First Community Workshop

for the Old Town Newark Streetscape Improvement Project.  

The first Community Workshop for the Old Town Newark Streetscape Improvement Project was held on Wednesday March 6, 2024.  The public was invited to stop by the workshop to share ideas, priorities, and preliminary design.

The workshop was the start of a series of public outreach events. 

Online Survey Posted

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and provide your feedback through our online survey here: Old Town Newark Streetscape Improvements Survey

The Old Town Streetscape Improvements Project is a key component of the Old Town Specific Plan and will serve as a catalyst for private investment within the Old Town neighborhood by improving access, safety and connections for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users along Thornton Avenue between Olive Street and Ash Street.

Old Town Streetscape Improvements Project – Learn More Here (Coming Soon)

Click on the link above for additional project details including project updates, conceptual designs, upcoming community outreach meetings, events and schedule.

Enhancing the Historic Heart of the City of Newark

In 2021, the Old Town Specific Plan was approved by the City Council, bringing together 30 years of planning and analysis to identify a grand vision to revitalize Old Town as a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, with a strong sense of place, thriving retail and commercial businesses, a range of housing choices for existing and future residents, a streetscape that prioritizes bicycles and pedestrians, and public spaces that allow community members to gather with their neighbors.

In 2019 & 2020, the City organized study sessions, open house events, and community meetings to gather feedback from local businesses, residents and stakeholders to prepare 35% design plans for the Old Town Streetscape Improvements Project on Thornton Avenue from Olive Street to Ash Street, as shown in the approved Old Town Specific Plan.  The City has resumed public outreach efforts to gather feedback from local business, residents and stakeholders on the approved 35% design plans to ensure current needs and concerns are considered.

Catalyst for Private Investment

The Old Town Streetscape Improvements Project will serve as a catalyst for private investment within the Old Town neighborhood by improving access, safety and connections for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. Thornton Avenue will be narrowed from four lanes to two lanes to promote slower vehicle speeds; dedicated bike lanes will be established; sidewalks will be expanded and new curb ramps will be installed to improve pedestrian access and allow outdoor seating; and enhanced lighting, landscaping, public art, and open plazas will be added to create new public spaces encouraging people to gather together in their community.  In addition, the City is partnering with the Alameda County Water District (ACWD) to upgrade and replace aging water main pipes.  

Project Funding

This project is partially funded from several grant sources including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) One Bay Area Grant 3 (OBAG 3) program, Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) administered by the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC), and State funding secured by Assemblymember Alex Lee.  The water main replacement will be entirely funded through ACWD’s Capital Improvements Program.

For more information:

Questions about the project may be sent to Mr. Alex Tat, Senior Civil Engineer, at (510) 578-4041 or by email at alex.tat@newark.org.  For further information on OBAG 3, TFCA, and State Assemblymember Alex Lee’s projects and programs, please visit the ACTC website at www.alamedactc.org, the BAAQMD at www.baaqmd.gov  or Assemblymember Alex Lee’s website at https://a24.asmdc.org.