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Strategic Vision For Change |
The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation's vision statement is "A transformed Camden, harmonious villages in which to raise children, where families are proud to live and people are excited to visit." In 1994, under the federal Empowerment Zone / Enterprise Community (EZ/EC) initiative, the City of Camden was awarded a $20.8 million federal grant as part of the Philadelphia-Camden Bi-State Empowerment Zone award. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Camden, the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation was charged with implementing the Camden Empowerment Zone Strategic Plan to help Empowerment Zone residents realize their vision and improve their quality of life. The strategic plan builds on revitalization principles in economic development, community improvements, human services and strategic planning for the Empowerment Zone that includes four residential neighborhoods: Cooper Poynt, Cooper Grant, Lanning Square, Gateway; the Central Business District and the Central Waterfront. The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) began operations in 1996. To realize the vision of empowerment zone residents, CEZC has continued to significantly involve EZ residents in decision-making, planning and strategy development. CEZC provides grants, loans and technical assistance to EZ community-based organizations focused on four programmatic areas: Community Improvements, Human Services, Strategic Planning and Economic Development. This approach encourages community participation, fosters sustainable economic opportunities and builds partnerships to leverage additional resources. Since 1996, we have committed approximately sixty-seven percent (67%) of our grant award to support the strategic plan objectives established by community residents. To date, we have approved $14 million in funding that has leveraged more than $100 million in matching funds. This executive summary highlights some of the programs funded by the Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC).
Main Governing Body
CEZC’s governing body is its Board of Trustees. Of CEZC’s 27 voting trustees, 13 trustees are EZ Block Captains selected by their fellow EZ Block Captains, and 12 trustees are representatives of Camden’s economic, institutional, cultural and religious communities. Camden’s Mayor and City Council President also serve as voting, ex officio members and are usually represented by alternates. Three nonvoting trustees include representatives from the city’s Police Department, Housing Authority, Redevelopment Agency. Seventeen of CEZC’s 27 trustees (63%) live or work in the empowerment zone. Monthly CEZC Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public. The main governing body met 10 times during the year. The annual meeting schedules for CEZC’s Board of Trustees and Subcommittees is published on CEZC’s web site (www.camdenez.org), posted in the City Clerk’s office, mailed annually to EZ neighborhood associations and block captains, and included in quarterly EZ newsletters. Attendance and participation by most Trustees has historically been excellent. However, since 1996, the Trustees have removed or obtained the resignations of four trustees for excessive absenteeism.
Governance Body Subcommittees
The governing body operates with four subcommittees, Economic development, Community Improvements, Human Services and Strategic Planning. Monthly subcommittee meetings are open to the public. Block captains, representatives from EZ neighborhood associations and institutional non-profit organizations are encouraged to attend and participate. Subcommittees met a total of 46 times during the year.
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Community Based Partnership |
Image Building (G2.C1.P2)
CEZC’S efforts to refine our communications strategy continue and will be extended through 2006. The resulting plan will be designed to change quality of life perceptions about the empowerment zone and create a positive image for the City of Camden. It is hoped that implementing the communications plan as one of CEZC’s last programs will result in an increase in the number of visitors to the empowerment zone's revamped waterfront attractions and an increase in the number of potential homebuyers interested in zone housing opportunities. Emphasis will also be placed on identifying in-kind resources that can be made available by the participating entities.
After Camden received nationwide notoriety for being named the Most Dangerous City in America, CEZC’s Strategic Planning Subcommittee elected to delay implementation of a significant portion of our Image Building strategy until community-wide anti-violence, crime prevention, and enhanced law enforcement efforts were put in place. The ‘most dangerous’ designation was based on 2003 crime statistics and we believe that the 2004 crime statistics will earn the city a repeat designation. However, the violent crime reductions already reported for 2005 should result in the city being recognized as a much safer city in 2006. The subcommittee expects to implement the Image Building strategy in 2006 to take advantage of the city’s anticipated improved safety record.
Geographic Information System (G2.C2.P2)
Establishing a Geographic Information System (GIS) will enable the City and its residents to make informed land use decisions. Community decision making regarding local land use requires easy access to a multitude of geographic-based data stored in the various City departments and agencies. CEZC is the lead agency for making the City’s GIS technology accessible to EZ nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations. While the City has not established a city-wide GIS system, it has made progress in developing and converting some data sets for GIS software use. Efforts continue between CAMConnect and the Camden Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to digitalize the City’s tax parcel maps and to train a limited number of City staff members. CEZC continues to work in concert with the City of Camden, CAMConnect, CRA, Hopeworks and others to gain both the needed expertise as well as access to data necessary to fulfill our goal of training 25 EZ/EC residents and supporting at least 6 EZ/EC organizations. The commitment of EZ funds for this effort has remained unchanged.
