Edison Park,  Perth Amboy 9/17/15 *Photos by  Eric Salvary

Wells Fargo Regional Foundation Invests Half A Million Dollar Grant to Perth Amboy Neighborhood

Neighborhood Implementation Grant Allows the Gateway Neighborhood Collaborative to Facilitate Resident-Driven Plan 

Press Release 9/17/15

PERTH AMBOY – Wells Fargo Regional Foundation has recently announced the latest round of their neighborhood implementation grant.  Perth Amboy Redevelopment Team for Neighborhood Enterprise and Revitalization (P.A.R.T.N.E.R.) has been awarded $500,000 (during the next five years) for its initiative entitled “Gateway Neighborhood Collaborative (GNC)” at a formal press announcement held September 17th at Patten Park, in Perth Amboy. “P.A.R.T.N.E.R. has been an invaluable leader in organizing the Gateway neighborhood over the past two years.” said Denise McGregor Armbrister, Executive Director of the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation.  “We are delighted to support them and the residents of the Gateway neighborhood as they continue to move this community forward.”

The Gateway Neighborhood Collaborative initiative aims to promote the development of a resident-led and community-supported redevelopment framework of the Gateway neighborhood with the strategy to incorporate a community-based, multi-agency approach to housing, economic development, crime prevention, and neighborhood restoration.  “P.A.R.T.N.E.R.’s vision is for a community where families can afford to live and work in a healthy environment, stated Douglas Dzema, P.A.R.T.N.E.R.’s Executive Director.  “We are honored to receive this grant award and to work together with our Gateway residents and key stakeholders in strengthening communities in making the city of Perth Amboy better every day.”  Press announcement speakers included Mayor Wilda Diaz, City of Perth Amboy, Natasha James-Waldon, Esq., Director of Compliance and Community Engagement with the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, E. Dorothy Carty-Daniel, Board Chair of P.A.R.T.N.E.R. and check presentation by Denise McGregor Armbrister, Executive Director of Wells Fargo Regional Foundation.

The subject area is an estimated 42 square blocks located within the southeastern and central quadrants of the City of Perth Amboy. The borders of the Gateway neighborhood are demarked by streets and physical boundaries. To the north, the neighborhood ends at Fayette Street. Convery Blvd (route 35) forms the western boundary. The southern boundary is demarcated by the Raritan River. First Street is the eastern edge of the community.    “A large portion of the Gateway neighborhood falls within one of the City’s redevelopment areas. It has been my goal to see this area redeveloped to provide jobs, rateables, business expansion, entertainment and recreational opportunities, and transit oriented mixed use developments. Thanks to PARNTER, this grant will support these efforts and bring the City closer to reviving this brownfield area, which is also one the major entrances to our City. Most importantly, we’re not able to achieve these goals without the input and creativity of our residents, taxpayers and the initiatives of our partners,” said Mayor Wilda Diaz.

This GNC implementation grant will support the direct expenses that are essential to the community implementation process.  The following is a description of the initiatives set to enhance the viability of the Gateway Neighborhood and improve the quality of life for its residents:

1. Work to ensure that the neighborhood is organized to serve as a conduit for getting information distributed, facilitating meetings, and promoting grass roots action.

2. Enhance the mix of retail, entertainment, housing, and other prospects to define and attract new businesses, housing units, and similar opportunities in the Neighborhood and act as anchors for investment, employment, and revitalization. The opportunity for arts and cultural venues will also help to enhance the diversity of the area.

3. Integrate and link the Smith Street corridor west of the railroad with the transit-oriented development activity planned for the east side of the tracks, enhancing opportunities for pedestrians, tourists, and others to pass easily into and out of the Gateway Neighborhood

4. Bring an identity and “sense of place” to the neighborhood by creating of more green space, places to converse and gather, and general beautification.

PA.R.T.N.E.R. is looking for residents to be part of the Gateway Neighborhood Association (GNA); a community planning committee that will be instrumental in the success of accomplishing the three (3) GNC goals.

1. Enhance community organization

2. Promote a new mix of retail, residential and other land uses

3. Encourage the connectivity of facilities and services

The GNA will work, together with P.A.R.T.N.E.R., the City of Perth Amboy, and other community organizations to develop the GNC vision by: participating in planning meetings and coordinating and hosting community events

To be part of the initiative as a stakeholder or resident contact, Lisett Lebron, GNC Program Manager at (732) 826-3110 x 629 or email lisett@partnernj.org.