The Urban League of Essex County has been awarded a $825,000, five-year Neighborhood Planning (Collaborative) Implementation grant by Wells Fargo Regional Foundation to improve Newark’s Fairmount neighborhood, it announced Tuesday.
ULEC said it is collaborating with Local Initiative Support Coalition, Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies/Rutgers University and the Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Association to improve the neighborhood by increasing resident engagement, investing in public safety, transforming public spaces and implementing revitalization activities.
“The Wells Fargo Regional Foundation shares our vision of creating an academic and social foundation to further nurture our community,” said Vivian Cox Fraser, CEO and president, Urban League of Essex County.
“Urban League of Essex County has been a key member of the collaborative leading the revitalization of the Fairmount Heights neighborhood,” said Denise McGregor Armbrister, executive director of the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation. “It’s been a privilege to partner with them and the residents of the neighborhood as they continue to build towards their vision. We are excited about the many collaborative partners who have come to the table to take this work to the next level.”
“We are excited to work with the Urban League, Rutgers University’s Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, the residents of Fairmount and other stakeholders to make the Fairmount neighborhood a community of choice” Rhonda Lewis, executive director, Greater Newark LISC.
“This grant gives us a chance to explore collaborations among schools in some new and exciting ways,” said Dr. Charles Payne, director, Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers University.
“The Fairmount Heights Association appreciates this grant as in the past. We will continue to work with the community and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhood,” said Dorian Johnson, president, Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Association.
