New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan announced Oct. 2 that $5.7 million was awarded through the Urban Investment Fund (UIF) Grant Program to support five community revitalization projects in Camden.
The funding will go toward several building rehabilitation and public space projects in the city that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Across the state, the Urban Investment Fund helps catalyze economic growth to create stronger, more vibrant downtowns,” said Sullivan. “The funds awarded to Camden will stimulate inclusive economic development in key commercial corridors, generating jobs, aiding local businesses, and fostering sustained prosperity through impactful investments.”
The grant awards were announced at a press conference at Sheila Roberts Park in the city’s downtown. With the Urban Investment Fund grant, the city plans to improve access to the park, upgrade plazas and sidewalks, enhance safety features, and add family-friendly amenities.
“The city of Camden is teeming with opportunity and this allocation of $5 million will be a game changer in terms of boosting the local economy and improving the use of our public spaces,” said Jeffrey Nash, Camden County Commissioner.
Camden Community Partnership (CCP) has partnered with the city to create a revitalization strategy to improve the city through investments in public and private spaces to boost public access and utilization of parks and similar spaces. The projects were specifically crafted to respond to the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on Camden’s business sector.
Through the UIF Grant Program, the NJEDA provides grants to eligible municipalities to implement a revitalization strategy to respond to decreased foot traffic and revenue due to the pandemic by helping cities enhance vitality. Funding for this program was provided through American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
The following projects that were awarded grant funding include:
- Wiggins Waterfront Promenade: This $1 million project will include extensive new utilities, earthwork, and site work to help support this new commercial activity. Improvements will include essential site and utility work, wayfinding, and public art, supported by a $300,000 match from the William Penn Foundation.
- Sheila Roberts Park: The park will receive access improvements, upgraded plazas and sidewalks, enhanced safety features, and family-friendly amenities. This project includes a $100,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit grant and a UIF investment of over $540,000.
- 7th & Clinton Street Park: The park will be getting a gazebo and corresponding entertainment space, playground equipment, recreational offerings, and other streetscape amenities. The project includes a $615,000 capital match from Camden County Parks and a UIF allocation of more than $686,000.
- East Camden: Camden Community Partnership will renovate the community building at 2631 Federal St., making it a commercial and community hub. This $3.3 million initiative is supported by $810,000 in secured matching funds, including $250,000 in NRTC funding, a $300,000 anonymous donation, a $260,000 grant from the Townsend Foundation, and $2.5 million through the UIF.
- Roosevelt Plaza Park: This project will install several kiosks to serve as food dispensing venues, plant trees and shrubs, and place benches and tables to allow for communal dining. Supported by a $50,000 contribution from the Camden Special Services District, this project received $1.1 million through the UIF.
Established in March 2024, the UIF Grant Program provides grants for the revitalization of key commercial corridor areas and real estate projects located in eligible municipalities. Eligible municipalities include Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, Passaic, Paterson, and Trenton, which all rank within the top 5% of commuter-adjusted population and the top 5% of municipal distress based on the 2023 Municipal Revitalization Index.
