I am often aghast when I walk through downtown Newark. The corporate towers of the “Renaissance” Center ignore the very city that gave them millions of dollars in tax breaks. They erect austere metal fences and protect their towers with zealously obedient “security” guards. They are scared of Newark.
When Panasonic decided to move their national headquarters to Newark, I hoped they would buck the trend of icy disrespect. However, I saw that their new building turned its back to the city like all the other lifeless behemoths downtown. I wrote the following petition, signed by Newark children during the opening of Riverfront Park. On 11 June 2012, when the Central Planning Board asked Panasonic to open their grounds for public access, I read my petition.
This poster and petition were featured in a June 2017 exhibition about about planning and urban policy, entitled Space Brainz. The exhibit was organized by Damon Rich, lead city planner for the City of Newark, and exhibited at the Yuerba Buena Center for the Arts.
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