In the aftermath of recent tests demonstrating elevated lead levels in Newark public schools' drinking water, New Jersey's largest city has been forced to face an issue affecting all of urban America: an aging infrastructure that puts citizens' lives in harm's way.
Who is responsible for the current situation, and what solutions are on the horizon? WNYC public radio will examine these questions at the Newark Museum onMonday, April 25 with a panel called "Safe Water/Safe Cities: How New Jersey Cities are Facing Lead Contamination and Crumbling Infrastructure."
Hosted by WNYC reporter Sarah Gonzalez, the public forum will feature Newark Schools Superintendent Chris Cerf. Other panelists will include Molly Greenberg, environmental policy manager for the nonprofit Ironbound Community Corp; Daniel Van Abs, member of the state's New Jersey Clean Water Council and professor at Rutgers University; and Chris Sturm, the managing director for policy and water at New Jersey Future, a nonprofit smart growth policy and advocacy organization.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street. The 90-minute program is free.