CAMConnect (G2.C2.P6)
CAMConnect is an emerging, Camden-based partnership organization devoted to obtaining, sharing and using data to better inform public policy decision-making; thereby, supporting the improved quality of life for all citizens of Camden. The partnership includes community and neighborhood groups, local government, community-based organizations, hospitals and educational institutions, and other nonprofit and for-profit organizations that utilize data to foster public policy, develop programs, provide services, and evaluate the programmatic results in Camden. CAMConnect emphasizes the application of data as a tool to action and implementation. The essential elements include the collection and storage of neighborhood/city level data; the development of meaningful indicators of the community's economic, social, and physical health; the creation of information that can be understood and used by the community; and the development and maintenance of an accessible Internet-based gateway to neighborhood and census tract level data. CAMConnect prepared and distributed a comparative statistical analysis of Camden, 1990 and 2000, and an analysis of Camden’s voter participation in local elections, 1987 to 2000.Through this collaborative process, the Camden community will strengthen its voice, advocate for, and be an active player in public policy decisions made about families and communities. CEZC and CAMConnect are partners in developing a GIS program for the Camden community. -UPDATE 2005- Staff has deemed this IP completed. CEZC has helped CAMConnect grow as a sustainable organization through technical assistance. Their primary mission is to be the data warehouse for the city of Camden.
Governor Conference on Housing & Community Development (G2.C2.P7)
EZC pays registration fees for EZ residents and CEZC trustees to attend the Governor's Conference on Housing & Community Development held annually during September in Atlantic City. The Governor’s Conference provides presentations and panel discussions concerning a multitude of issues related to affordable housing production and financing, smart growth planning and community development initiatives in New Jersey. CEZC has sponsored registration fees for ten (10) participants since inception of this initiative. Two EZ conference participants used contacts made at the conference to create streetscape, tree planting and beautification projects in their respective EZ neighborhoods. In 2005, EZ residents and trustees shared the recent issues regarding community development with our Board. CEZC provided for ten EZ residents to attend the Governor's Housing Conference.
At the annual two-day Governor’s Conference on Housing and Community Development, EZ residents learn about neighborhood revitalization, property management, green building, housing for special populations, financial resources and more from the state's most distinguished housing professionals, government officials, lenders, developers, non-profits and consultants. Participants share ideas, tips, and approaches with industry professionals and experts during the workshops. EZ residents and affordable housing developers who participated in this EZ program have used their conference experiences to create a neighborhood plan in Cooper Plaza neighborhood, apply for and obtain gap funding for an affordable housing project in Cooper’s Poynt neighborhood, enhance their participation in EZ subcommittee meetings, and improve their general knowledge about affordable housing production and development.At $250.00 per person, registration for the conference is usually not within the financial capability of many members and officers of empowerment zone-based nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations. CEZC provides 100% registration fee subsidies for empowerment zone residents and individuals representing organizations participating in the CEZC’s housing production programs. CEZC does not provide funds for participants’ meals, travel or hotel expenses. Each conference offers four tracks of seminars, information and panel discussions on issues affecting the production of affordable housing and community economic development, including:
Housing Development - Learn about new multi-family subsidy programs that help to encourage the development of affordable and mixed-income developments. Experts are available from the state’s Multi-Family, Tax Credits and Single Family programs to assist in financing your housing projects.
Redevelopment: Breathing New Life Into Old Sites This track is intended to teach and demonstrate how existing state resources can be used locally to redevelop important sites or communities. Case studies are used to present examples of how to use these programs to create new life for old sites.
Development: From Vision to Reality - This track teaches how to create a vision and plan for your community, redevelopment area or town including working sessions with planning professionals. Participants learn about COAH, Green Homes and creating smart growth communities.
Property Management - The more things change the more they remain the same. Many properties have reached their golden years, yet many are still in their infancy. With all the changes in our highly technical world, one thing remains constant; The need for good, quality, affordable housing that lasts remains constant. In this track, participants hear from experts in the field on the changes taking place in the industry. More importantly, learn what keeps older properties young and newer properties prepared for their golden years.
Open Solicitation and EZ Neighborhood Mini Grants Program (G2.C2.P8)
The CEZC encouraged empowerment zone-based non-profit organizations to identify emerging or chronic problems within their neighborhoods and then propose innovative strategies to address those problems. CEZC urged empowerment zone-based non-profits to build community partnerships with schools, social service agencies, private-sector organizations, and other institutions with a stake in creating safe and vibrant neighborhoods. In order to ensure that program funds are available to grass-root EZ organizations and groups with innovative ideas, CEZC seeks concept papers rather than comprehensively prepared proposals. Program funding decisions were made on a rolling basis and proposals were accepted through December 2003. Maximum grant amounts were increased from $5000 to $10,000.
Open Solicitation Proposals Approved:
Camden A-A Advisory Commission
Camden County College
Camden Neighborhood Renaissance
School Weather Net Program
The EZ Neighborhood Mini-Grant component encouraged empowerment zone residents, community organizations, neighborhood associations, emerging organizations and other under-served stakeholders within the Camden Empowerment Zone to receive $750.00 mini-grants to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Project funding decisions were made on a rolling basis and proposals were accepted through December 2003. Maximum grant amounts were $750.00.
