Uploaded February 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
A native of Newark, Andy Baglivo graduated from Rutgers College in 1949. After twenty years covering politics for the Newark Evening News, Baglivo served as the state director of public information for Governor William T. Cahill and then started his own firm. In the beginning phases of redevelopment in New Brunswick, Johnson & Johnson hired Baglivo to work on public relations. Baglivo analyzes the relationship between the city government, particularly Mayor John Lynch, and Johnson & Johnson in promoting revitalization. He traces the timeline of redevelopment, focusing on Johnson & Johnson’s keeping its headquarters in New Brunswick, the Eagleton Institute’s polling of public receptiveness, the involvement of Richard Sellars of Johnson & Johnson and Leo Molinari of the American Cities Corporation, and the formation of New Brunswick (NBT) and the New Brunswick Development Corporation (Devco). In contrast to Rutgers President Edward Bloustein’s active role in the city’s development, Baglivo relates President Francis Lawrence’s disinterest. While analyzing the transformation of the city into a cultural center, Baglivo also discusses controversies surrounding historic preservation, gentrification and various projects.
The Rutgers Oral History Archives is part of the Department of History at Rutgers University. Learn more at https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick-redevelopment-oral-histories
A native of Newark, Andy Baglivo graduated from Rutgers College in 1949. After twenty years covering politics for the Newark Evening News, Baglivo served as the state director of public information for Governor William T. Cahill and then started his own firm. In the beginning phases of redevelopment in New Brunswick, Johnson & Johnson hired Baglivo to work on public relations. Baglivo analyzes the relationship between the city government, particularly Mayor John Lynch, and Johnson & Johnson in promoting revitalization. He traces the timeline of redevelopment, focusing on Johnson & Johnson’s keeping its headquarters in New Brunswick, the Eagleton Institute’s polling of public receptiveness, the involvement of Richard Sellars of Johnson & Johnson and Leo Molinari of the American Cities Corporation, and the formation of New Brunswick (NBT) and the New Brunswick Development Corporation (Devco). In contrast to Rutgers President Edward Bloustein’s active role in the city’s development, Baglivo relates President Francis Lawrence’s disinterest. While analyzing the transformation of the city into a cultural center, Baglivo also discusses controversies surrounding historic preservation, gentrification and various projects.
The Rutgers Oral History Archives is part of the Department of History at Rutgers University. Learn more at https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick-redevelopment-oral-histories
