North Ward Intersection Renamed in Honor of Newark Lawyer

The intersection of Clifton and Bloomfield avenues is now "Federico Velez, Esq. Place," in honor of the late Newark attorney hailed as an advocate for youth and avid community leader.

Getting his start in the legal field working on civil rights class action lawsuits at the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund in New York, Velez then moved to Newark where he opened a law office on Bloomfield Avenue, just steps away from Clifton Avenue. Velez, a resident of Cedar Grove, died in 2009 at age 60.

"My father was not only a great attorney, he was a great man, a great citizen and the best father I can ever ask for," said his daughter Bridget in a press release. "He gave tremendously to this community and the city of Newark because Newark was truly his second family. I know how proud my father would be and I am sure that he is looking down on us and smiling."

Velez was as a member of the Board of Trustees of the North Ward Center and was involved with the nonprofit's scholarship dinner for college-bound Puerto Rican students from the North Ward. He is also a founding member of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey and the Rutgers Association of Latin American Law Students.

"Mr. Velez was well respected in the community. He provided a strong voice and support for students in Newark’s North Ward and the Latino business community," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. "Naming the intersection where his law office was located will help raise awareness and remind the public of his many contributions."