New Jersey's Acting Governor, Donald DiFrancesco wants to change that, and fast. He's just launched on its legislative track a sweeping proposal called the Camden Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act, a $150 million package aimed at helping Camden join the ranks of the state's other recovering urban centers, like Newark and Jersey City.
"This is the most comprehensive proposal ever offered for revitalizing a New Jersey city," DiFrancesco said at a press conference announcing the plan. "If it sounds bold and sweeping, that's because it has to be--Camden's troubles are deep and long-standing. This is a landmark partnership to put this city on the road to self-sufficiency."
The key word is "partnership," because DiFrancesco's plan calls for the state to install a chief operating officer to oversee the initiative--and the city. It also calls for an inter-government panel made up of federal, state and county governments and other agencies to put together a master plan for the city. In effect, DiFrancesco's proposal calls for a state takeover of what is one of the country's most troubled cities. Demographically, it's also the country's second poorest major city.
A similar takeover was tried a few years ago outside of the legislative process, but a COO installed at city hall by the state was largely ignored by then-Mayor Milton Milan. Milan has since been ousted after being convicted on corruption charges, and his successor, Mayor Gwen Faison, stood at DiFrancesco's side during the press conference.
Because the package will be subject to the legislative process in Trenton, DiFrancesco also asked the Camden County Finance Board to immediately approve a $20 million bond ordinance to meet some short-term needs related to public safety. The money would go for everything from a clean-up of public parks, to buying fire engines and building firehouses. The county is also expected to take over the city's 911 system.
As far as the long-term package, the $150 million would go for everything from infrastructure improvements to attracting new business and new residents. Programs would include capital needs (rebuilding neighborhoods, schools, etc.), job training and tax incentives for both businesses and homeowners.
Besides Camden, DiFrancesco is calling the initiative "a plan for South Jersey. A revitalized Camden will give the entire region a lift as an economic, social, educational and cultural center."
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