By: Frank Santos, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
CAMDEN, N.J. — The temperature hit 101 degrees on the day Camden officials finally held a public meeting about the $6.7 million agreement with EMR, the scrap metal company behind the February fire that forced evacuations across the city. The heat wasn’t just uncomfortable. It felt like a reflection of everything the community has been dealing with for years—pollution, industrial neglect, and city decisions made without them in mind.
The meeting took place at the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority building on Ferry Avenue, hosted by city officials who gave residents a chance to speak, though not much time to truly question the details. Many came hoping for answers after months of silence following the February 21 fire at EMR’s facility. The fire burned for more than 19 hours, blanketed homes in smoke, and sent entire blocks scrambling for safety. It wasn’t the first fire, and it likely won’t be the last. That is part of what has residents so frustrated.
Mayor Victor Carstarphen explained that EMR would pay $4.5 million in 2025, followed by $450,000 annually for five years. He added that EMR plans to install a new fire suppression system, update its safety equipment, increase inspections, reduce the height of shredded material piles, and reimburse $3 million to the Waterfront South neighborhood. These promises were outlined in a memorandum of understanding between EMR and the city that has yet to be drafted according to an OPRA request response. To many in the room, that proposed document felt more like a formality than a guarantee.
The mayor told the crowd, “I can assure the residents that EMR will be held accountable to these commitments.” But that assurance didn’t land. Residents wanted to know who would be tracking these promises and how violations would be addressed. They didn’t get those answers.
Councilman Arthur Barclay shared what happened during the weekend of the fire. “It was a wild time. Me and the mayor tried to reach out to Joe Balzano through text and call and we got no response.” His comment only confirmed what many already believed. That EMR and city officials don’t just lack a plan. They also lack a relationship that puts public safety first.
Community advocate who ran for City Council in the recent election, La’Shae Harris spoke with urgency for her neighbors. “I don’t think that we should be hoping that these promises based on a signed document mean they’re just going to change,” she said. “We’re on fire 5 or 6. I think to not have any plan for accountability for not ‘if’ the next fire occurs but ‘when’ the next fire happens, that the city would put something strong in place so residents can feel comfortable sleeping at night.”
That feeling was echoed by others. After months of closed-door conversations, people came expecting a clear explanation of where the $6.7 million would go and how it would be managed. Instead, they left with more questions than answers. No firm timeline and no promise that the next fire won’t be worse than the last. For a city that has seen decades of industrial harm and political deals that prioritize business over community, the trust is withering.
- What’s Good in South Jersey? Chris the Barber
- Stockton Hosts Annual Lines on the Pines Event
- Rowan University Virtua Health Opens Research Center
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.
