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2010 State of the City Address

Reverend Clergy, members of the City Council, elected officials, friends, family and citizens:

In February 2009, I and Mayors from across America were invited to the White House.

There, President Obama, urged Mayors to aggressively go after stimulus funding. We started planning right away. When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed, we took action.

Less than a year later, we have secured more than $26 million dollars, which will leverage an additional $40 million dollars in development, programs, and improvements Citywide.

We formed a taskforce with individuals in the fields of development, government, and social services.

Charged with recovery efforts, we applied for funding opportunities, and developed new projects to yield overall improvements and job creation.

These are challenging times for growth; yet opportunities for the future are limitless.

In preparation, we continue to make improvements.

At the Midtown Train Station enhancements have already begun:

• A new retaining wall
• Sidewalks and curbs
• Pedestrian bridge
• Lighting
• Creation of a "Kiss-N-Ride" area to improve traffic flow
• And a $2 million dollar New Jersey Transit renovation to support its continued growth

Whether you arrive via mass transit or car, navigating our City will soon be a lot easier.

Last month, implementation of our Wayfinding program began. Two hundred signs will be installed directing visitors to various points of interest:

• Historical sites
• Medical centers
• Government buildings
• Shopping districts

In addition, 11 informational stands will feature:

• Maps
• Reference points
• And Neighborhood information

While these signs help people navigate our City, Union County College is helping students navigate their future.

The new, five-story, 120,000 s/f Kellogg building recently opened its doors. Expanding its campus and curriculum to include:

• The nation's second largest nursing school
• And the Industry Business Institute

With hundreds of students and faculty expected to utilize the new facility, we partnered with:

• Union County College
• The County
• The Elizabeth Development Company
• and the Parking Authority

to fund a new 1,500 space parking deck and 27,000 s/f commercial project in Midtown.

The initiative, scheduled to begin this Spring, will create an estimated 200 new construction jobs.

Last year, we formed a taskforce to help merchants and business owners better understand and comply with City codes.

And as a result, we:

• Amended the business sign and façade ordinance
• Created an ordinance to permit side-walk cafes-- providing restaurants the opportunity to attract more customers

Redevelopment continues throughout our City.

For years, a series of neglectful owners at Oakwood Plaza, failed to properly maintain the facility and provide adequate security for its residents. For too long, Oakwood Plaza residents have endured deplorable conditions.

Now, Community Investment Strategies (CIS), the same developer that successfully completed the HOPE VI project, garnered a $20 million grant from the State, to purchase and transform this aging facility.

Demolition of the first building and construction of senior housing is scheduled to begin this year.

Once again, we will:

• remove antiquated housing that no longer meets our standards
• relocate families until their new housing is built
• lend supportive assistance to residents during construction
• and in partnership with CIS and Union County, completely transform this neighborhood into a safe and desirable place to live and raise a family.

Last year, Jersey Gardens celebrated its 10th anniversary—NOW one of the top tourist destinations in New Jersey.

• Shoppers from over 120 countries and every state
• Received the Governor's Tourism and New Jersey Smart Workplaces Awards
• And since 1999 sales have increased 70%

This year:

• 15 million visitors
• 33% increase in international shoppers
• 100% leased

With new stores including:

• Adidas
• Converse
• Timberland
• DKNY Jeans
• Abercrombie

And coming soon a Lord and Taylor Outlet

Jersey Gardens:

• The first mall in the country to open with an on-site Retail Skills Center-- training over 21,000 residents
• Helped more than 400 local nonprofit organizations raise over $ 2,000,000
• And generating $7 million dollars in revenue for our City

AMC Loews continues to out-perform all regional movie theaters. And just last month an IMAX screen made its debut with Jim Carey's "A Christmas Carol."

As Jersey Gardens continues to flourish and be the catalyst for growth, others invest in our future.

Less than a mile away, IKEA's North American flagship store is undergoing a $40 million dollar renovation, including:

• The reconfiguration of its operations
• Increased showroom
• And warehouse extension to meet business growth

Located on our waterfront, Atalanta Corporation is in its final stage of a $19 million dollar expansion. The project will add more than 72,000 s/f of warehouse and office space while generating 75 new jobs.

Preferred Freezer Services opened a new 9.4 million cubic feet storage facility that added 45 full-time employees. And new to the area is Survivor II, a window manufacturer, which employs more than 60 full-time workers.

Helping these and other businesses to prosper, is the Elizabeth Development Company (EDC), which administers one of the State's most successful Urban Enterprise Zones.

• UEZ grants to businesses for each new full-time job
• Assisting businesses planning expansions accessing Urban Transit Tax Credits
• UEZ low interest loans and façade grants
• UEZ Renewable Energy Grants
• And Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credits

With the largest number of participating businesses in the state, Elizabeth's UEZ has leveraged nearly $2 billion dollars of investments.

The groundwork we are currently establishing will enable us to take advantage of all opportunities as the economy improves.

