Ironbound District Uses Grant Funds for LVT Security Camera Program

The Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) has invested $42,000 in funds awarded from the Neighborhood Investment Improvement Grants Program by the City of Newark to install two Live View Technologies (LVT) mobile surveillance technology units in the Ironbound District. The first unit has been deployed at Peter Francisco Park. The second unit is currently deployed at the Five Corners intersection. It will be relocated as needed based on information gathered by the IBID and Newark PD regarding activities like illegal dumping, unlicensed vendors, and other quality of life infractions.

LVT units are proven to increase safety using cloud-based software to show and record what is happening in a location at any time, from any web-enabled device. The units are rapidly deployable, solar-powered, cellular connected, and also provide automated deterrence options that can be programmed as needed including automated audio messages, strobe and flood lights, and camera movements that warn would-be criminals that they are being watched to help prevent crime from happening.

At a recent event to introduce the new program, Vince Baglivo, the IBID’s Executive Director, thanked Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd, who represented the Mayor at the ceremony, for their leadership in helping business and special improvement districts throughout the city, in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, by making funds available to support economic development and community quality of life initiatives. Other event participants included East Ward Councilman Michael J. Silva, and Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé. They were joined by IBID President Manuel Lopes, representatives of the Department of Economic & Housing Development, Captain Maik Alexandre, 3rd Precinct Commander, and representatives of the Ironbound District’s business community.

IBID President Manuel Lopes noted that this program is good for everyone. “For the people who live, work or visit the Ironbound District, there is a benefit in having extra help keeping our community clean, safe, and welcoming,” Lopes concluded.

“Our neighborhood retail corridors are the lifeblood of Newark. These major streets and many of our small neighborhood businesses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, “ said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “We created the Neighborhood Investment Program to bring new life and energy to these retail corridors in every ward. I thank the Ironbound Business Improvement District for the wise decision to use these funds to protect East Ward residents and visitors with security cameras.”

For more information about programs and services provided by the Ironbound Business Improvement District visit goironbound.com or follow news from the district at www.facebook.com/goironbound or www.instagram.com/goironbound.