EZ Student Intern Program (G2.C2.P9)
The "Whiz Kids for the City," EZ summer program provided twelve graduate and undergraduate student interns at no cost to seven EZ-based non-profit organizations to accomplish their program goals and provide local, alternative career options for students. As one of CEZC’s capacity building initiatives, nonprofit participants in this program raved about the quality of the student accomplishments and the students reported receiving more attractive permanent job offers.
Camden Neighborhood Leadership Institute (G2.C2.P10)A capacity building initiative designed to promote civic participation, engagement and community organizing skill building for Camden residents was implemented through the establishment of the Camden Neighborhood Leadership Institute program. The CNLI program was developed by CEZC in conjunction with Camden Neighborhood Renaissance, Inc., Rowan University and several other nonprofit organizations. In its two years of operation, CNLI has trained 23 emerging leaders interested in improving their neighborhoods. In Winter 2006, planning for the third CNLI program is underway. The third cycle will focus on block captain training. The program has supported two growing organizations: Each 1 Teach 1 and Cooper Lanning Civic Association. Their founders/presidents completed the training and continue to receive technical assistance.
Haddon Avenue Study (G2.C2.P11)
A panel of Urban Land Institute development professionals visited Camden from June 6-11, 2004. The panel interviewed institutional stakeholders, residents and representatives from community development corporations and community-based organizations serving the Gateway census tract. The panel’s summary findings were presented in an open forum in City Council Chambers on Friday, June 11th. The panel dismissed the “medical mile” concept as non-representative and offered a vision of “Historic Haddon Avenue” instead. After reviewing the rich history of Haddon Avenue, the panel suggested viewing the avenue as two gateway passages, from the waterfront/downtown and from Collingswood. It also suggested creating Haddon Square at the intersection of Haddon and Kaighn Avenues. By adopting the Main Street concept, the panel anticipated the development of significant retail business opportunities along Haddon Avenue. Their plan envisions creating a clean and safe environment though targeted zero tolerance police and code enforcement, property acquisitions and educational programs; along with creation of a Historic Haddon Avenue business improvement district corporation; and public-private investment to revitalize physical structures along the corridor. A formal printed final report is available for economic and community development organzations in Camden, NJ.
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Economic Opportunity |
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITYC1
Workforce Development
Welfare to Work (G3.C1.P3)
The Camden County Freeholders awarded a contract for services to CEZC and others under the Welfare-to-Work Formula Grant in March 1999. In May 2000, CEZC along with its participating agencies signed a contract with the County to provide services to Welfare-to-Work Formula Grant and Employability Supported Work program participants during a contract period that extended from April 1, 1999 to March 31, 2001. CEZC received funds, promoted job openings and job fairs, and paid its participating partners for support services they rendered under the contract. CEZC submitted a final voucher to Camden County for final payment under the Welfare to Work Formula Grant on December 15, 2001. As of June 30, 2002, we listed this activity as “Active” in our Annual Report because the final payment had not been received. Final payment was received from Camden County in December 2002. Our 2003 Annual Report will list this activity as “Closed.” As for the projected and actual goals, the narrative reflects the total number of participants served by all agencies under the Camden County Welfare to Work Formula Grant program, while the implementation plan reflects only CEZC's results under the program. Project outputs were substantially below those projected for a number of reasons:
-The County hired CEZC and other community-based organizations (CBO) to work with hard-to-reach, long-term welfare recipients based on our ability to work with specific populations because of language, geographic location and other factors.
-The County used performance-based contracts for the first time by tying vendor payments to client progress in the program. CEZC's partners, CBO service providers, began the process of hiring and training staff with the County's promise that contracts were imminent. Lengthy delays in preparing the performance-based contracts resulted in extending the end of the projected one-year program from March 2000 to March 2001.
-Under their performance-based contracts, the CBO’s began to experience losses when the County welfare agency implemented a random referral procedure that eliminated any advantage CBOs had with a particular community or community-specific services.
-The County anticipated a target population of approximately 500 long-term welfare recipients; although, the actual number was 303 as reported in the narrative. The lower number of referrals from the County reduced the CBO’s potential revenue because reimbursement was on a per-client basis. The CBO’s inability to increase their enrollments sufficiently to cover their own costs led the county to amend and eventually cancel their contracts.
G3.C1.P8 Brownfields Pre-development Job training and Placement Program
North Camden and South Waterfront residents will be trained to clean brownfields in their neighborhoods. The residents must be between 16 to 35 years of age and pass a drug test to qualify for the training. The training will be offered for two years with 25 graduates per year. The graduates will be eligible to apply for certain environmental and engineering jobs. The City recently issued a RFP for a service provider to conduct the training activities. Staff anticipates requesting subcommittee support to provide up to $50,000 to provide for the training of empowerment zone residents under this program. The City sent contracts to the four selected vendors which are: ACP – Recruit and Placement, TTI Environmental – Technical Training, Genesis Business School – Applicant screening/job readiness, and Camden County Youth Advocacy – Mentoring. USEPA presented the City with a check for $200,000 on August 11, 2004. The program has finished its first and second training cycle with four EZ residents completing the required training. Charles Lyons reported that 25 Camden residents did successfully complete the training, of the 25 are 5 EZ residents that were successfully trained. The third cycle of 15 people will be a majority of EZ residents. ACP will focus on the EZ community for recruitment. Staff attended a meeting on March 2nd of 2005 with the other participating organizations to increase the amount of EZ residents and further enhance the programs.
