At the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority’s recent monthly meeting, 13 economic development projects in 8 municipalities were approved at a value of more than $2.3 million, according to Commerce Secretary Virginia S. Bauer.

“Urban Enterprise Zone municipalities continue to initiate and develop projects that bring economic renewal to their respective communities and the state,” said Virginia S. Bauer, CEO & Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission. “The projects approved this month, ranging from revitalization efforts, tourism initiatives and security enhancements, will all result in increased revenue for these municipalities and generate economic activity. ”

Among the UEZ projects approved at the Authority’s September meeting:

Camden’s two requests totaling $410,000

$400,000 in Zone Assistance Funds for predevelopment activities on a four-block site in North Camden. The work is being performed in anticipation of the development of a full service supermarket, retail and restaurants named College Plaza. The clearing of this parcel of land will lead to the development of a shopping plaza that will generate tax revenue for the city, increased economic activity for the Camden UEZ and the creation of 175 to 250 full and part-time jobs.

Camden’s request for $10,000 in zone assistance funds to support 30 residents attending Camden County College's Gateway Program. Individuals will receive basic skills training, testing and employment/career counseling.

Hillside’s two requests totaling $373,853

$231,733 in Zone Assistance Funds for community policing, specifically hiring four police officers to patrol within the Hillside UEZ. The officers will be deployed to perform walking and motorized patrol within the zone.

$142,120 in Zone Assistance Funds for a staff and special unit of public works laborers dedicated to Urban Enterprise Zone districts. Three employees will be responsible for maintaining the streets and sidewalks in parks and open spaces in and around the municipal buildings all within the UEZ boundaries.

Millville’s three requests totaling $629,670

$379,670 in Zone Assistance Funds for the third year of a tourism marketing initiative, with the purpose of continuing to revitalize the Downtown Arts District which attracted 14 new businesses and increased tourism during the past year. Activities are centered on attracting visitors to the Glasstown Arts District, Wheaton Village and the Millville Army Air Field Museum, all located within the UEZ.

$150,000 economic development loan to George and Cynthia Tomlin to enable them to purchase a multi-unit commercial building as part of the city’s revitalization effort.

$100,000 economic development loan to Cabasse America, Inc., a French audio company, to establish an office in Millville. The loan will support the company’s start-up and expansion into the American market. The company will start with a small office and showroom with two employees and grow with expansion of Cabasse’s market share.

Mount Holly’s Two Requests for $159,900

$100,000 in UEZ matching funds for the township and local businesses to partner to increase the attractiveness of the zone. The project will provide UEZ certified businesses with funds to make improvements to their façade in conjunction with all township and historical preservation guidelines.

$59,900 in Zone Assistance Funds for the Main Street Mount Holly year four administration budget to pay for staffing and other administrative costs. Main Street Mount Holly was given the distinction as a Main Street New Jersey community, which is a comprehensive revitalization program that promotes the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in the state.

Other Requests

Passaic’s request for $657,193 for Security Patrol Phase IV. The funds will be used to pay for eight full-time police officers for a walking patrol specifically in the Passaic Urban Enterprise Zone.

Phillipsburg’s request for a $50,000 economic development loan to James Guerra, a businessman and architect for restoration costs of a building known as the Harley Building at 11 Union Square. He will operate a museum called “Water, Wings and Wheels.” The project will create one permanent job and one temporary job.

Gloucester City’s request for $2,500 to host a seminar entitled “Enhancing Gloucester City’s Image,” which is designed to improve the city’s economic climate by developing the perception of safety in and around the Gloucester City community.

Newark’s request for $37,900 to undertake a study of Military Park West Redevelopment Project. The findings of the study will lead to the reinvestment and the revitalization of a significant area of Newark’s central business district.

The Urban Enterprise Zone program assists New Jersey’s urban areas by creating private-sector jobs and public and private investment opportunities. There are more than 155,000 full-time jobs in participating UEZ businesses and $19.3 billion has been invested by businesses operating within the state's 37 UEZ municipalities.

Since 1985, the UEZ Authority has approved 1,753 economic development and community revitalization projects totaling $575 million in Zone Assistance Funds.