Alumna to head Newark's planning and development department

3:36 p.m., Jan. 31, 2012--University of Delaware alumna Maureen Feeney Roser has been selected as the city of Newark's new planning and development director, effective Feb. 27.

Roser, who has served as assistant director of planning and development for Newark since 1985, earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and her master's degree in sociology at UD.

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She replaces Roy Lopata, who is retiring. Lopata earned his master's and doctoral degrees at UD. 

“I could not be happier to take the next step in my career with the city of Newark. I am looking forward to serving the community I know so well,” Roser said. 

In addition to serving as second in command of the Planning and Development Department, Roser manages Newark’s parking facilities and programs and serves as the administrator of the Downtown Newark Partnership, a private-public partnership -- including the city of Newark, the University of Delaware, downtown businesses and property owners and Newark residents -- dedicated to the economic enhancement of downtown. 

For the past 12 years the partnership has been designated a National Main Street Community and boasts a lengthy list of accomplishments and accolades under her stewardship, not the least of which is the 2011 Great American Main Street Award. Under Roser’s guidance the Downtown Newark Partnership worked skillfully with public and private partners to find creative solutions to downtown’s challenges and to celebrate its assets and opportunities. With 26 new businesses opening in the past 18 months, more than $30 million invested in the last 3.5 years and a popular year-round arts and events calendar that draws people from miles around, Newark has emerged as a fun, attractive, and intelligent city for work and play.

City Manager Kyle Sonnenberg said, “Maureen has done very good work during her time with the city, and she has earned the director of planning and development position. She will serve Newark well as the city progresses into the future. ”