Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening
of Vineland Transportation Hub
On
May 28th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening
of the Vineland Regional Transportation Center, a $4.0 million facility
designed to address the transportation needs of local area residents.
The Center is in the heart of the Cumberland Empowerment Zone, a
HUD-designated area that receives special federal financial assistance
as well as business tax credits to revitalize distressed neighborhoods.
The ribbon-cutting event was attended by Mayor Perry Barse, State
Assemblyman Nick Asselta and Congressman Frank LoBiondo.
The
Vineland Regional Transportation Center is the first phase of a
regional transportation strategy for Cumberland County, which will
provide a hub for the NJ Transit system and for countywide transportation
efforts. It will include such amenities as on-site day care, retail
businesses, and a touch-screen kiosk offering informational assistance
and employment resources. It is expected that 25 new jobs will be
created as a result of this project.
The
Center is a sterling example of the public and private sectors working
together. Private developer Frank J. Guaracini, Jr., a lifelong
resident of Vineland, purchased the vacant property in a distressed
section of Cumberland County. The Empowerment Zone provided a $500,000
low-interest rate loan, which served as a catalyst for the project.
An additional $2.2 million in loans and $1.4 million in grant and
equity financing was provided by the New Jersey Urban Enterprise
Zone Program, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, New
Jersey Transit, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Parke
Bank. The community will also be applying for Transit Village designation
from the State of New Jersey.
Development
of the Vineland Regional Transportation Center has turned a vacant,
unused building into a vibrant "gateway" to Cumberland County. This
public-private partnership will enhance the transportation network
for Empowerment Zone residents, and will encourage the revitalization
of the entire area.
Content Archived: March 07, 2011