As we begin a new decade, the City of Elizabeth continues to be a destination to:

• Raise a family
• Find affordable housing
• Have accessibility to the metropolitan area
• Live in a large City with a small town feel

According to Star Ledger articles, the City of Elizabeth is just one of two municipalities in Union County that saw an increase in the number of homes sold in the first half of 2009. And among large NJ cities—we have the greatest increase in population since 2000.

We have received more than $4 million dollars and applied for an additional $13 million dollars of Neighborhood Stabilization Funding.

Helping us create and rehabilitate:

• 308 residential units
• 14 projects citywide
• Leveraging more than $71 million in development

For families who own a home and need assistance in avoiding foreclosure, help is still available through Brand New Day and the Elizabeth Home Improvement Program (EHIP). Since 2008, 49 families have avoided losing their homes thanks to this great partnership.

To help families who have lost their homes, we submitted an application for the Rapid Re-Housing Program. And we were awarded more than $839,000 dollars to be shared among seven local agencies.

While we assist families with housing, we continue to make neighborhoods more secure.

Last year we experienced a significant:

• reduction in homicides
• decrease in gun violence
• and decline in auto and overall theft

I am happy to announce that on January 11, through a $5 million dollar Cops Hiring Recovery grant; we will hire 18 new police officers who will undergo extensive training and be ready to safeguard our streets by June.

Our success is attributed to:

• Pro-active policing
• Extensive crime analysis
• 21 active neighborhood block watch groups
• And advanced technology(we will go to a live feed)

In addition, our surveillance network has been so successful, we will install an additional 61 cameras at strategic locations throughout the City.

We will install cameras in and around Mravlag Manor. Both the Police and Housing Authority will be able to monitor courtyards and surrounding areas, greatly enhancing the ability to provide police service to residents.

Further enhancing communication with the community, the Police Department unveiled a new website.

On this website, citizens will also be able to anonymously report suspicious and criminal activity as well as report tips via text messaging. (908-377-7940 up on screen)

This new medium will allow residents to receive valuable information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week —adding another level of security and valuable tool in the fight against crime.

Our Fire Department was awarded $1.8 million dollars of stimulus funding, which will purchase:

• New heavy rescue unit
• Maritime emergency response unit
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Hydraulic equipment

And to improve efficiency, the Department:

• Integrated the Red Alert Fire Management System
• Instituted GPS
• Incorporated a Computer Aided Dispatch
• Installed wireless communication in field apparatus
• And continues to upgrade firehouses with fiber optics

Working on keeping our growing population healthy, is Trinitas Regional Medical Center.

Adding to their 10 Centers of Excellence, last month Trinitas broke ground on a 14,000 s/f Center of Regional Education (CORE).

The facility will create a state-of-the-art training center, offering a single location for anyone seeking health, wellness and medical information as well as professional training.

Last year, Trinitas:

• Performed the first robotic surgical procedure in Union County
• And became the first in New Jersey to begin treating cancer patients with the new Rapid Arc radiation therapy technology

Our Health Department began vaccinating residents since the introduction of the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses:

• Protecting more than 2,700 residents

Additional clinics will be scheduled as more vaccines become available-- all at no cost.

As a designated Model Lead-Safe City, we continue to combat lead poisoning.

Last year, the Elizabeth Coalition for Lead Education and Prevention consisting of the Health Department, EHIP, and our local partners:

• Organized a Citywide kick-off event
• Conducted workshops and presentations
• audited 8 early childhood centers
• and provided lead screening at City Hall and 4 daycare centers

This year we will:

• Seek funding to support lead poisoning prevention, screenings and follow-up care

The Schering-Plough Foundation donated a quarter of a million dollars to support a mobile medical clinic to make healthcare more accessible to children in Elizabeth.

The donation will support free healthcare services through the New Jersey Children Health Project's "clinic on wheels", which travels to treat children and adults.

Our Child Health Conferences, Baby Keep-Well, and Dental Clinics continue to provide essential medical services.

• Child care
• Physician examinations
• Dental services
• Proper nutrition
• And required immunizations

Now in its tenth year, the Office on Youth continues to enrich lives.

• Afterschool programs-- servicing 2,500 children and young adults
• Building Future Leaders Program—directly impacting 2,000 high school students
• Family strengthening programs-- geared toward creating positive households
• Establishing E.P.A.C.T— a parent based volunteer group
• A mentoring program for at-risk youth
• College tours- introducing young adults to higher education
• Youth View—cable access show produced by teens
• Volunteer program—helping students complete community service requirements
• A Job and Career Expo—where 100 young adults were placed in internships and secured employment

Our Healthy Elizabeth initiative continues with:

• Walks in each ward and exercise through dance
• Special, Senior and Youth Olympics
• Nutrition presentations
• The 3rd Back to School Health Fair—attended by 700 residents and more than 40 vendors providing free health screenings

Our Office on Aging continues to grow and provide services to more than 2000 seniors.

