East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green presented his State of the City Address, which covered the progress of the city over the past six years under his administration, including new workforce development initiatives, more than $2.5 billion in redevelopment, reduced crime, $100 million in infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing.
In his address, Mayor Green highlighted several significant achievements and initiatives for the community. These include a $2.5 billion investment in redevelopment, with 22% of all new housing designated as affordable. Additionally, $100 million has been allocated for public works and infrastructure improvements.
The Mayor highlighted historic reductions in crime, including 69% in gun-related crimes, 33% in violent crimes, and 4% in overall crimes since 2018. He also shared the creation of the Public Safety Drone Team to assist with crime and firefighting and the establishment of the Homeless Prevention and Response Team to address chronic homelessness.
Mayor Green showcased some of the city’s ongoing construction projects, including the Crossings at Brick Church Station, the East Orange Public Library, and Oval Park. In a video shown during his remarks, he revealed that the new basketball courts would be named in honor of Grammy-Award-Winning Group Naughty By Nature, whose members Vin Rock, DJ Kay Jee, and Treach grew up in the area surrounding the park.