Council hears progress report on Newark Resource Center renovations and outreach plans

City staff updated the Newark City Council on April 10 about renovations to the Newark Resource Center — a repurposing of an existing city building adjacent to Viola Blythe Community Center at 37365 Ash Street — and outlined planned programming, funding sources and outreach to local service providers.

Roya Gonzales, the city’s strategic initiatives manager, said construction began in November 2024 after the council awarded a contract to SNH Construction and that interior finishes have begun. She said funding for the project combines American Rescue Plan Act seed funds, a $1 million state grant obtained with the assistance of Assemblymember Alex Lee, about $232,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and roughly $160,000 from the city’s Capital Improvement Fund.

Gonzales said the city has preserved an existing community mural by Linda Patterson inside the building, will retain the Ash Street summer camp operations on site and plans exterior site improvements including a new playground, landscaping and security lighting. She told the council that final contractor work cannot be completed until Pacific Gas & Electric finishes its separate utility work; the city recently received final PG&E design and awaits a construction queue date. Gonzales said the schedule could push practical completion from June toward August 2025 if PG&E’s on‑site work is delayed.

Nick Cuevas, recreation and community services director, and Jasenia Taymani, recreation supervisor who will oversee programming, described the center’s mission to connect Newark residents with nonprofit and government services. Staff plans outreach that includes a “lunch and learn” series with local nonprofits, community listening sessions and a survey kickoff at Family Day at the Park. Taymani reported that the first lunch‑and‑learn drew more than two dozen providers, including representatives of Newark Unified School District, Ohlone College, First 5 Alameda County and local health and faith‑based groups.

Gonzales described interior upgrades including ADA accessibility improvements, updated restrooms, a kitchenette, storage and a welcoming reception area. She noted that the project intentionally preserved the mural and that the restrooms on the adjacent Viola Blythe building will receive external painting and power washing but not an interior renovation as part of this contract.

Council members praised the outreach plans and cross‑sector partnerships. Vice Mayor Little and others emphasized language access; staff said program materials will be available in English and Spanish and that partner providers often supply materials in additional languages when needed. Staff said a grand‑opening celebration is planned for late summer or early fall 2025, with a date to be announced after PG&E and final contractor scheduling are confirmed.

Provenance - topicintro: transcript excerpt at 4745.375: "On 10/10/2024 city council approved a contract for renovations to a building adjacent to Jerry Raber Ash Street Park..." (transcript timecode ~4745) - topfinish: transcript excerpt at 5775.055 where staff closes presentation and invites questions; includes construction milestones and outreach plans (transcript timecode ~5775)

Reporting limits: This report summarizes the staff presentation made to council and reflects the timetable and dollar amounts reported by staff. Actual completion and programming depend on PG&E scheduling and partner availability.