Public Works
For emergencies outside of this timeframe, after hours or weekends, please contact the non-emergency police line at (973) 399-6603 For assistance
Cassandra C. Chatman
Director of Public Works
Irvington, New Jersey 07111
Email: RSostarich@irvingtonnj.gov
The mission of the Department of Public Works is to design, build, operate and maintain the Township’s public facilities and infrastructure in a manner that is safe, sustainable, economical and attractive.
The Department of Public Works is responsible for the general management, operation and care of the infrastructure found in the Township’s right-of-way including streets, alleys, parking lots, bridges, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, traffic signals, traffic signage, street striping, legend painting, curb painting, sanitary sewer system, storm drain system, reclaimed and potable water systems for irrigation, street lights, street sweeping, graffiti removal, landscapes and tree trimming, right-of-way permits and inspections; general management operation and care of Township facilities and properties including electrical, carpentry, plumbing, air conditioning & heating systems, painting, janitorial, phone system; the purchase, maintenance and repair of the Township’s vehicle fleet and equipment; review of development projects for public improvements, review of tentative and final subdivision, review and approval of waste management plans.
The Department of Public Works is responsible for all Public Works functions of Municipal government, and for providing technical advice and service to other departments. Through the Public Property and Motorized Equipment Divisions, DPW touches every other city office. Through streets and parks maintenance, the Department’s responsibilities extend to every corner of the City
Hi my name is Cassandra C. Chatman, in 2004, I served as the Marketing Director for the Urban League of Essex. I was offered an opportunity to work with the Township of Irvington. I was hired as the Project Coordinator of Special Events where I was responsible to produce the, “(Summer in the Zone)” concert series. Tens of thousands, of people came to Irvington to enjoy the music of performers such as: Stephanie Mills, Floetry, The Whispers, Freddie Jackson, and the late Gerald Levert. The series of concerts were designed to spur interest in Irvington’s already bustling commercial district.
In 2005, I was promoted to Coordinator of the Urban Enterprise Zone and in 2008, I was once again promoted, to Director of the Office of Business Development. While managing all the Township economic development projects. assisted with the strategic planning of the Township’s Master Plan and implemented economic development goals for the Township. | was instrumental in the sale and development of the former Irvington General Hospital site, as well as bringing in several other successful ventures to the Township.
I developed and implemented plans to attract new startup businesses to Irvington in promoting and expanding the Irvington UEZ; I also coordinated fiscal procedures within the organizational unit including budget implementation and control. I also served as the Township’s Clean Communities Coordinator where through my efforts the Township won the much coveted Golden Broom Award. I also created the Township’s “Keep Irvington Beautiful” campaign. I also partnered with the Irvington Police department to develop the “Cops Who Care” campaign. This revolutionary concept joined Irvington’s police, local elected officials, township employees and residents together to organize multiple community cleanups.
In 2014, I became the Township’s Recycling Coordinator. It was at this time I started the Township’s first Community “Shred Days” which still continue today. In 2019, I was promoted to Deputy Director of Public Work and in 2022, I was appointed to Director of Public Works. I’m the first female in Irvington’s history to serve as the Public Works Director and one of only a handful in the State’s history. As Director, I manage a crew of over 80+ members.
have designed and implemented Irvington’s DPW Training Academy, a program that advances the training of DPW employees on heavy mechanical equipment. I also direct the activities of the town’s solid waste and recycling programs. I currently designed the Township’s Community Forestry Management Plan and oversee and monitor all Public Works grants.
In 2021, I received the Mayor’s Leadership Award. I, “Put Irvington First” approach has been my professional mantra since I began my amazing and much loved journey with the Township of Irvington. Currently | serve as a Commissioner with the East Orange Housing Authority.
