Newark, a village in Western New York State, is home to 10,000 residents. Its convenient location - only 15 minutes from two NY State Thruway exchanges - makes it easy to offer a full complement of services more typically found in larger communities. Shops, theaters, hospital and excellent schools are among these amenities. Newark’s tree-lined streets are pleasant and inviting while offering affordable housing. The Erie Barge Canal flows through the center of the village offering a unique avenue for travel and recreation, as well as a connection with our past. Newark has been chosen as the site for an Erie Canal. The surrounding area shares a collection of villages and small cities interspersed with lakes, forests, farms, orchards and vineyards. As a result of its semi-rural surroundings, this area has retained the family values and benefits that were common years ago. Newark’s quality of life is not easily found in today’s fast-paced society.
In 1819 Joseph Miller, an engineer, was awarded a contract to build just over a mile of the Erie Canal or “Clinton’s Ditch” through the land now known as Newark. Miller bought 100 acres of land and built four streets. This first settlement was called Miller’s Basin. “Miller’s Basin” has grown substantially since then, now offering a variety of services to residents of Newark and the rest of Wayne County.
Surrounding areas of Newark display scenic hills, lakes and valleys. Among these hills are some of the best examples of drumlins in the United States. With Lake Ontario fifteen miles to the north and the Finger Lakes to the south, this rolling countryside is a drawing card to nature lovers and sportsmen. The hills abound with deer and many varieties of small game. Boating and fishing in our lakes are popular pastimes and we see some of the best trout and salmon fishing this side of the Rockies. Other outdoor recreation includes hiking, bicycling, cross-country and downhill skiing. The beauty of the countryside and all its richness are here, while two major metropolitan areas, Rochester and Syracuse, are within easy reach. One of Newark’s greatest assets is our people. As volunteers, they generously contribute their time to the school system, hospital, community center, library and area churches. This is a village in which neighbors know and help each other. The many talents of our residents make our community a better place to live.
Housing within the Village of Newark is both attractive and affordable. Homes dating from 1800’s and those that are newly constructed offer a variety of opportunity for house-hunters. The average price of a home in 1996 was 70,000. That with competitive tax rates make Newark Housing an excellent value. Residents of Newark are proud of their attractive, well-kept neighborhoods where walking alone after dark in not a concern.
Newark’s infrastructure is both modern and extensive. Among the facilities available to enhance life for our residents and visitors are:
A full service 180 bed hospital is located within the village. Newark Wayne Community Hospital and its affiliate, Myers Community Hospital, are members of Via Health, a major, not-for-profit health care organization which also includes two major Rochester hospitals. This affiliation gives Newark medical skills and expertise which are far beyond those expected of a community hospital. Within the hospital is a 120 bed nursing home, complete with gardens, bird feeders and planned social activities. Additionally, a variety of choices in nursing home care are available within the village.
Newark is a proponent of the Kids first policy. We boast a full-time community center that caters to the athletic and social needs of children of all ages. Many organized leagues including football, baseball and basketball are run for children and adults. The children’s room at our Newark Public Library has year round programming for a variety of age groups.
The Newark Central School system is highly esteemed within the state. A complete program of learning offering academics, sports and community interaction begins in elementary school and continues through high school. Advanced courses as well as special education are available. Student achievement levels are high, reflecting an excellent teaching corps working in a good environment with parental support. Newark also hosts one of the campuses for the Finger Lakes Community College.
Adult education is available at the community college. Courses are varied, some lead to a degree and some are just for learning. Both the Greater Rochester and Syracuse areas are homes to several nationally ranked universities and colleges. Both private and public college educations are readily available in this area.
Sports teams and facilities are readily accessible. Newark High School teams are very competitive and their events are well attended by local supporters. Nearby Rochester is home to professional soccer, lacrosse, baseball and hockey teams.
Syracuse, to the east, is home to Syracuse University, a major division number one athletic contender. Golf is both plentiful and affordable. Rochester’s Oak Hill recently hosted the US Open and the Ryder Cup and will soon host the PGA Championship. The LPGA has a major tournament in the Rochester Area each year.
Buffalo, two hours to the west, is home to the NFL Buffalo Bills who recently competed in four super Bowls.
Newark is culturally rich. It has its own Players Guild, which is well supported by the community. The Hoffman Clock Museum, located in the public library’s building, attracts collectors and enthusiasts from across the country. Other attractions with in Wayne County include Canandaigua’s Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center, Rochester’s museums and planetarium and the George Eastman House. Local festivals celebrate our communities and lifestyles. The famed Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra depicts the birth of the Mormon religion and welcomes tens of thousands to our area each summer. Newarkfest is held annually and features music, arts and crafts and a display of the community spirit that residents and service organizations have developed over the years. The Mennonite people are a colorful part of the area as well. They can be seen driving their black horse-driven wagons reminding one of years gone by.
Industry and commerce in Newark are diverse in size and product base. A degree of stability is present which is not seen in villages that are home to just one or two large businesses. We are committed to expanding the industrial and commercial base by offering programs which encourage business expansion and location in the area. Newark’s Industrial Park and its valuable business incentives promote growth in industry. Newark has a stable and financially secure local government that is eager to work with businesses. The Chamber of commerce is actively working with government and industry to promote Newark’s economic development. Wayne County Industrial Development Corporation is doing the same thing on a county-wide bases. Facilities and land are available for new businesses and for business expansion. The Village of Newark owns a number of acres set aside for industrial use. There are incentives available for firms locating to these properties. We are also the home for Silver Hills Technology Park—one of the “Shovel Ready” sites in New York State.
