UEZ Newsletter
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CITY OF PATERSON Volume III Issue 1 Spring 2009 PRESORT STANDARD MAIL Urban Enterprise Zone US POSTAGE PAID Message from the UEZ Director PATERSON, NJ PERMIT #542 I am pleased to share with our UEZ business family that Paterson takes center stage in the nation as President Barack Obama signed legislation that designated the Paterson Great Falls a National Historic Park. By obtaining this status, the fi nancial benefi ts will be substantial to Paterson’s economic base by creating new jobs and What’s Inside by attracting new retail and commercial opportunities for businesses. This is truly an Message from the UEZ exciting time in the life and history of the “Silk City.” Page 1 Since our last publication the Paterson Urban Enterprise Zone has enrolled Message from Mayor Torres approximately 53 new members into the UEZ family. The Paterson UEZ has collected nearly $41,000,000 in tax revenues for various revitalization projects, which in turn Page 3 has provided our UEZ offi ce with the funds to administer 64 economic development About the Program projects. With warm weather upon us, we encourage our businesses to take full advantage of our Business Improvement Grant and our Sidewalk Grant programs Page 4 that help to improve the appearance of your facades and to grow your business. UEZ Business Spotlight These revitalization programs are based on a 50/50 matching grant, and can be used for restoration of historic façade details; windows; signage; decorative security Page 6 gates; awnings; fencing; landscaping; lighting; etc. New to the Zone The Urban Enterprise Zone has been working in conjunction with the Paterson Page 8 Police Department to develop the “Safety First-Prevent the Worst” campaign which is designed to get the word out to our shoppers to be mindful of safety awareness Upcoming Events issues. Look for the posters, fl yers and the bright yellow re-usable shopping bags at Page 9 your local downtown merchants. The video surveillance cameras located in strategic areas have proven to be aff ective with safety concerns in our community. The goal List of UEZ Businesses (cont’ d page 2) Page 10 Dept. of Community Development r business o you ppo Urban Enterprise Zone f or rtu ns ni 2 Market Street io ti t es Paterson, NJ 07505 lu o P: (973) 321-1212 s n a b r u l u f r e w o p g n i t a e r UrbanC Enterprise Zone www.PatersonUEZ.com 1 Message from the UEZ Director (cont’ d from page 1) of these projects is not only to create a viable retail shopping district, but to give shoppers a sense of safety and security. As you stroll around town you will see the newly installed bus shelters, bike racks and benches along Main and Market Streets. Newspaper racks and beautiful new planters with fl owers will begin to brighten the retail shopping area this summer. Paterson continues to be at the forefront with Governor Corzine’s “Green” initiatives with the new solar powered street signs that can be seen around the city. The brightly-lit signs look fantastic at night. As a result of our solar powered street sign initiatives, we are proud to announce that the City of Paterson and the UEZ are one of fi ve recipients of the “Passaic County Green Building Design Award” for 2009. This award is sponsored by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders was introduced at a Solar Expo held recently in Woodbridge, and is based on our unique application of green initiatives. Also New Jersey. UEZ staff was able to identify several companies look for the new decorative lights that will soon be installed that our qualifi ed UEZ business owners and city agencies can to replace the old aluminum fi xtures on Union Avenue, 21st utilize for their solar projects. This is yet another benefi t to our Avenue, and River Street. These new lights are not only more members. esthetically pleasing, but will be more cost eff ective to the city than the old fi xtures. The UEZ is collaborating with PSE&G to I encourage all businesses to contact the Paterson UEZ offi ce address the NJ State Master Plan to reduce projected energy with any questions about existing grant and loan programs, use up to 20% by 2020 encouraging business owners to devise applications and forms. Remember there are no fees involved. their own solar powered systems and other “green” projects. We are here to help you! For more information please contact: PSE&G is off ering seminars for interested businesses, which Jan Northrop, UEZ Director @ (973) 321-1212. The Paterson UEZ is a recipient of Passaic County’s Green Building Design Award for 2009. Paterson Urban Enterprise Zone Urban Enterprise Zone gives Trolly a face lift. Jan Northrop, UEZ Director Making Everyone Welcome www.PatersonUEZ.com 2 A Message from Mayor José “joey” Torres As Mayor of the third largest city in New Jersey, I am excited to introduce you to one of the most