Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - Where do people in your community gather or socialize?
  - How and where does your community access services (healthcare, transportation, educational services, etc.)?

Examples of activities and services: Shopping areas, schools and universities, libraries, parks, lakes, rivers, places of worship, healthcare services, public transport, local nonprofit organizations, etc.

Your response: There are a lot of government centers in the area. There are educational institutions. There's a community college, Rutgers, NJIT. We're surrounded by a lot of schools - Newark Tech, Essex Co. College, Arts High School, Saint Benedict's High School. There are two major of hospitals - UNDMJ, and St. Michaels. There's Washington Park, Military Park, and Lincoln Park. Those parks have been there for decades.

Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - What are the cultural bonds in your community?
  - If your community has a shared history, what is it?

Examples of cultural or historical interests: Religious groups, ethnic groups, languages, age groups, immigration status, historic or arts districts, etc.

Your response: My community, central ward, has a lot of black and brown folks. However, the area is also the central business district so there are a lot of diversity of people and businesses. It is a fast paced community. There are a lot of new residents, you can see the gentrification really happening in Central Ward. There are many new younger adults that have moved from NYC and commute to NYC. In South Ward you have a lot of people who have been in the area for generations.

Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - Where are residents employed?
  - If there are environmental concerns in your community, what are they?

Examples of economic or environmental interests: Tourism industry, agricultural workers, mining town, manufacturing center, polluted natural resource, unemployment problem, etc.

Your response: The Central Ward is the downtown area of Newark. It is like the hub of the eateries and stores on Broad Street and Market Street - there's a supermarket, bodegas, law enforcement, entertainment (NJ Pac, Prudential Center), and mom and pop shops. The closest mall is the Jersey Gardens outlet mall in Elizabeth, which is about 10-15 minutes away. We also have Newark Penn Station, a major transit hub, and also a place where people without addresses reside.

Use these questions to think more about how you would describe your community...
  - What should politicians and/or map drawers know about your community?
  - What are the needs of your community?
  - Is there anything else you want to tell us about your community?

Examples of needs or concerns: Keep community in the same district or separate into multiple districts, shared policy concerns, need for a social service, relationship to other nearby communities, issues with current district lines

Your response: The Central Ward struggles with a drug epidemic (pills) and crime. The other major concern are residents without address in the area. The area could use more affordable housing and quality jobs. There is also a lot of food insecurity - we need more places where people can get healthy and affordable food options. There is a Whole Foods, but that food is not very affordable and often are frequented by new residents who do not look like me.