. But the city still struggles with poverty, education challenges and other barriers that have kept it from blossoming alongside places such as Jersey City, Hoboken and other urban markets, despite billions of dollars in new investment. Panelists said as much last week during Real Estate NJ’s Newark Redevelopment Update, as they debated those challenges and how to unlock the city’s long-held potential.