Citizens Bank, Newark Fiber Partner with Local Developer Adenah Bayoh to Deliver 15 Years of Free Internet to Residents of Southside View

New partnership ensures long-term digital access for families at Southside View in Newark's South Ward

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new partnership between Citizens Bank, Newark Fiber and real estate developer Adenah Bayoh is setting a benchmark for digital equity in Newark. At Bayoh's latest housing development, Southside View, every resident will receive free high-speed internet access for 15 years, thanks to Citizens' investment in both the building's infrastructure and ongoing service through Newark Fiber.

The collaboration ensures that every household at Southside View has direct, reliable internet access — eliminating a key barrier to education, health care, employment and connection in today's digital world. Citizens' contribution included the installation of a future-ready broadband system throughout the building and funding to cover residents' internet costs for the next decade and a half.

"For me, building housing has never just been about bricks and mortar — it's about dignity, opportunity, and creating pathways for families to thrive. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it's a lifeline to education, health care, and economic mobility. Through this partnership with Citizens and Newark Fiber, we are ensuring that every resident of Southside View is not left behind in the digital age. This project is about equity, it's about hope, and it's about rewriting what's possible for Newark families," said Bayoh. 

The internet provider at Southside View is Newark Fiber, a public-private partnership operated by Invest Newark, the city's economic development agency. Newark Fiber's mission is to expand affordable broadband access citywide, closing the digital divide that disproportionately affects lower-income households.

Scott Kilpatrick, Vice President of Community Development Investment at Citizens, said the initiative reflects the bank's commitment to inclusive, long-term community development. "At Citizens, we're proud to invest in affordable housing that strengthens communities and expands opportunity. Our $13 million investment in Southside View, includes $500,000 to provide life-enhancing facilities and services by establishing a technology center and providing 15 years of free internet access, along with three years of after-school STEAM programming for school-age residents. These initiatives reflect Citizens' commitment to long-term, community-driven impact in partnership with Foya Development. We look forward to providing similar enhancements at Foya's next Newark development, Springview, planned for 2026."

"Affordable internet access is a necessity for all, not just those who can afford it. Newark Fiber is proud to bring high-speed access to Newark residents in Southside View. The enhanced connectivity that Citizens and Adenah Bayoh have committed to is groundbreaking and a testament to what equitable development can achieve when we work together," said Aaron Meyerson, Chief Innovation Economy Officer and Director of Broadband at Invest Newark and the Newark Alliance.

Beyond connectivity, Southside View represents a major investment in Newark's South Ward — delivering high-quality housing, technology access and educational programming for families. With this project, Adenah Bayoh, a Newark Alliance board member, continues her mission of combining real estate development with opportunity-building for local residents. The project sets a new standard for how thoughtful, community-focused development can create lasting opportunity and equity for Newark families.

ABOUT ADENAH BAYOH
Adenah Bayoh is a New Jersey entrepreneur, real estate developer, and philanthropist. A refugee from Liberia's civil war, she built a portfolio of seven restaurants, including four IHOP franchises and Cornbread, a farm-to-table soul food brand with locations in Newark and Brooklyn. She also launched Brick City Vegan in downtown Newark. Through her development firm, Bayoh is leading major urban redevelopment projects such as 280 Park Place and 722 Chancellor Avenue. Her work has earned recognition from Ebony Magazine's Power 100, NJBIZ's Best 50 Women in Business, and the National Restaurant Association's Faces of Diversity Award. Visit adenahbayoh.com to learn more.

ABOUT NEWARK FIBER
Newark Fiber is a public-private partnership that offers Gigabit internet connections to over 50 sites including city and commercial buildings, parks and commercial corridors. Newark Fiber continues to accept applications for properties that are interested in offering connectivity as a service. Property owners and users that interested in adopting Newark Fiber can find out more at investnewark.org/newark-fiber/.

ABOUT INVES T NEWARK 
Invest Newark, the city's Economic Development Corporation, propels economic growth by championing small businesses, improving internet access and facilitating real estate development. These endeavors lead to job creation and wealth generation, enhancing the overall welfare of Newark's residents. Distinguished by our unwavering dedication to equity and sustainability, Invest Newark stands apart as a forward-thinking development agency. Stay up to date on Invest Newark's latest news by following us on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit us at InvestNewark.org.

SOURCE Invest Newark