Camden, New Jersey is on the CNU XV Program

Camden, New Jersey is the greatest challenge New Urbanism will ever face. Its waterfront is virtually in downtown Philadelphia. Camden has the highest poverty rate in the nation. It's urban landscape is horribly bleak. Yet it arguably has the best undeveloped location assets in the country.

It's waterfront faces Philly's Society Hill. It has a clean, ultra-modern high speed rail line that runs through it, from the distant eastern suburbs through the heart of Philadelphia's downtown, historic and high end residential districts, terminating at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia.

Downtown Camden is a five minute subway ride from downtown Philadelphia, and nine minutes from Rittenhouse Square.

Camden has an almost endless supply of vacant lots and other Infill opportunities near waterfront and transportation assets.

The city has finally been purged of the incompetent and corrupt oligarchy that has run the city for decades. Camden is the only city in New Jersey without a local government. The Governor, Jon Corzine, serves as defacto mayor. He is an ex CEO of Goldman Sachs. The development and permitting process has been streamlined for fast tracking. Abundant tax breaks and other lucrative incentives are in place. In the last few months Corzine has moved rapidly to develop the city. ( After the final purge of political obstacles and entrenched incompetent officials.)

On the heels of this purge, Campbells Soup announced a $100 million development project and new world HQ. Several $ billions in waterfront development has already broken ground. It is time to look beyond Camden's reputation, and current investigations and criminal trials of purged officials and look to the new Camden unfolding. New Urbanist's seeking opportunities should consider Camden, New Jersey.

Pictures of Camden: http://www.kodakgallery.com/camdenpics
WEBSITE: www.CamdenNewJersey.org
Michael McAteer

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