Proposal to revamp Newark Shopping Center unveiled

The plan, put forward by Virginia-based developer Atlantic Realty Company, needs approval by the City Council before construction can begin. 

Many citizens, however, do not have high hopes because they have heard redevelopment rumors for years, Funk said. The Newark Shopping Center has been turned over from owner to owner, and Atlantic Realty is its seventh owner since 1986, according to city records. 

But Funk said he is anxious to see the project begin due to the number of vacancies in the shopping center. 

“I definitely see this project being approved by the City Council,” Funk said. “It has been sold so many times, but now we have an owner who really cares about the community and uplifting the property.”

Junior Kathleen Deporter said she is disappointed with the removal of the bowling alley. 

“I love going bowling on Wednesdays for student night and many student organizations have fundraisers and mixers there,” Deporter said. “It will be sad to see it go.”

Junior Denise Meikle said she thinks it will have some impact on university students. 

“It is a good location for an apartment complex,” Meikle said. “As for the bowling alley being removed, it will definitely hinder some students that are looking for an alternative night out.”

Funk said it was a victory for the community to save Newark Cinema Center 3 located in the shopping center as the original proposal called for its removal. The movie theatre will undergo major renovations to be more attractive for costumers, he said.

“We really need to bring more retail into the shopping center,” Funk said. “Downtown Newark has an overwhelming amount of restaurants. We need to bring in more foot traffic.”

Junior Corinne Kustek said she would also like to see more retail in the shopping center and towards the end of East Main Street. 

“Main Street, to students, ends once it reaches North or South Chapel,” Kustek said. “Adding better shops and giving the shopping center the renovation that it needs will continue foot traffic even further along Main Street.”