C2 Business Assisted
Camden Special Services District (CSSD) (G3.C2.P4)
CSSD is designed to improve the economic viability and sustainability of commercial areas by providing street maintenance, marketing and security support services to Camden's Special Improvement District located in the EZ. GCP has a a commitment from CEZC of $25,000 per year for a three-year period, totaling $75,000. The CSSD has created 13 new jobs with benefits in the city of Camden and supports more than 200 business in the EZ. All but 1 employee is a Camden resident. Their operations began service in October 2005.
EZ.C3 Access to Capital
Small Business Development Fund (G3.C3.P3)
The Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation (CBAC), a nonprofit community development fund, provides a variety of lending programs to small businesses in the city of Camden that have difficulty accessing traditional credit markets. CBAC is certified by the U.S. Dept. of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and has managed CEZC’s Small Business Development Fund since 1998. CEZC’s $2,000,000 fund provides EZ businesses with a source for micro loans ($1-$20,000), commercial loans ($20,000-$100,000), fixed asset loans ($100,000 to $250,000) and working capital loans for inventory, supplies, and other expenses. CBAC leverages CEZC funds with capital from a consortium of local banks, the US Department of Treasury, various private foundations and the Small Business Administration’s Micro loan program. To date, 53 EZ businesses have received $2,902,434 SBDF loans, leveraged with a total of $10,993,136 from other lenders. A cumulative of 525 new jobs were created or retained in the EZ. In 2004, a total of eight EZ loans were approved totaling $484,500 in CEZC funds that leveraged $4,746,900. These loans created 32 new jobs and retained 40 EZ jobs. Currently, the program is in process of closing. Staff is in the process of recovering the original $2M provided to CBAC and evaluating the program. The Board and staff have a firm interest in implementing a similar program to continue our support for local small businesses in Camden.
Shopping Center Camden Gateway Urban Renewal Corporation (G3.C3.P6)
CEZC provided technical assistance in obtaining funding for the for-profit developer, Gateway Urban Renewal Partners, in order to begin the development of a shopping center project located adjacent to, but outside of, the EZ boundary. CEZC's efforts through 2000 consisted solely of these in-kind contributions to the project. During early 2000, then Camden Mayor Milan decided that the project should be co-managed by the City's newly created Department of Development and the Camden Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The Mayor requested that CEZC relinquish control of the project and deliver all project files. CEZC complied with this request and major involvement in the project ended. (See paragraph below.) As for Milestones D through G in the 2000 report, they were deleted from the 2002 report because CEZC had no further involvement in the project. However, the project remained active under the direction of the CRA. Although CEZC’s major involvement ended in early 2000, the project was mistakenly deleted from our 2001 report. During 2001, CEZC provided additional assistance to enable CRA to acquire homes on the project’s proposed site. CEZC negotiated agreements of sale with all property owners. CEZC’s involvement as CRA’s agent ended in September 2001. CEZC is no longer involved in this project and has completed all closeout procedures. Currently, all properties, public and private, that could be acquired with fee-simple titles have been acquired, occupants have been relocated and demolition has taken place. However, CRA sought to renegotiate the sales prices on six properties and after lengthy negotiations now is experiencing substantial delays normally associated with acquisition of the six properties through in rem foreclosure and eminent domain. Note that the “one business served” agreed to execute a 25 year lease upon construction of the shopping center.
Community Learning Center-Carpenter Building (G3.C3.P7)
Previously, CEZC entered into a lease/purchase agreement for the Carpenter Building to house the CEZC’s operations and be an Empowerment Center. CEZC moved into the Carpenter Building in July 1999, however the building purchase was voided later when the property owner was unable to subdivide the property; consequently we report Milestone (Final Purchase of Property) as 0 percent complete. CEZC investigated the availability of other properties to acquire prior to expiration of the Carpenter Building lease in July 2005. As an Empowerment Center, CEZC has used the Carpenter Building to serve small businesses through the EZ Business Center program (see G3.C2.P1.); provided rent-free office space for other nonprofit organizations, including the Camden Chamber of Commerce, Hireability, Inc. (workforce development solutions for disabled persons and employers) and the Rowan University Community Technology Center (Milestone E, also see G4.C8.P1.). In July 2005, CEZC relocated across the current complex to the Bridge View building to accommodate the size of staff. The last tenant, Rowan University, relocated their operations to another educational facility.
