Norcross, Menendez, HUD Secretary Fudge Announce $35M Grant to Revitalize Camden Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth

CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge to announce the awarding of a $35 million federal Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to the City of Camden to revitalize the city’s Cramer Hill neighborhood, upgrade public housing and expand access to job and economic opportunities for residents.

“Today’s announcement highlights our collective commitment to ensuring residents of Camden not only have affordable, safe places to call home but have access to jobs, quality education and economic opportunities,” said Congressman Norcross. “Urban communities like Camden City have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and these vital funds will go a long way to ensure that Ablett Village can provide the services that residents need and transform this neighborhood for generations to come. I was glad to work with community leaders and residents to support this grant and congratulate the city on this major achievement.”

“This $35 million award we’re announcing today will help Camden realize its plan to replace distressed housing in the Cramer Hill neighborhood and ultimately improve the quality of life for the residents of Ablett Village,” said Senator Menendez. “The City and Housing Authority have put forward a visionary plan that includes building 350 new, energy-efficient units, including 21 additional low-income apartments; improving pedestrian infrastructure and access to mass transit; providing recreational opportunities, including a new community center, playgrounds for children, and walking trails; and even creating a garden for locally-sourced produce. These are exactly the kind of investments that will attract more businesses to the area and connect the residents of Cramer Hill to greater job opportunities.”

“Since its creation, the Choice Neighborhoods initiative has transformed communities across the nation,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. “Today’s announcement will support the local vision for reinvigorating communities and increase opportunity—whether it be with regard to housing, health, education, childcare, or jobs. I applaud Camden for its commitment to ensuring affordable housing serves as a platform for community innovation and individual advancement.”

The neighborhood plan incorporates redevelopment, rehabilitation, and infill housing strategies as the basis for overall neighborhood transformation with a focus on creating new connections along key corridors that link residential areas with schools, open space, transit and retail amenities.

Video of the press conference is available here.

At the heart of the revitalization is the redevelopment of Ablett Village, the last of the city’s original public housing complexes. With the grant, the Housing Authority of the City of Camden (HACC) will create 350 energy-efficient, mixed-income housing units to replace the current 306 units. The plan also includes a community garden with locally sourced produce, a walking trail, community center, playgrounds, and expanded transit and pedestrian infrastructure. In 2018, the lawmakers announced a $350,000 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant for this project.

“Today’s announcement of HUD’s major investment in the Cramer Hill neighborhood is welcome news and complements the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ own continuing work in rehabbing vacant properties, repairing homes, and improving parks, business districts, and community centers in Cramer Hill,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “DCA has long valued how a thriving Cramer Hill community uplifts the City of Camden as a whole and we appreciate HUD’s contribution to the neighborhood’s revitalization efforts. With all levels of government and stakeholders moving in the same direction, the future of Cramer Hill is extremely bright.”

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer and HACC Executive Director Victor Figueroa also attended today’s announcement, which took place outside the Ablett Village community center.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Secretary Marcia Fudge to the City of Camden, and to celebrate HUD’s decision to invest in Ablett Village and the surrounding neighborhood of Cramer Hill,” said Mayor Carstarphen. “We are also thankful to Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, and Congressman Norcross for supporting our vision of a stronger community fabric here, one that includes beautiful homes for residents, safer and friendlier streets, and exciting economic opportunities for all. On behalf of all residents here in Ablett Village and Cramer Hill, I am incredibly honored.”