The basics:
- NJEDA awarded $5.7M to Camden Community Partnership for parks & public spaces
- Projects include Wiggins Waterfront Promenade, Sheila Roberts Park, Roosevelt Plaza Park
- East Camden community hub renovation will support local business and services
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority awarded Camden Community Partnership $5.7 million to fund parks and public spaces projects in Camden City.
The funding through the Urban Investment Fund was announced at an Oct. 2 event in Camden.
“Under Gov. [Phil] Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA remains committed to supporting communities hardest hit by the pandemic by ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to recover,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. He noted that the UIF helps catalyze economic growth to create stronger, more vibrant downtowns. “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.”
Projects include:
- Wiggins Waterfront Promenade — a $1 million project supported by a $300,000 match from the William Penn Foundation
- Will install kiosks and converted shipping containers to create new commercial opportunities for local entrepreneurs and vendors
- Sheila Roberts Park —UIF investment of $548,734 along with a $100,00 Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program (NRTC) grant
- Will receive access improvements, upgraded plazas and sidewalks, enhanced safety features and new family-friendly amenities
- 7th & Clinton Street Park — $686,545 UIF allocation and $615,000 capital match from Camden County Parks
- Will receive a new gazebo and corresponding entertainment space, playground equipment, recreational offerings, athletic and wellness, and other streetscape amenities
- East Camden — $3.3 million project supported by $2.5 million UIF allocation and $810,000 in secured matching funds
- CCP will renovate the community building at 2631 Federal St. to make it a commercial and community hub
- Roosevelt Plaza Park — $1.1 million through UIF
- Will install kiosks to serve food, plant trees and shrubs, and place benches and tables to allow for communal dining
‘Teeming with opportunity’
“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 space,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash. “We are extremely grateful that NJEDA sees the value in investing in projects such as these and we cannot wait to work with the City of Camden, Camden Community Partnership, and our other community partners to transform this city into something spectacular.”
“We are deeply grateful to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for awarding Camden Community Partnership this transformative Urban Investment Fund grant,” said CCP President and CEO Dana Redd. “This grant allows us to continue revitalizing our public spaces and commercial corridors in ways that reflect the strength, creativity, and resilience of our community.”
More than play
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said parks are more than playgrounds and fields.
“They are places where memories are made, where friendships are formed, and where a community takes root,” said Carstarphen. “We are firmly committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and our parks play a huge role in that endeavor.
“We are leveraging over $150 million dollars of investment already made in our parks. Thank you to the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Camden Community Partnership, and to the NJEDA for this funding commitment. This will help bring a vibrant energy back to our open spaces.”
Who’s excited?
“This investment is an example of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared commitment to Camden’s future,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and co-chair of Camden Community Partnership. “As both a business leader and community partner, I’m proud to support projects that strengthen Camden’s neighborhoods and economic future.”
Redd added, “With this support, and the continued partnership of the city, county, and nonprofit organizations, we take another powerful step toward realizing the full promise of our great city.”
