elizabeth, nj community profile

www.elizabethchamber.com

Mayor Chris Bollwagew w w. e l i z a b e t h n j . o r g

f a c e b o o k . c o m / c i t y o f e l i z a b e t h n j c i t y h a l lt w i t t e r. c o m / E x p l o r e E l i z N J

w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / u s e r / C i t y o f E l i z a b e t h

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WWW. ELIZABETHCHAMBER.COM | 1

Welcome to Elizabeth, NewJersey, a city with a

proud history dating back tothe founding of our country,with an even more excitingfuture! I am once againpleased to present to you thisElizabeth, New Jersey,Community Profile, whichhighlights Elizabeth’srevitalized neighborhoods and renovated business districts that have madeus the most prosperous major city in New Jersey.

Elizabeth is New Jersey’s fourth-largest municipality and is located onlyminutes from Manhattan. As a true regional transportation hub for theEast Coast, Elizabeth is accessible by land, sea, rail and air. Our city alsocontains Terminal A of Newark Liberty International Airport and enjoys aunique proximity to major highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike, theGarden State Parkway and Routes 1 & 9.

Our 2,463-acre Port Elizabeth/Newark marine terminal is the world’slargest containership port and the largest Foreign Trade Zone in the U.S.This powerful transportation network also includes two NJ Transit stationswith connections to New York City in 30 minutes. Our city also received theNew Jersey Department of Transportation’s Transit Village designation,which has complemented and contributed to the renewal of our historicMidtown area.

Elizabeth boasts the area’s most exciting retail and entertainmentopportunities, including New Jersey Turnpike Exit 13A, which has broughtcountless visitors and shoppers. At Exit 13A, you’ll find The OutletCollection/Jersey Gardens, the state’s largest outlet mall, a state-of-the-art20-screen AMC movie theater, great restaurants and terrific hotels. With anarray of activities and amenities at your fingertips, you can shop, play andeven stay at Exit 13A.

The Outlet Collection - Jersey Gardens is also home to our award-winningRetail Skills Training Center, which has provided training to numerousresidents. The nearby Elizabeth Center at 13A is home to the nation’s top-performing IKEA store and the largest Toys-R-Us Kidsworld. Furthermore,several new hotels are flourishing in this area, with more than 2,000additional rooms.

Our award-winning Urban Enterprise Zone program, which offers reducedsales tax, has been a key partner in transforming our neighborhoods andbusiness districts, as well as acting as a catalyst for economic development.Increasing marketability and solidifying our municipality as a premierplace to live, work and raise a family, our exciting initiatives have laid theforeground for attracting new businesses and state-of-the-art industries toour city.

I invite you to go out and spend some time in our city. Find out why we aregreat. Visit our parks. Shop our business districts. Sample our wide varietyof foods. Visit our numerous historic sites. Meet our people and sample thediversity of our great city.

We welcome you and invite you to learn more about why your successstarts here in Elizabeth!

Sincerely,

J. Christian BollwageMayor

Dear Friends,

The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce (GECC) is proud to presentthe 2013–2014 Elizabeth, New Jersey, Community Profile. In it you can readabout the city of Elizabeth and all the exciting things going on in NewJersey’s fourth-largest city.

Since our founding in 1997, the GECC continues to impact our city in manypositive ways. The GECC continues to promote the city’s revitalization atevery level including TV and radio, airline video, newspapers and thispublication. We are partnered with Newark in the formation of a jointConvention and Visitor’s Bureau that is playing an important role in the2014 Super Bowl. We are involved in the planning & implementation of thecelebration of the 350th Anniversary of the founding of Elizabeth & theState of New Jersey. For the latest information on our CVB activities go towww.goelizabethnj.com

The city of Elizabeth continues its remarkable renaissance with plans formore new housing, increased employment opportunities, an expandedairport and seaport, many new businesses, world-class office space, greatnew roadways and bridges and more. As the Chief Executive Officer of theChamber, I can truly say that it is an exciting time to do business here, aswell as a remarkable time to live here.