Community Development Fund (G3.C3.P10)
The CEZC Community Development Fund (CDF) supports industrial development, redevelopment, and commercial revitalization projects that create temporary and permanent job opportunities in the Empowerment Zone. As a revolving loan fund, the CDF seeks to collaborate with other financial institutions and public agencies to provide project-specific gap financing to community based non-profit organizations and for-profit real estate development corporations. The first loan commitment issued under CDF, a $200,000 loan to assist in the construction and permanent financing of transitional housing for formerly homeless men, is on hold pending resolution of the project sponsor’s appeal to obtain a zoning use variance. For-profit and a select group of non-profit real estate development projects are considered and evaluated for funding. UPDATE 2005 - CEZC has approved a $50,000 forgivable loan to Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center for the Storefront Arts Project. The Storefront Arts Project is a grass roots initiative of the Walt Whitman Arts Center, in partnership with community development organizations, neighborhood groups, individuals and artists, to acquire and convert abandoned, dilapidated and/or under-utilized property into vibrant, walkin satellite arts centers offering arts classes, gallery exhibitions, community meeting space, as well as showcase space for live performances. While contributing to the physical beautification of these neighborhoods, the Storefront Arts Project seeks to improve the inner-beauty and quality of life for the neighborhood’s residents. The Storefront Arts Project also seeks to meet our community’s need for adequate performing, rehearsal, work and exhibition space to improve our ability to engage community artists and attract participants to the arts. CEZC projected disbursements under the Community Development Fund (CDF) were predicated on our hiring a former banker to provide additional credit analysis expertise to the CEZC staff. This individual was hired on October 30, 2001 and immediately began developing operating procedures and materials for the CDF. Unfortunately, this individual unexpectedly resigned on May 10, 2002. Since that time, an existing CEZC staff member has assumed responsibility for the CDF, successfully completed an ABA credit analysis course and begun marketing CDF. We currently have approved one proposed financing and have another under serious consideration. CEZC has received, reviewed and denied several proposals since December 2002. No disbursements have been made at this time. Note that the projected Number of loans closed has been reduced from 10 to 5 reflecting our observations about the average size financing transaction needed to support rehabilitation of older commercial properties in Camden. We anticipate larger loan amounts averaging $200,000 will be necessary to leverage bank, NJ EDA or CDFI financings. In addition, we project that 80% of CDF loans will meet the target of creating or retaining one EZ resident job for each $35,000 loaned.
Advanced Communications and Information Networking Project (ACIN) –Camden Technology Seed Capital fund (G3.C3.P11) later became Camden Technology Fund (see G3.C3.P13)
In October 2001, CEZC authorized $200,000 to start the Camden Technology Seed Capital Fund for businesses located in the Drexel University-ACIN Camden Technology Center business incubator. CEZC’s funding was predicated upon Drexel-ACIN raising $800,000 of matching investment capital to start the $1,00,000 Fund. Despite the fact that the availability of venture capital funds dried-up with the failure of the IPO market during 2002, Drexel-ACIN successfully raised $800,000 in funding commitments in 2003-04 from the NJ Economic Development Authority, New Jersey Department of Labor and the Community Fund for New Jersey. At June 30, 2004, legal agreements documenting the Fund start-up are being negotiated among the partners. Since opening on March 1, 2001, the Camden Technology Center has attracted eight new companies and 25 jobs to Camden. The number of EZ/EC resident jobs created or retained is still zero as reported, however. Under our agreement, once the full $1,000,000 loan pool is in place, ACIN/Drexel will be obligated to create one full-time, permanent EZ/EC resident job for every $35,000 provided in loans by the Technology Seed Capital Fund to businesses located in the Camden Technology Center business incubator. The intended use of funds in this way is consistent with CEZC’s strategic plan to create job opportunities for empowerment zone residents. Drexel identified NJEDA as a suitable administrator of the loan fund. NJEDA then found other funders (ex. NJ Community Capital). With NJEDA the administrator of the funds, staff terminated the grant agreement with Drexel and came into an grant agreement with NJEDA. The loan program was renamed Camden Technology Fund (see G3.C3.P13).
Camden Technology Fund (G3.C3.P13)
The Camden Technology Seed Capital Fund will provide loans up to $100,000 to start-up, newly established, or growing small business concerns based on criteria similar to that used by the SBA and the NJEDA. CEZC’s $200,000 investment will be leveraged with an additional amount of $800,000 from other participating funders to create a $1.0 million seed capital fund. Every dollar of EZ funds will be leveraged with at least four dollars of other private/public funds to promote job creation in the EZ. Funding recommendations will be made to NJEDA by a Technology Advisory Committee that includes representatives from CEZC and the other funders. Funding authorizations will made by the NJEDA Board subject to the Governor’s ten day veto period. NJEDA will retain all collected fees which include: $500 application fee, commitment fee of ½ of 1 percent of the loan amount or $500, whichever is greater, and a closing fee of 1 percent of the loan amount or $500 (whichever is greater). There will be no management fees or other carrying costs charged to the fund. Therefore, 100% of the fund will be used as direct investment into Camden EZ start-up companies. The program will expire 10 years from the execution of the agreement. NJEDA and the CEZC announced the loan program at the opening of the Waterfront Technology Center in October 2005.
