'We're All One Family:' South Ward Residents Protest Subdivision to Protect Neighborhood Makeup

NEWARK - A minor subdivision in a tight-knit South Ward neighborhood was shot down by the Central Planning Board on Monday night.

About 10 Newark residents spoke at Monday night’s meeting to protest the proposed subdivision on Shanley Avenue in the South Ward, emphasizing that “we are all one family” and want to keep it that way. Their grievances were apparently heard, as the Central Planning Board rejected the minor subdivision in a 4-5 vote.

Board Chair Wayne Richardson, Vice Chair Kalenah Witcher, and board members Juanita Jordan, Leon Purdie, and Anthony Timmons voted against the proposal. Board members Fausto Baez, Elizabeth Da Silva, Jermaine James and Susan Austin said ‘yes’ to the subdivision.

JD Restoration LLC, the applicant who is based about 1.5 miles north of Shanley Aven