Kendra Kuperus

This collection of documents outlines the progress and components of the Village of Newark's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). It encompasses extensive public engagement materials, including reports from public meetings, survey results, and notes from various focus groups (Civic and Cultural, Local Business, Parks, Recreation, and Water, Youth). The program also details the activities of the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) through its meeting notes and includes drafts of specific LWRP sections, such as Section 1. The overall objective is to guide and document the revitalization efforts for the village's waterfront.

The meeting included a presentation of the FY 2025 Audit by Allied CPA's, PC, and a discussion about Verizon's request to extend their tower. The board approved Rebecca Rose Brown to join the Newark Volunteer Fire Department. There was also a discussion regarding the existing lighting in the Library and a motion to approve the 10-year equipment maintenance agreement with the Newark Public Library. The board discussed and approved closing East Avenue Bridge for the Autumn on The Erie Event on October 2, 2026. Additionally, the board discussed the preliminary design for the Peirson Avenue Culvert and the Village receiving funds for the reconstruction of North Main Street. A public hearing was set for November 18, 2025, to discuss the rezoning of 345 Grace Avenue for senior apartments/condominiums. Finally, the board went into an executive session to discuss Village Office and DPW employees.

The Board of Trustees meeting included approval of December vouchers totaling $1,526,125.20. Key discussions involved the Fire Department's monthly report, including a discussion and approval for holding a Carnival at Fireman's Field in June 2026, and the approval of two new members for the Newark Volunteer Fire Department. The board also approved Local Law 10 of 2025, which amends Chapter 72 of the Village Code concerning Cemeteries, after holding a public hearing. Several appointments for 2026 Village Officials and Employees were approved, along with the 2026 Village Policies List. The Police Chief provided the November report detailing activities and training approvals for police personnel. The WWTP Chief Operator reported on maintenance activities, and the board authorized the hiring of a Heavy Equipment Operator and changed the Village Office hours starting January 1, 2026.

A public hearing will be held to consider whether to adopt Local Law 8 of 2025, entitled "LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE VILLAGE OF NEWARK OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO RECLASSIFY 345 GRACE AVENUE FROM THE R-1 DISTRICT TO THE R-2 DISTRICT."

The Board of Trustees meeting included the approval of the October 20, 2025, Regular Board Meeting minutes and authorization of payments totaling $1,587,291.18 for November vouchers and invoices. Key discussions centered on a presentation by Family Promise of Wayne County requesting approval for their Light Up Hope 5K fundraiser event scheduled for January 3, 2026, which was unanimously approved. Fire Chief Velte provided a monthly report detailing call statistics, ongoing work at Bell Memorial, hose testing, and updates on personnel matters, including accepting the resignation of one Assistant Chief and accepting a Past Chief as a new Assistant Chief. The Board also approved the Breakfast With Santa event for December 6, 2025. A significant portion of the meeting involved a Public Hearing concerning Local Law 8 of 2025, which proposes reclassifying a property at 345 Grace Avenue from R-1 to R-2 zoning to allow for multi-family or Senior Citizen Housing, eliciting strong opposition from several adjacent property owners concerned about spot zoning, neighborhood character, traffic, and privacy, while proponents emphasized the need for senior housing and increasing the tax base.