Historic Hudson neighborhood urges council to protect trees, brick roads during 16 North sewer project

Mark David Frasier, speaking for the Historic Hudson Community Association, told Newark City Council that the proposed 16 North Sewer Project could irreparably harm the Hudson Avenue historic district and asked the city to consult preservation experts and neighborhood stakeholders before construction.

Frasier said the neighborhood supports necessary utility upgrades but expressed concern that the project could result in removal of nearly 200 mature trees and the loss of brick roads and brick sidewalks that, he said, define the area’s character. He said the neighborhood has prepared a letter raising these concerns and requested that the council engage the Historic Hudson Community Association, preservation experts and engineers to identify alternatives that allow utility work without compromising historic features.

Frasier noted the Hudson Avenue area has “recognition as a national historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation,” and said the association is willing to collaborate with the city on alternatives. In his remarks he thanked the administration and members of council for participating in earlier conversations at the library and said he had already spoken with the service director and Councilman Ryan about the project.

Council members in later comments acknowledged the historic elements and the trees, with several members expressing a desire to work with residents to find a compromise that preserves historic features when possible. No formal council action or vote on the sewer project was taken during the meeting; the transcript records the public comment and subsequent council expressions of support for further engagement.

The Historic Hudson Community Association asked for a collaborative review of construction methods that could protect mature trees and brick surfaces while allowing necessary sewer improvements. The transcript does not provide engineering responses, cost estimates or a council directive to halt or redesign the project; it records a request for engagement and council members’ support for further discussion.