successful economic development initiatives in the history of New Jersey, the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ). One of my priorities as Mayor has been to increase the economic activity and create a more business-friendly environment in Paterson, and the Paterson UEZ has been a key component in the success of my strategy in transforming the economic landscape in Paterson. If you are unfamiliar with the depth and breadth of opportunities the Paterson UEZ off ers to a business such as yours, I invite you to review our material and contact our staff , and I am sure you will see the value in joining the hundreds of other businesses who are benefi ting every day from their membership in the Paterson UEZ. With a growing and diverse market, a skilled labor force, and prime location, let this great city work for you! If you are a business considering moving to Paterson, or if you are already a Paterson business, the Paterson UEZ program contains the perfect incentives to help take your business to the next level. Sincerely, Joey Torres José “joey” Torres Mayor www.PatersonUEZ.com 3 About the UEZ Program The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) is a state-designated program to alleviate unemployment in approximately 37 Today, municipalities throughout the state of Paterson retains its proud history, and with the New Jersey. The City of Paterson was recently designated Great Falls National designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone Park, Paterson is making a true transformation in 1994 and plays a vital role in the to the economic engine that will generate hundreds restoration of Paterson. The sales tax of jobs and millions of dollars for the city. Central collected in Paterson has provided the to this revitalization is the UEZ Program, enabling UEZ UEZ with the funds to administer 64 retail members to charge 3½ % sales tax giving them a economic development projects. The competitive edge over other businesses. All UEZ business following list is just an example of the members however, benefi t from the tax exemption allowed programs and projects which off er a great for operating supplies. 100% exemption from the NJ State Sales number of advantages to UEZ members: and Use Tax for the purchase of all tangible property (excluding motor vehicles) includes the following: • Business Improvement Grants • Offi ce Supplies • Sidewalk Matching Grants • Offi ce Equipment • Revolving Loan Program • Services, including installation • Video Surveillance Cameras • Building Materials • Main Street Streetscape • Repairs and improvements to • Small Business Development Center existing properties Business Improvement Grants he Business Improvement Grant Program is available for all Tcommercial and mixed commercial use properties with the Paterson UEZ boundaries, excluding Main Street. Business and property owners are eligible for a 50% matching grant up to $40,000 per business. Qualifi ed improvements include minor improvements of lower and upper facades; rehabilitation of historic details; signage; awnings; light- ing; security gates, fencing and landscaping. All restoration, rehabilita- tion and new construction projects must conform to the UEZ Façade Improvement Guidelines as well as the Department of Interior Standards of Rehabilitation. Burger King Restaurant www.PatersonUEZ.com 4 Main Street Façade Program l Sham Restaurant located at 976 Main Street in Paterson is owned and operated by Abdal Rahmoun. This new dining facility joined the UEZ in A2008 and has undergone façade and sidewalk improvements through UEZ programs. With these improvements they anticipate increasing their number of employees by 50%. The restaurant offers a variety of exotic ethnic dishes, assorted shish-kebabs and specialty gyro sandwiches. They also provide a complete catering menu for all of your special catering needs including appetizers, salads and complete entrees. For your dining After convenience, Al Sham Restaurant is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Bring the entire family to enjoy a delicious meal in the newly decorated dining room, or dine under the stars in the spacious outdoor café brimming with flowers and greenery for an added European touch. For reservations or more details Before call (973) 278-0095. Sidewalk Matching Grants he Sidewalk Matching Grant is available to UEZ certified businesses with the Urban Enterprise Zone. Businesses wishing to participate in the program will be required to Tobtain three (3) proposals for sidewalk repair and complete the necessary paperwork with the City Engineering Division. The maximum grant amount is $10,000 per qualified business to repair their sidewalk. Some of the businesses that have recently benefited from this grant are: • Ring 23 LLC • Paterson Chiro-Rehab • PMA21 LLC • Sterling Rental • Something Diff erent Party Rental • 236 Ellison Street LLC • U.S.