VIDEO: Restaurants Build Community in Newark's Halsey District [2:55]

Restaurant owners on Halsey Street in Newark are witnessing change and development in the downtown cultural district. Surrounded by three colleges and universities (Rutgers-Newark, NJIT, and Essex County College), and within walking distance of NJPAC and the newly-restored 6-acre Military Park, the Halsey Street district is attracting students and business professionals. “I’ve never seen development happen as quickly as it’s happening now,” says Newark writer Felicia Walker Benson. “I like to walk the long way to Penn station, just to be energized by the environment.” Cathy Scalera, Assistant Manager of 27 Mix, explains how the area’s restaurants form a supportive community. “We have wonderful neighbors. If one of us runs out of something and we can help each other out, we sure do.”