Newark Environmental Commission
The Newark Environmental Commission is made up of Newark residents who serve in a volunteer capacity. The Commission is charged to advise the Mayor and the Municipal Council on issues of the environment and sustainability. Members are nominated or can apply to open positions and are appointed by the Municipal Council. They meet monthly and provide recommendations to the City of Newark about environmental, sustainability, and quality of life issues relevant to the City of Newark.
The Commission is proud to have worked with environmental justice groups throughout New Jersey to gain passage of Newark’s Environmental Justice and Cumulative Impacts Ordinance the first of its kind in the United States. This ground-breaking law requires companies and other applicants that want to work in Newark to prove they are not adding to Newark’s existing pollution. The law highlights the fact that Newark has long been subject to extreme levels of industrial pollution that is harmful to the health of those who live and work here. As part of the Ordinance, applicants proposing new development or modification of an existing development who are also required to apply for an environmental permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection or whose application is considered a significant land-use change, are required to fill out an additional form that the Environmental Commission reviews. The Environmental Commission then provides written commentary to the Central Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Additionally, the Environmental Commission has adopted an Environmental Resource Inventory which is a comprehensive analysis of Newark’s existing environmental health which can be accessed at bit.ly/nwkeri2021.
Environmental Commissioners:
Cynthia Mellon, Co-Chair
Wynnie-Fred Victor Hinds, Co-Chair
Nicole Miller, Member
Anthony Timmons, Member / Planning Board Liaison
Karima A. Jackson, Member
Janneise Bonita Davis, Member
Jessica V. Valladolid, Member
Activities:
· Monthly public meetings
· Tabling at public events (i.e., Lincoln Park Music Festival)
· Newark Green Team; Sustainable Jersey
· Speaking engagements across New Jersey
MEETINGS
The Newark Environmental Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month (except for August) from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom. Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.
