[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CLINTON HILL WEED AND SEED PARTNERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Operation Weed and 
Seed in Newark, New Jersey and its commitment to the revitalization of 
the city. In 1991 the United States Department of Justice established 
Operation Weed and Seed, a community based multi-agency approach to law 
enforcement, crime prevention, and neighborhood restoration. The Weed 
and Seed strategy is a two-pronged approach to crime control and 
prevention where law enforcement agencies first ``weed out'' criminals 
from the target area, followed by a ``seeding'' of prevention, 
intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization.
  On Saturday May 4, 2002 The Clinton Hill Weed and Seed Partnership, 
sponsored by Public Service Electric and Gas Company, will celebrate 
the unveiling and kick-off of the Newark, New Jersey project at Mildred 
Helms Park. Consisting of over 150 stakeholders, The Clinton Hill Weed 
and Seed Partnership has accomplished a milestone by receiving its 
Official Site Designation from the United States Department of Justice.
  The Weed and Seed strategy is based on collaboration, coordination, 
community participation, and leveraging resources. The emphasis on 
community participation cannot be understated. The prevailing concept 
is neighborhoods function more effectively when empowered to solve 
their own problems.
  The process to become a Weed and Seed site requires a significant 
commitment by the community to engage in strategic planning, 
collaborate with key stakeholders, and coordinate programs and 
services. The Clinton Hill Partnership will become a significant 
impacting force on the city of Newark. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my 
colleagues join me today in recognizing the tremendous efforts of the 
Weed and Seed Partnership and the lasting impact that it will surely 
have on the city of Newark.

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