If you are thinking of moving here or doing business here, now is the time.For more information, we invite you to visit or call the Greater ElizabethChamber of Commerce at 908-355-7600.

Sincerely,

Gordon HaasChief Executive Officer

MAYOR’S LETTERWELCOME TO THE CITY OF ELIZABETH

CHAMBER LETTERWELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

2 | WWW. ELIZABETHCHAMBER.COM

This is a Village Profile® Publicationcreated and produced for the

Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce456 North Broad Street • Elizabeth, NJ 07208Phone: (908) 355-7600 • Fax: (908) 436-2054

Website: www.elizabethchamber.comEmail: [email protected]

Copyright© 2013 VillageProfile.com, inc.®

33 N. Geneva St., Elgin, IL 60120 • 800-600-0134www.villageprofile.com®

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracyof the information in this publication. The Chamberand VillageProfile.com® assume no responsibility

for misinformation. Please contact the Chamberwith any additions or corrections. Reproduction in

whole or in part without permission of the Chamberand VillageProfile.com® is prohibited.

CEO/President Daniel M. Nugara

Executive Vice President Joseph C. Nugara, Sr.

Director of Business Operations Michael D. Nugara

Vice President Gordy Swinehart

Acquisition Manager Patrick McGranaghan

Project Coordinator Stefanie Mikutis

Director of Production Joseph C. Nugara, Jr.

Production Manager Nick Olah

Graphic Designer Melissa Loureiro

Graphic Production Stacey R. Cordero

Directories Coordinator Michael Sumrak

Ad Design Coordinator Kerri Reaves

Writer Gordon Haas

Photographer Darren Bryden

Follow us on

CONTENTSMayor’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Chamber Letter . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Important Phone Numbers . . .9

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Business &Economic Development . . . .14

Government . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Social Services . . . . . . . . . . .18

Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . .21

MAYOR J. CHRISTIAN BOLLWAGEHighest-elected official .................................................(908) 820-4170

CITY COUNCILCouncilman-at-Large Frank CuestaCouncilman-at-Large Manny Grova, Jr.Councilwoman-at-Large Patricia Perkins-AugusteFirst Ward Carlos TorresSecond Ward Nelson GonzalezThird Ward Joseph Keenan, Jr.Fourth Ward Carlos CedeñoFifth Ward William Gallman, Jr.Sixth Ward Frank Mazza

City Clerk’s Office ...........................................................908-820-4131

Size .........................................................................11.69 square milesWater area ................................................................1.43 square milesPopulation ...............................................................................124,969County Seat of Union ..........................Fourth-Largest City in New JerseyForm of Government..............................................Mayor & City CouncilEqualization Rate .............................................................9.72% - 2008

(Source: City of Elizabeth Tax Assessor)Tax Rate $18.2222 per 100 - 2008

(Source: City of Elizabeth Tax Assessor)

Police Department...........................................................................329Fire Department .............................................................................250

Miles to Manhattan ...........................................................................13Miles to Philadelphia .........................................................................85Miles to Atlantic City........................................................................115

UTILITIESTELEPHONE:Verizon .......................................................................1-800-837-4966AT&T ...........................................................................1 800-222-0300

GAS:AGL Elizabethtown Gas ................................................1-800-492-4009

ELECTRIC:PSE&G ........................................................................1-800-436-7734

CABLE:Optimum of Elizabeth .....................................................908-353-0404

WATER:Liberty Water Company ...............................................1-800-652-6987

GARBAGE COLLECTION:Curbside Pickup Twice WeeklyVisit www.elizabethnj.org for schedule

RECYCLING:Regional Industries 908-436-1966

HOSPITALTrinitas Regional Medical Center 908-994-5000

MEDIADaily newspaper............................................................The Star-Ledger

Others that cover Elizabeth: The New York Times publishes a New Jersey section and NY Major media

