By: Jasmine White, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
BRIDGETON, N.J. – Urban Enterprise Zone Authority (UEZ), an organization affiliated with New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), motioned to fund local businesses and enhance safety in Bridgeton to evoke positive change in low-income communities.
The UEZ program was founded in 1983, but was reestablished in August 2021 and received $42.5 million by then Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. Bridgeton is one of the original five UEZ cities, reaping the benefits of the program, with over 6,000 businesses backing it in the state.
The most successful project to date is Bridegton’s Bulkhead Repair Program granted through UEZ Board approval, which amounted to $888,548 earlier this year according to the New Jersey Department of Human Affairs.
The goal of this project was to add improvements to the visual aesthetics and eliminate the odors that emitted from the poor drainage systems by replacing them with more effective ones.
The NJDCA consists of a plethora of programs and services to assist people with their safety, affordable housing, financial literacy and more.
The Bridgeton UEZ received Zone Assistance Funds to have surveillance systems put in place and solar-powered message boards to assist in the safety of pedestrians in trafficked areas of the city.
According to a NJDCA press release, NJDCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez said, “These efforts are helping stimulate Bridgeton’s small business community, which is having a positive effect on its residents and neighborhoods.”
Stephanie Gonzalez, a native Spanish speaking transfer from Los Angeles, was the UEZ coordinator that aided local businesses in their proposal endeavors to receive financial assistance from the fund.
Upon arriving in Bridgeton, Gonzalez noted that she struggled with communications because of language barriers, but this did not stop her from being active in this community. Gonzalez took the initiative to visit a couple of businesses everyday to learn more about its owners and make the residents aware of the positive impacts they have.
Bridgeton holds monthly merchant meetings where Gonzalez listens to the positive feedback and concerns of residents and business owners to shape the UEZ Program’s next moves around the voice of the people.
The loan program has been active for about a year, allowing for small businesses to access these funds with low interest rates and providing long-term loans to help with purchasing necessary business paraphernalia. The program is funded $350,000 by the UEZ.
Gonzalez recollects how the UEZ loan program helped a local bakery to replace their oven with a new one, playing a pivotal role in the company thriving, rather than potentially shutting down.
Gonzalez said in a NJDCA press release, “The business owners like knowing they’re helping to reshape the city.”
- WATCH: What’s Good in South Jersey? American Training Center Graduation Celebration
- WATCH: What’s Good in South Jersey? Cinco De Mayo Celebration
- WATCH: What’s Good in South Jersey? Salem Donates House For Full Renovation
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
