"The Wire" come to life in Newark, NJ

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerarchives/2007/11/beer_bottles_cardboard_boxes_a.html

It is scary how easily I can imagine episodes of the show taking place here instead of West Body-more. The writer, Jonathan Schuppe, did a very good job at painting this grim picture.

 

Well, any opinions?

 

I grew up in Newark, although not in as poor an area as this. Not that there are any well-off areas in the city.

The idea that a police car might not come when you call is unlikely in most places, but this would happen in Newark. It is just really difficult for everybody - the people living there, the police officers, everybody. Things just don't work. The city has become a legal center and there are a lot of office buildings and the Prudential Center right around Penn Station. There is a college center and the new performing arts center, so some things are looking better.

However, the "rebirth" hasn't helped the schools a bit. It's really sad.