The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of a $1 million grant to Camden Lutheran Housing Inc. for the cleanup of the Former West Jersey Paper Manufacturing Site in Camden, New Jersey. The event, held at North Front Street and Elm Street in Camden, was part of a broader tour of redevelopment sites in the area. The cleanup will pave the way for 15 affordable single-family homes, contributing to Camden's ongoing revitalization efforts.
EPA Regional Chief of Staff Olivia Glenn, U.S. Representative Donald Norcross, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, and Camden Lutheran Housing Inc. Executive Director Brandi Johnson emphasized the positive impact this funding will have on communities across New Jersey, especially in Camden. This initiative is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
“Camden has consistently demonstrated success in revitalizing communities and that success comes only when the communities have a seat at the table and are beneficiaries as is the case with this cleanup that will lead to affordable housing,” said EPA Regional Chief of Staff Olivia Glenn.
“This $1 million Brownfields Cleanup Grant awarded to Camden Lutheran Housing Inc. is a critical investment in the future of this community,” stated U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
U.S. Representative Donald Norcross added, “Not only will this funding clean up our neighborhoods, but it will also help our families access safe, affordable housing.”
Governor Phil Murphy remarked on his administration’s focus on expanding access to safe and affordable housing: “This critical funding from the EPA’s Brownfields Program and President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will allow for environmental and economic revitalization.”
New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette highlighted the partnership involved: “Through community revitalization projects such as this, we are furthering the promise of environmental justice.”
Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen expressed gratitude towards EPA: “We have worked tirelessly with EPA for decades to remediate brownfields and transition sites from our former industrial past into cleaner uses.”
Camden Board of Freeholders Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell praised previous successes: “Through these grants we have transformed hazardous sites into safe, beautiful community spaces.”
Brandi T. Johnson noted stakeholder involvement: “This award confirms and solidifies the vision of North Camden stakeholders who saw potential at this site.”
The $1 million grant aims to clean up a half-acre site previously used for paper milling operations that contaminated soil preventing its beneficial use by the community. The development aligns with Camden’s initiative prioritizing affordable housing and medium-density residential land redevelopment.
Additionally, the Camden Redevelopment Agency received a $500,000 community-wide grant for environmental site assessments focusing on East Camden's Federal Street Industrial Corridor.
Olivette Simpson from CRA commented on these efforts: “This EPA assessment award will serve as a catalyst to facilitate area-wide redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites."
Many economically stressed communities lack resources to clean up contaminated properties; however, programs like Brownfield provide necessary resources facilitating job creation and economic revitalization.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law boosts such initiatives through historic funding aimed at addressing challenges posed by brownfields while promoting sustainable development.
EPA’s Brownfields Program aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming to ensure disadvantaged communities benefit significantly from federal investments focused on overcoming underinvestment and pollution burdens.
For more information about EPA's Brownfields Program visit their webpage or follow EPA Region 2 on social media platforms.