SPANISH LANGUAGEBi-Weekly..........................................................La Voz/Vistazo HispanoWeekly ..............................................................................El Especialito

Portuguese .....................................................Luso Americano/24Horas

TV Major NY Media and local access through Optimum, as well as newsspecific to Elizabeth every hour called “The Elizabeth Edition”

PUBLIC SCHOOLSHigh School ........................................................................................1K-8th................................................................................................28

Non-Public Schools ............................................................................16Local School Enrollment...........................................(K-12) Over 22,000Average Expense per Pupil .......................................................$16,242

POPULATION STATS2010.......................................................................................124,969

LABOR FORCETotal Labor Force 66,871

(Source: 2007 - NJ Dept. of Labor)

Demographics

This publication is printed with eco-friendlycriteria including use of 30% post consumerrecycled content paper and soy based inks.


Serving businesses, individuals & homeowners!We accept residential and industrial

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THANK YOUThe Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commercewishes to express its gratitude to the followingfor their generous support of our FourteenthAnnual Dinner Cruise.

eEvent Sponsors Elizabeth Truck CenterM & M Construction

eCocktail Hour SponsorARCO Construction GroupPrologis/Portview Commerce Center LLC

eCruise SponsorsAGL Elizabethtown GasBJ & M AutoTrinitas Regional Medical Center

eReception SponsorAtalanta CorporationYMCA of Eastern Union County

eDinner SponsorHarbor ConsultantsMerck

eDessert SponsorElberon Development CompanyPSE&G

ePrinting SponsorElegant Headwear CompanyLaundry Warehouses of Elmora & BaywayNew Jersey American Water-

Liberty Water CompanyTumino’s TowingUnion County CollegeWaste Management

eDiamond SponsorsInvestors Savings BankLas Palmas RestaurantRenaissance Newark Airport Hotel

ePlatinum SponsorsBrick City Development Company/

Greater Newark CVBBrushfire Inc.Elizabeth Courtyard & Residence Inn by MarriottHehl & HehlHighway ServicesJersey Gardens MallLOCON Properties, LLCM. Miller & SonsMedesco LLCNew York TerminalsPreferred FreezerRegional IndustriesTD BankWells Fargo BankWorkforce Advantage

eGold SponsorsAtlantic Central LogisticsAttitudes In DressingB.B. Miller & CompanyBoys and Girls Clubs of Union CountyConstruction & Marine

EDC/Elizabeth’s Urban Enterprise Zone ProgramElizabeth Industrial CenterElizabeth PBA Local # 4F & G Construction

Gordon & Wolgin, PCInfineum USA L.P.Kean UniversityLaw Office of Leah E. Capece, Esq. Marriott Newark AirportNA-VET PrintersNewark Airport Hilton HotelSonic Drive-inSpencer Savings BankStar-Ledger

ePatronsA & R Bulk PakAndril & Espinosa, EsqAngel Rodriguez State Farm AgencyBrand New DayCorrections Corporation of AmericaCountry Inn & Suites by CarlsonDavid Carrubba State Farm AgencyElizabeth PackersElmora Hills Healthcare & Rehabilitation CenterLarry’s GeneratorsProvident BankSDS Global LogisticsTropicana Diner & RestaurantTomasso BrothersUCEDCUnion County Clerk’s OfficeZack Painting Company

The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commercewishes to express its gratitude to the followingfor their generous support of our FifteenthAnnual Dinner.

eEvent SponsorsElizabeth Truck CenterM & M Construction

eCocktail Hour SponsorARCO Construction GroupAMB/Portview Commerce Center LLC

eCruise SponsorsBJ & M AutoElberon Development CompanyTrinitas Regional Medical Center

eReception SponsorAtalanta CorporationSovereign/Santander BankYMCA of Eastern Union County

eDinner SponsorHarbor ConsultantsPrologis

eDessert SponsorMerckPSE&G

ePrinting SponsorABG/Elegant Headwear CompanyLaundry Warehouses of Elmora & BaywayNew Jersey American Water-Liberty WaterCompanyUnion County CollegeWaste Management

