City of Orange Township, New Jersey

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. designates Orange’s Italian section as “Little Italy”… plans to encourage the area as a dining, shopping, cultural and tourist destination.

In advance of Orange’s 9th Annual Italian Street Festival, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins has proclaimed the city’s core Italian neighborhood as “Little Italy.” Hawkins said that he has been discussing the designation with leaders of Orange’s Italian business community, and that he views the designation as a first step in making the historic neighborhood an important part of Orange’s economic development efforts.

Little Italy notable locations include: stores (John’s Italian Market at Essex and Freeway), bakeries (Zizza, Zarrillas, Sanitary, DeSantis) and churches, i.e. Mt Carmel & St. Venantius Church & School, still active Italian/American clubs, and Ippolitto Funeral Home on Henry St. Some of these establishments have been in this area since the turn of the century. In the area of Lincoln & Mechanic, a renaissance of architecture and restaurants is emerging. Church feasts and festivals continue as they have in the past. Italian/Americans and those of every ethnic group continue to flock to the church feasts & festivals.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“It is with great pleasure that on behalf of the City of Orange Township we recognize the contributions of the Italian Community by designating this area as “Little Italy”. It is my hope that this designation will not only celebrate Orange’s cultural diversity, but will also contribute to strengthening our local economy. “

Whereas, On September 12-13 2009 the City of Orange Township will gather to celebrate the 9th Annual Italian Street festival; and
Whereas, the City of Orange Township is grateful and honors the generations of Italian Americans that have made longstanding contributions to the city, and
Whereas, a wealth of Italian culture, music, art, business and fashion remains alive in the City of Orange Township; and
Whereas, the City of Orange Township recognizes the achievements of Italian-Americans and the influence of Italian culture in our community, and
Whereas, the City of Orange Township wishes to build its economic base by strengthening its Italian section as a destination for fine dining, shopping and culture;
Whereas, the Italian Community in the City of Orange Township also includes longstanding great Italian eateries outside of its core Italian section, such as but not limited to, the Appian Way, Bella Italia and Librettis;
Now therefore be it proclaimed, that the core of Orange’s Italian community and the location of its annual Italian Festival, the area bounded by Freeway Drive/Crane Street to South Center Street to Henry Street to Lincoln Avenue, will be designated as Little Italy.