General Info:
Lincoln Park/Coast Cultural District, Inc ( LPCCD ) is a non-profit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization with a mission to plan, design and build a comprehensive arts and cultural district in the Lincoln Park/Coast area of the City of Newark, New Jersey. Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District ( LPCCD ) is transforming a low-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey from blighted lots into an urban eco-village. Leading the revitalization of an emerging arts and cultural district, LPCCD is one of the nation's best practices in sustainable urban development. The project includes 300 LEED United States Green Building Council certified units, music festivals, historic restoration projects and the Museum of African American Music, a Smithsonian Affiliate. In 1998, the Regional Plan Association ( RPA ) began working in Lincoln Park coordinating meetings of local residents, civic leaders, and the city administrator and business owners. In 1999, RPA hosted a three-day charette examining the redevelopment potential. The charette resulted in several suggestions: Artists housing around Newark Symphony Hall and behind Lincoln Park, a renovated Symphony Hall, more funding and cultural programs and activities in Lincoln Park, an arts and cultural corridor along Broad Street connecting northern and southern Broad Street and a re-greening of the Lincoln Park community. For three years thereafter, RPA hosted two conferences, a walking house tour, the development of a neighborhood plan, hosting meetings, partnerships with developers to build artists and market-rate housing and formation of the Lincoln Park/Coast Cultural District, Inc ( LPCCD ), to carry on the mission and goals of the community. In 2002, Lincoln Park/Coast Cultural District, Inc became a fully independent and staffed organization. It began as an advocacy organization that turned into a community development corporation, primarily because local residents decided to spearhead the development themselves. This redevelopment effort was steered by the interest of the community with input from other organizations and entities throughout the City. Community stakeholders from arts organizations such as Newark Symphony Hall, Newark Boys Chorus, City Without Walls and New Jersey Historical Society helped to formulate these ideas. Today, LPCCD continues to engage the community, participating in monthly community meetings to discuss issues pertinent to residents such as crime, drugs and litter. In attendance are community residents, business owners, non-profit organizations, police officials and city council representatives. These meetings have proved beneficial resulting in several positive changes for the neighborhood including an increase police presence. Moreover, through these meetings residents learn the process of appropriately advocating for themselves to improve their quality of life.