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Sustainable Community Development |
The CEZC works to ensure that empowerment zone residents organize to achieve profound and lasting change in empowerment zone neighborhoods. Emphasis is placed on creating physical changes such that the empowerment zone consists of neighborhoods of choice rather than neighborhoods of last resort. CEZC fosters rehabilitation and construction of affordable and market-rate housing within empowerment zone neighborhoods, reducing the number of vacant properties, and developing commercial and residential streetscape projects. In addition to funding significant commercial streetscape projects in the central business district, CEZC also made significant improvements to neighborhood parks and playgrounds. The Camden Empowerment Zone also includes the Camden waterfront. CEZC works closely with the waterfront development entities. CEZC’s early support of the Home Port Alliance resulted in bringing the Battleship USS New Jersey to the Camden waterfront as a museum, tourist attraction and source of employment opportunities for empowerment zone residents. In addition, tax-exempt EZ Facility Bonds were used to facilitate the permanent financing of the new waterfront minor league baseball stadium, Campbell’s Field. An estimated one million people are expected to annually seek entertainment at the USS New Jersey Battleship, Campbell’s Field, the Tweeter Center and the New Jersey Aquarium.
C1 Housing
Housing Rehabilitation- State Street Housing Corporation (G4.C1.P5)
State Street Housing Corporation, is a nonprofit housing developer and property management agency located in North Camden. With CEZC’s financial support, SSHC planned a scattered site housing rehabilitation program to allow 15 low and moderate-income families to become first-time home buyers. Purchase prices range from $35,000 to $45,000. SSHC experienced difficulty qualifying prospective purchasers for mortgage financing and converted the rehabilitated homes into managed rental units.
Knox Byron II Project / North Camden Land Trust (G4.C1.P6)
The Knox / Byron section of North Camden was long forgotten by City officials. Once ridden by drugs and abandoned houses, completion of the Knox Byron II Project breathed new life into this portion of the empowerment zone. With CEZC support, the North Camden Land Trust (NCLT) rehabilitated 11 EZ properties in this neighborhood and converted them to limited-equity cooperative units. With financial support from other sources, NCLT rehabilitated six properties located outside of the EZ and continues to acquire properties for future rehabilitation projects. All construction work was performed through a wholly owned subsidiary that hired local residents to rehabilitate the units. The Knox Byron II project produced 17 affordable housing units. This project expands on the 10 units constructed in Knox/Byron I and stabilizes the neighborhood adjacent to a proposed small industrial park, police sub-station, and greenbelt surrounding North Camden.
Cooper Grant Homes Project (G4.C1.P8)
Homeownership opportunities will be enhanced through the Cooper Grant Homes Project. Touted as the first market-rate, new housing construction in Camden since the 1950’s, the Cooper Grant Homes Project was originally planned as 24 twin, single-family homes in this EZ neighborhood adjacent to Camden’s waterfront. The project was revised to include 18 townhouse and 10 twin, single-family homes to be sold at market rates without an income cap being imposed on purchasers. All funding commitments for the project have been committed and the Planning board’s preliminary and final site plan approval and land parcel subdivisions for the housing units were obtained in July 2004. The project developers, Pennrose Properties, Inc. have faced several delays in obatining full financing for the project. In October of 2005 the developers decided not to pursue their HUD-BEDI grant allocation and requested from the CEZC an additional $520,000 grant which was denied citing several concerns. Staff recommended that the development budget be reviewed and a request from the city to waived a $480,000 land transfer/acquisition fee from the Camden Redevelopment Agency. The fee was not originally placed on the project. We anticipate that construction can begin in Spring 2006 if the fee is waived by the city.
Camden Lutheran Housing-Grace Housing Project II (G4.C1.P10)
Camden Lutheran Housing, Inc. proposes to build a maximum of 15 single-family homes contingent upon a suitable site development plan of the land. Each unit will be 3 bedrooms. 1½ baths with fenced rear yards and off-street parking. Eight of the units will sell for $40,000 and the seven other units for $45,000. The architectural design of the units will complement Grace Housing – Phase I. The site is located on the 300 Block of State Street, 800 Block of N. 3rd Street and the 300 Block of Grant Street in the Cooper Poynt neighborhood are of the Empowerment Zone community. Sales are being targeted to buyers below 80% of median family income, with at least ½ the total being offered to buyers below 50% of median. The development will remain affordable for a minimum of 15 years. Camden Lutheran Housing Corporation has obtained site control over the last three parcels necessary for this project. With site control, CLHC can seek additional funding to begin the project. Because of site assembly, demolition and remediation issues, the project cost for this ten-unit project now exceeds $2.3 million. An application for the final $100,000 subsidy funds can be submitted to the Home Loan Bank of New York in early October. Should CLH’s application be successful, construction would likely start in the Spring of 2006 at the earliest or, far more likely, in the Fall of 2006.
