NEWARK - One of the more blighted blocks in the city of Newark got a breath of fresh air on Aug. 12. City officials and representatives from the Kresge Foundation cut the ribbon to the first "Lead Safe House" in the West Ward at 48 Norwood St.
The purpose of the home is to provide temporary housing for families while their homes are being abated for lead. Newark plans to add four more safe houses to accommodate all five wards in the city.
"I'm so grateful that you are all hear today to celebrate with us this accomplishment as we attack this very important health issue," said Department of Child and Family Well-Being Director Maria E. Vizcarrondo to the group of approximately 25 at the official opening of the house.
After children from Precious Littles Day Care Center performed a song about lead safety, Director Vizcarrondo then introduced West Ward Councilman Ron C. Rice.
"As many of you know, lead paint is a problem, particularly in cities like Newark because of the age of the city," said Councilman Rice. "Newark is the third oldest city in America. Here in the West Ward, we have some of the oldest housing in the city of Newark, and we're susceptible to lead paint.
"We have a saying in the West Ward, that we are 'One Family, One Ward.' So we understand the need to service people. So, I'm looking forward to maybe a second lead safe house here in the West Ward."
"We're really happy to be partners with the city of Newark," said Kresge Foundation Program Director David Fukuzawa after receiving great appreciation from Director Maria Vizcarrondo and Councilman Rice. "There's actually a long historical connection between Newark and the Kresge Foundation."
During his comments, Fukuzawa referenced being a native of Detroit, and that he understood the similar issues that the city of Newark is facing, particularly with the budget. He also asked how many people remember the Kresge Five and Dime store, to which one lady confirmed its existence. Fukuzawa then astonished the audience with a historical piece of information about what became of those stores, as he revealed that the "K" in the company name "K-Mart" stands for Kresge.
"Kresge began phasing in K-Mart stores in 1962," said Local Talk Newark writer Walter Elliott. "The current store on 580 Central Avenue in the Evergreen Arcade in East Orange was a former Kresge Five and Dime location. Sebsatian Spering Kresge, the founder of the S.S. Kresge Corporation that later changed its name to Kmart Corporation, has 13 descendants who are board members in the Kresge Foundation."
Delia Marques, Chairperson for the Newark Partnership for Lead Safe Children, thanked everyone for their efforts and mentioned how the Newark Partnership works diligently to not only inform parents about the dangers of lead but also homeowners.
Mayor Cory A. Booker, who was unable to attend, gave a statement praising the Department of Child and Family Well-Being, the Kresge Foundation, and the Newark Partnership for Lead Safe Children, for their efforts to safeguard families from lead.
The event began at roughly 12:20 p.m., and at 1 p.m., the ribbon was cut to the residence. Among those in attendance were Zevin Bryant and family, the first citizens to reside in the home.
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written by Will Manning, August 19, 2010
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