Newark council adds playground, streetscape and fire‑station projects to CIP after $1 million state grant

The Newark City Council on Nov. 13 approved a package of amendments to the city’s 2024–2026 Capital Improvement Plan that will restore previously approved street projects, fund playground upgrades and launch planning for replacement of two aging fire stations.

City Engineer Mickey Sabota told the council the package includes Old Town streetscape work, an extension of Thornton Avenue design and multiple park playground replacements. Sabota said the city will use a $1,000,000 state legislative grant from state Senator Ayesha Wahab to expand proposed Ash Street Park improvements beyond the originally planned playground work to include potential sports‑facility upgrades. "With the $1,000,000 grant ... we plan to use that full million dollars for not only upgrading the playground, but we're looking at furnishing improvements," Sabota said.

Sabota and staff also described plans to replace Fire Stations 27 and 29. Sabota estimated construction costs could range from $50 million to $60 million and projected a four‑to‑five year schedule once construction begins. The city manager said staff are coordinating with Alameda County Fire Department and plan to issue an RFP for a consultant to cover both stations to realize design savings.

On road projects, the council reinstated Thornton Avenue pavement overlay (Phase 1) and authorized design work that coordinates with the Alameda County Water District’s pipe upgrades; staff said the county will reimburse the city for extra design work. Sabota said the overlay work will maintain two lanes in both directions, add bike lanes and may require contractor‑driven traffic realignment during construction.

Funding and next steps: staff said park‑impact fees and a mix of grants would fund the park projects; they estimated park impact fees in the pipeline total about $4.4 million after the planned projects. Construction contracts and detailed designs will return to council for approval, and staff committed to community outreach before work begins.

Council action: council voted to amend the CIP (F1) and the associated project items. F1 (amendment to the CIP) passed unanimously. The council approved F2 (Thornton Ave Phase 1) with a 4–0 vote; Councilmember Jorgens recused himself. F3 (Newark Community Park all‑abilities play area) passed 4–0 with the Vice Mayor recusing. F4 (update to strategic priority areas that will guide implementation) passed unanimously.

Staff said they will publish designs online and notify nearby residents for comment; construction contracts will come back to council for formal award. The council also directed staff to include references to the strategic priority areas in future staff reports and quarterly performance updates.