Gateway Housing Needs Assessment (G4.C1.P11)
CEZC obtained a housing assessment and feasibility study for housing development in the Gateway census tract, an area that has not had a housing group respond to CEZC’s prior housing initiatives. Rutgers Walter Rand Institute and Urban Partners, Inc. provided completed the assessment and study. The study's findings and recommendation helped determine the CEZC's strategy for a housing initiative in the Gateway census tract.
Police M.A.L.L. (Multi-Agency Life Line)(G4.C2.P2.)
The Multi-agency Life Line Program (M.A.L.L.) is a collaboration between public and private youth-serving organizations and agencies in the City of Camden seeking to reduce delinquency among city youth and to offer the city’s young people engaged in delinquent activity an alternate to the juvenile justice system. Through Counseling, case management, advocacy, education, crisis intervention, life and social skills training, after school enrichment, and recreational activities, the M.A.L.L. provides a structured program of safe alternatives. Through the M.A.L.L., youth are connected with positive adults who can help redirect their lives. Under the Safe Haven, an after-school enrichment program, a full-time police officer, a Site Coordinator, as well as other part-time staff and consultants serve youth. In addition, Safe Haven graduates serve as mentors, peer counselors and field trip chaperones, provide violence prevention workshops for other youth, conduct neighborhood clean-up projects, collect food and holiday gift donations for needy families, and assist Dooley House residents.
On April 1, 2004 the CEZC Executive Committee approved a grant extension in an amount not to exceed $60,000 for the Police Multi-Agency Life Line Collaborative MALL/ Safe Haven program. The grant period will be extended for a period of one-year beginning upon the execution of an amendment to the existing Grant Agreement. The purpose of this grant award was to continue the MALL’s operations through 2004 and support its ability to seek funding from other sources, subject to several conditions. To date, despite the MALL’s good faith efforts, some of the conditions have not been met. Without an executed grant agreement modification in place, the MALL and its fiscal agent continued operations in anticipation of receiving the additional $60,000. Staff is reviewing 2003 and 2004 invoices and back-up documentation submitted by the MALL’s fiscal agent to determine the amount of expenditures to be authorized for reimbursement. In the interim, the MALL announced its intention to end its relationship with its fiscal agent by the end of March and has received approval to have its fiscal operations managed by the City’s Department of Human Services.
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USS New Jersey Battleship –Home Port Alliance (G4.C3.P3)
CEZC’s early support of the Home Port Alliance resulted in the US Navy Ship Donation Program designating Camden as the homeport for the USS New Jersey, a battleship built in the Camden-Philadelphia port during 1940-42. The USS New Jersey is anchored in the heart of the empowerment zone and adjacent to a light industrial/commercial area in the Lanning Square census tract. CEZC’s funds were used to construct a one-story visitors’ center/retail store adjacent to the pier. The battleship museum opened to the public in October 2001. CEZC provides technical assistance to Home Port Alliance staff to enhance use of the Battleship Museum as a source for employment and training opportunities for empowerment zone residents.
Sears Building Site Redevelopment Study and Plan (G4.C3.P7)
In 2000, CEZC authorized the expenditure of up to $10,000 to prepare a redevelopment study and plan for the Sears Building redevelopment area in the EZ’s Gateway census tract. The City Council authorized the Camden Planning Board and the City’s Division of Planning to conduct an investigation and prepare an area in need of redevelopment study and a redevelopment plan for the Sears Building redevelopment area. In July 2000, an agreement between the City of Camden and the Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation for planning services was executed to undertake the study. The first draft of the Sears Area Study and Redevelopment Plan was delivered in July 2001. CEZC’s staff and Strategic Planning subcommittee reviewed the draft and submitted comments that were incorporated into the study. During 2001 and 2002, the City underwent intervention from the State of New Jersey that essentially stopped all development activity as a state-appointed Chief Operating Officer was given administrative and operational control of city government. With the approval of the COO in May 2003, the Sears Area study and redevelopment plan is being revised by Division of Planning at the request of the Campbell Soup Company. The geographic area of the plan is being expanded to include the Campbell Soup Company’s world headquarters. CEZC was informed that the revised study will not be available until the fourth quarter of 2004 at the earliest.
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Community Streetscape - OEO's Let's Grow (G4.C4.P3)
OEO's Let's Grow Together program was a totally community-based project led by concerned EZ residents that lived in the community. Low-income youth were employed, under the supervision of older residents of the community, to clean up, beautify and maintain publicly owned vacant lots and existing streetscape projects in the neighborhood. The target area of the project covered the grass island along 7th Street (from Clinton to Washington) and extended westward to the Broadway commercial strip. Streetscape improvements included planting 10 Cherry trees, 10 Dogwood trees and 200 perennial plants. The plantings were purchased with the assistance of volunteers from the Camden Garden Club. Unfortunately, vandalism, a drought and poor plant selections resulted in missing or dead plantings. In addition, the program was not sustainable without the paid assistance of community members. Consequently, the project was deemed unsuccessful and closed with 25% of the approved funding retained by CEZC. In October 2002, another CEZC partner organization, Cooper Lanning Civic Association organized 200 residents and planted 60 trees throughout the neighborhood, including on the grass island along 7th Street, with the assistance of the New Jersey Tree Foundation and the NJ-DEP's Community Forestry Program. Neighbors recognize the trees as a community asset and have taken to watering, lighting and cleaning the pits surrounding the trees.
