City UEZ Board Assisting Local Business To Expand; Deal Pending State Approval
By William E. Cleary Sr.
CNBNews.net
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (January 12, 2007)The Gloucester City UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone) Board at their Novembermeeting agreed to purchase the Gloucester Plumbing Supply property at 327-337 South Broadway for $600,000.
At the December Board meeting, Gina Dunphy, local UEZ Director asked the members to increase the project amount by $40,000. Dunphy explained the Board in November did not budget enough funds to cover professional services (legal, title report, appraisal, environmental, etc.). A motion to approve the additional monies was made by Council woman Jean Kaye, second by Board member Dianne Fisher. Joe Kenney, UEZ Board member and owner of Gloucester Plumbing Supply, abstained from voting on both motions according to the minutes of the November and December meetings.
In a telephone conversation on Thursday (January 11) Kenney explained his company will be constructing a new building on the vacant lot at 520 South Broadway near the City Water Tower. "I need the UEZ's help to expand my growing business".
Dunphy said because the state hasn't approved the project the Board did not want to make a public comment on the details of the arrangement.
For example, one question that remains unanswered, what will happen with the Gloucester Plumbing Supply Building after it is vacated? Also, and explanation on the financial provisions between the UEZ and Gloucester Plumbing needs to be clarified.
Hopefully the project receives State approval. Not only will the new building improve local commerce, the project would also enhance the appearance of the southern entrance to the City.
At the December meeting Director Dunphy reported there is presently $944,682 in project funds, however $695,000 has been encumbered locally for projects not yet reviewed/approved by the state. "This means there is currently $249,682 available for projects as of the date of the meeting, December 19, 2006", Dunphy said.
Dunphy told the members that all zones throughout the state are being asked to join together to help save the UEZ program. She said there is talk in Trenton that some legislators want to change or disband the program altogether.
The Board will meet Tuesday, January 16, at 4 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 512 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. The meeting is open to the public.
Comments Posted January 2007
Does anyone else think this sounds a little strange? The UEZ spending $600,000 out of its total $900,000 in funds to help out 1 business owner in town. I think its great that the owner wants to build a new building and expand his business but don't business owners usually have to get a loan like everyone else to accomplish this and then sell the existing property? Who is going to spend $600,000 on the Gloucester Plumbing building? Now the city has to find a buyer for the property or it will sit vacant and since the city will own it, no taxes will be paid on the property anymore. If the UEZ is in the business of bailing out business owners now then I think they should buy the Pirates Den and help Brian Cohen. It sounds like he needs the help a great deal more than the owner of Gloucester Plumbing. Then again, I guess there won't be any money left after this deal goes through.
2charlotte said...Frank I thought it was me, that I was missing something. What is it with these council members and the need to waste hundreds of thousands of tax dollars buying peoples business. It makes no sense. Hell I need a car. Maybe at the next council meeting I can make friends and they will vote to buy me a classic vet. $425,000 for that piece of crap bar is an outrageious waste of spending and now they added another to the list. I'm sorry ,if my comments hurts someones feelings. I had to add that WC