East Orange, NJ, April 12, 2024: Mayor Ted R. Green presented his sixth State of the City Address on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Cicely L. Tyson School Performing Arts Center in East Orange.
His remarks 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 quality, affordable housing.
Preceding the start of his address, special performances included Tyson Sixth Grader Cassidy Gonzalez singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Cicely L. Tyson High School Choir singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “I Know I Been Changed” under the direction of Troy Bell.
One of the highlights of the evening was the lively introduction of Mayor Green by his youngest grandson Cameron Jones, a 4th grader at Cicely L. Tyson Elementary School.
Cameron, who accompanied his grandfather on stage during the Mayor’s inaugural State of the City Address, stole the beginning of the address when he proudly and unabashedly pronounced how much progress the city has seen under Mayor Green’s leadership.
“I know adults are concerned about things like redevelopment, parking and taxes, but have you seen our parks?,” he asked, alluding to the renovations in Elmwood, Soverel, Columbian, Oval and Memorial Parks. “As a young person growing up in East Orange, I couldn’t feel happier or more secure knowing that my grandfather has the skill, determination and courage to lead this city in the right direction. He is product of East Orange and East Orange is better, smarter, and more productive because of him.”
Mayor Green, accompanied by First Lady June Jones-Green, then walked down the aisle to Tasha Cobb’s “You Know My Name,” a gospel song that assures listeners of the power and strength of having faith through all times, good or bad.
Over the past six years, Mayor Green has led the City of East Orange through the best and worst of times — from an unprecedented $2.5 billion in redevelopment to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
In his remarks, Mayor Green highlighted key areas, including:
- $2.5 billion in redevelopment, 22% of all new housing designated affordable
- $100 million in public works/infrastructure improvements
- 2024 proposed budget of $184 million with no municipal tax increase
- Historic reductions in crime: 69% gun-related crimes, 33% violent crime and 4% overall since 2018
- Creation of Public Safety Drone Team to assist in crime and firefighting $2 million renovation of East Orange Public Library
- Comprehensive renovation of Oval Park, once home to Negro League Baseball
- 85% employment placement rate by MOET job seekers
- Launch of Free Commercial Drone Training Program, making East Orange the first in the nation to provide free training for residents to obtain their FAA certification to fly commercial drones
- Establishment of Homeless Prevention and Response Team to address chronic homelessness
- Standard and Poor’s Long Term Credit Rating remains A+
- The upcoming arrival of three new specialty businesses: Montclair Brewery, Sihana Café and Gallery at the Ave.
Just before Cameron came onto the stage, a short video 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 the video, the Mayor 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. Vin Rock and Kay Gee were featured in the video, and both described how proud they are to represent East Orange all around the world and at home.
The Mayor also revealed that the late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver will be honored with a monument and street re-naming at Brick Church Train Station to recognize her decades of dedicated public service in the state of New Jersey and East Orange.
Another short clip also gave the audience a glimpse into a new conceptual look for the city that pays homage to East Orange’s rich history and tradition, but embodies its transformation into the future.
“As we are continuing to grow our city, we are branding a new East Orange for today, for tomorrow, for the future and for the next four years. We are moving into a new world. A world of electrical cars. Solar-powered charging stations. Drone-operated machinery. Artificial intelligence,” said Mayor Green. “In fact, we are the first city in the State of New Jersey that will exceed the federal and state guidelines for the reduction of fossil fuels to slow down climate change. The world is changing and so are we.”
“East Orange, we are experiencing an extraordinary transformation. We are a city at the crossroads of culture and opportunity, and we are working hard to ensure that it remains that way for generations to come. Through strategic initiatives and strong community partnerships, we are building a brighter future for East Orange. One that is inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous,” continued Mayor Green. “We are a community that is shaping its own destiny and we invite you to join us on this ride. We are one city, one community, we have one goal and that goal equals progress! All of you are a part of that progress."
The event was streamed live on Facebook and can be viewed in its entirety on the city’s page@EOCityHall.