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Education
FACES (G4.C6.P3)
The Family and Children Early Education Services initiative (FACES) was to be a five-year demonstration program of the NJ Department of Human Services and the NJ Department of Education. The FACES Collaboration included the Camden Board of Education, the County Division for Children, the Southern New Jersey Prenatal Cooperative, three local day care centers, the Camden City Library, Camden County Literacy Volunteers, Family Counseling Center and CEZC. The program was originally approved for $500,000 per year with DHS providing $250,000 and CEZC and CBOE providing equal portions of the remaining $250,000. CBOE did not approve any funding for the program and CEZC matched NJ-DHS's funds for the first two years. The NJ Department of Human Services declined to renew the FACES program at the end of the second program year, June 30, 2000. CEZC matched DHS’s total funding for the 2-year period and closed out the program. The Camden Board of Education did not renew FACES. Rowan University’s Urban and Public Policy Institute conducted an independent evaluation of the FACES program.
Camden Free Public Library (G4.C6.P5 )
The Camden Free Public Library in the Camden Empowerment Zone received support from the CEZC to continue improvements to the Library. The funds will allow the Library to make much needed improvements to the book collection and the physical plant. The improvements are far ranging and will have a great impact on the efficiency of the Library’s operation and delivery of services. They include new carpeting for the Library, funding for additional books and materials, updating the computer network and telephone systems, improvements to the community room and literacy classroom and funding for a long range strategic plan. This project is practically complete. There have been some delays in the completion due to illness to the Library director. However, the Director has returned to work and we anticipate closing out the project.
The following has been accomplished:
· A new telephone system and computer network wiring is in place
· All proposed new books were purchased
· New PC’s for staff (5) and public use (11) were purchased
· The Library is now in the process of acquiring all the items listed on the purchase list which consist of the following items: 4 DELL Laptop D503, 1 DELL Laptop D610 and 11 Desktop for use by the library patrons.
· New carpeting was installed
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Cultural Arts Initiative (G4.C7.P4)
Through the Cultural Arts Initiative, CEZC encourages empowerment zone-based arts organizations or community-based cultural organizations to provide additional cultural arts programs to empowerment zone residents. CEZC solicits brief concept papers that reflect empowerment zone guidelines regarding leverage, sustainability, and partnerships. An important goal of the program is opening the grant application process to traditionally under-served stakeholders, and CEZC urges applicants to reach out within their communities and build partnerships with schools, social service agencies, private-sector organizations, and other institutions. The maximum grant amounts are $5,000.00 and CEZC authorized an aggregate amount not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). The program period was extended through December 2003. Proposals approved or funded to date:
Rutgers Camden Center for the Arts - $5,000
Perkins Center for the Arts – Mural Project - $5,000
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Community Technology Center - Rowan University (G4.C8.P1)
Rowan University (Camden Campus) agreed to seek to partner with the CEZC to create a community technology center to provide basic computer literacy and software training to EZ youth and their families. Although applications submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for funding under their Community Technology Program were unsuccessful, Rowan University and CEZC implemented the community technology center strategy. In March 2003, Rowan University and CEZC established the Camden Neighborhood Technology Center at CEZC’s offices to provide access to computer technologies to Camden youth and their family members. At the Center, donated PC equipment is refurbished by trained technicians and Camden youth. The program requires that a youth and at least one parent complete PC training together. Upon completion of the training, the youth is given a free, refurbished computer. The Center is open three evenings per week and Saturday mornings. Last year, about 50 computers were given to local youth and their families. As of July 2005, the Center was relocated to an educational facility and will continue to operate and provide services to Camden youth.
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Tax Incentive Utilization Plan |
The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation used $7 million of EZ Facility Bonds to provide permanent financing for Camden's new minor league baseball stadium. In addition, the CEZC has presented workshops on the various EZ/RC tax incentives, mailed and faxed marketing materials about the tax incentives to EZ and RC businesses, and created an EZ Business Grant program for Camden businesses that hire EZ residents. The EZ Business Grant encouraged small businesses to increase their EZ-resident employees. The EZ Business Grant program was marketed one-on-one by student interns and was a way for the CEZC to market the other tax incentives while presenting immediate rewards to Camden businesses employing EZ residents. Staff is considering reactivating the EZ Business Grant Program.
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Other Accomplishments |
Through June 2005, the Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation has allocated $20 million in projects to achieve our EZ residents’ vision resulting in investments in the EZ that exceed $120 million.
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