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Bergen Square Redevelopment

Bergen Square: Needs Determination Study

Bergen Square:  Redevelopment Plan, February 10, 2005

Executive Summary (from page 3 of the City Redevelopment Plan)

The Bergen Square Redevelopment Report utilizes the data produced in the Bergen Square Needs Study to produce a redevelopment plan that meets the needs of the community while achieving the goals of the City of Camden. The Redevelopment Plan and Study clearly defines the need for redevelopment in Bergen Square and outlines the three major Goals and their associated objectives. The goals include: The Revitalization of Bergen Square into a Sustainable Place to Live, Work and Visit; To Improve Bergen Square's Connections to the Rest of Camden and the Region and finally To Promote Smart Growth Compact Development.

The revitalization of Bergen Square is key to the development of the surrounding neighborhoods and as an economic stimulus for the City of Camden. This Plan will provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing conditions of the neighborhood and how the proposed changes and revitalization strategies can transform the neighborhood from one where there are currently 1,626 vacant parcels and buildings, to a thriving neighborhood of existing renovated homes, new infill development, open space, commercial activities and transportation links to adjacent neighborhoods and the region. This will be accomplished by the concept of Preservation, Restoration and Infill. During the anticipated project development time of 16 years, Bergen Square can expect to see an expansion of its commercial corridor through the development of a mixed-use public square, to include regional and local stores, including the restoration of existing ones; the development of wide range of housing residential housing –both market rate and affordable-, through preservation, infill and restoration; transportation improvement projects, including Bergen Ave and the development of open space. Sincere efforts were made during the development of this plan to preserve existing historical structures and fold them into the fabric of the new community; to limit the number of relocations that would be necessary and to provide immediate housing or business opportunities for residents that are required to be relocated. Thirty percent of the structures to be acquired are occupied, of which 239 or thirty six percent are owner occupied properties.

This plan and its implementation is consistent in nature, scope, responsibility and controls of the existing redevelopment laws, and the Existing Camden Master Plan.