• College based classes
• Computer training
• New book club
• Exercise programs

This year, another senior housing project will break ground on First Street; it will include:

• 30 affordable units
• 3,700 s/f of commercial space
• Landscaping
• New parking

And in our continued commitment to the environment it will feature:

• Rainwater catchment system
• Energy efficient appliances
• Metal siding and sunshades
• And Solar paneling

Giving it the prestige of being the only LEED Gold certified affordable senior residential project in the State.

Let this $8 million dollar project be the example of how developers can build green affordable housing.

Last year, BFI, a contract furniture company, became the first business in the City to take advantage of the Renewable Energy Capital Stimulus Grant. Qualifying businesses can receive up to $100,000 to install energy efficient components.

Now, BFI enjoys a 50% reduction in electric cost and joins our "Go Green" pledge of improving the environment.

Helping more businesses go green, EDC and PSE&G reached out to every UEZ business in Elizabeth.

With programs offering:

• Energy audit assistance
• Financial planning
• And installation scheduling

With the help of a $1.1 million dollar Federal Energy Block Grant we will offer residential energy audits.

Upon completion, residents who decide to upgrade will be eligible for low interest revolving loans.

This program will enable homeowners to cut their energy costs and help the environment.

In addition, the City of Elizabeth is slated to receive $1 million dollars in federal funding to begin retrofitting municipal buildings with solar panels--further expanding our pledge to "Go Green."

Environmentally focused organizations like Groundwork Elizabeth and Future City continue to create awareness about our environment.

Future City:

• Partnered with Kean University to adopt Slater Park and perform clean-ups
• Continues to educate residents about the importance of Catch and Release
• Hosted Earth and Estuary Days
• And is administering an Oyster Growing project at the Elizabeth Marina

Groundwork Elizabeth:

• Participated in a youth summit in New Orleans with Elizabeth students
• Partnered with Trinitas to beautify Sheridan Park
• Took part in the national youth Summer of Service program
• And in anticipation of the Elizabeth River Trail, created historic artwork along the path

Working together we can all make a difference and contribute to the health of our environment.

This last decade changed the way we look and feel about things around us.

• We became more conscious of the environment and dedicated to its preservation.
• We became more reliant on technology.
• And now we are changing the way we communicate.

We have teamed with Nixle to bring you trusted up to the minute information relevant to our City.

By registering on-line, you will begin receiving information regarding meetings, events, and public safety advisories on your cell phone, email, and Nixle website. This free service puts valuable information at your fingertips. Visit our website and click on the tutorial featured on YouTube.

While on YouTube, visit our channel and watch episodes of "Our City" featuring some of Elizabeth's most interesting people and events. This year we will begin to expand our channel and bring you more videos and information.

Residents can also join me on Twitter and dive into the universe of Social media.

It's a brave new world and we are going to explore it and use it to better communicate with our residents.

While social media has changed the way we communicate, we know that the traditional media still has value for many.

On December 17th, the first "goElizabethnj" Star Ledger insert made its debut. This monthly publication will also be available online. (www.goelizabethnj.com will appear on screen)

We have also partnered with the Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote all the great things the City of Elizabeth has to offer. The collaboration has created:

• A visitors guide—distributed around the region
• Placed billboards and advertisements
• And launched an interactive website—(www.NJ.com/sl/greatdestinations will appear on screen)

These efforts and initiatives:

• stimulate business growth
• promote tourism
• and showcase all the great things that make Elizabeth THE place to Live, Work, Shop, and Raise a family

Economic downturns come and go. What was accomplished before and what actions you take to stay strong and poised for economic resurgence — is what matters the most.

From reinvesting in our neighborhoods to securing our streets, our dedication to our residents is visible across each ward and down each block.

When the economy plunged—we created a plan to navigate the difficult times with minimal impact on our residents.

When Stimulus Funding became available for "shovel ready" projects-- we were more than prepared with a list of initiatives that would re-energize our City.

We realize there are challenging times ahead. But the foundation we have-- is strong; built on hard work and sacrifice.

President Obama said, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones…We are the change that we seek."

• While many wondered and debated how to survive the changing economy…we took action.
• While many wondered how businesses would survive this recession…we:
• implemented growth incentives
• changed codes and ordinances
• developed partnerships to attract visitors and shoppers
• While many wondered how to stimulate development…we:
• identified available funding
• designed a redevelopment plan for smart and future growth
• and focused on infrastructure and transportation to prepare for an economic rebound
• While many wondered how energy conservation and green development would continue…we:
• partnered with environmentally conscious companies
• sought Federal funding for alternative energy projects
• and devised a plan to make even affordable housing projects green
• While many wondered how to help residents weather the storm…we:
• formed partnerships to share services
• used stimulus funds to provide shelter and security
• and most importantly, we did not cut essential programs or services

It is our diverse population, community investments, and commitment to moving forward that unites and prepares us for a new decade of promise and opportunity.

• Our vision for a bright future is clear
• Our dedication to improving the quality of life for our residents is unwavering
• And with your help, we are ready to create an even greater Elizabeth.

Thank You and may God continue to Bless the City of Elizabeth.