UEZ Helping to improve local commerce

City UEZ Board Assisting Local Business To Expand; Deal Pending State Approval

By Bill Cleary

The Gloucester City UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone) Board at their November meeting 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.