eDiamond SponsorsNew York TerminalsTD BankThe Outlet Collection | Jersey GardensRegional Industries

ePlatinum SponsorsAbsolutely Energized SolarAtlantic Central LogisticsBrick City Development Company/Greater NewarkCVBBrushfire Inc.Crowne Plaza HotelEast Coast Warehouse & Distribution CorpElizabeth Courtyard & Residence Inn by MarriottAGL Elizabethtown GasHehl & HehlHighway ServiceLas Palmas Restaurant & LoungeM. Miller & SonsMedesco LLCPreferred FreezerWells Fargo BankWorkforce Advantage

eGold SponsorsAVE Living - UnionB.B. Miller & CompanyBalance Point Payroll ServiceChemiclene, IncDr. Sam Muthusamy, MDEDCElizabeth Industrial CenterElizabeth PBA Local # 4F & G ConstructionFSI Merchant ServicesHilton Newark Airport HotelInfineum USA L.P.Investors BankKean UniversityLaw Office of Leah E. Capece, Esq.LOCON Properties, LLC Omega MaintenanceS & L ContractorsSonic Drive-inSpencer Savings BankSuplee Clooney & CompanyThe LeaguersTumino TowingWorldwide Holdings & Logistics

ePatronsA & R Bulk PakAndril & Espinosa, EsqComplete Physical RehabilitationConstruction & MarineCorrections Corporation of AmericaCountry Inn & Suites HotelDavid Carrubba State Farm AgencyElizabeth PackersElmora Hills Healthcare & Rehabilitation CenterFish Window CleaningHamlett Management, LLCHub Truck Leasing & RentalTropicana Diner & RestaurantTomasso BrothersUCEDCUnion County Clerk’s Office

eGreater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce456 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208Tel 908-355-7600 • Fax 908-436-2054Email: [email protected]: elizabethchamber.comWeb: goelizabethnj.com

Chief Executive Officer, Gordon F. Haas


With a population of 124,969, the city ofElizabeth is New Jersey’s fourth-largest

city. As the Union County seat, it contains mostmajor governmental offices and courts servicingthe County. Nationally recognized fifth-termMayor Chris Bollwage, a lifelong resident of thecity, leads Elizabeth. Since 1990, Elizabeth’spopulation has grown 10 percent. Since 1993, thecurrent administration has worked to jumpstart$1.5 billion in economic development that hascreated 7,000 new jobs and brought to liferetailers such as The Outlet Collection/JerseyGardens and the AMC Jersey Gardens Theatre,the largest mall and movie theatre on the EastCoast.

The city is also home to the largest industrialseaport in North America and theNewark/Elizabeth Liberty International Airport.Elizabeth’s two NJ Transit train stations providequick access to New York City and pointwestward and south through New Jersey. Itsmany transit buses also complement this

complex transportation network and providesconvenient access to all corners of the city andbeyond. Elizabeth also boasts marvelousdiversity, resulting in a wide range of culture andheritage for all to enjoy. Its people represent morethan 50 countries and 37 language groups.

Elizabeth, at its core, has always been a city thathas worked: from its roots in the industrial era inour country, to its later years as the currentcounty seat for Union, and now a retail andtransportation center for the Metropolitan area.From the days of its founding when great mensuch as George Washington and AlexanderHamilton walked its streets, and as the first statecapital of New Jersey, Elizabeth has been blessedwith generations of residents who have defendedthe values of this country. This bold, pioneeringspirit lives on today in its residents and is part ofwhat makes Elizabeth a great American city thatmany are proud to call home, and many morelove to visit.

Our City is celebrating its 350th Anniversary in2014; there will be many exciting events to

commemorate this milestone. You can see what isplanned and sign up for a monthly update atwww.goelizabethnj.com/registration.

As a City, we have always treasured the past andlearned from it. Our City played an important partin American History during the AmericanRevolution, the Industrial Revolution andcontinues to lead in many revolutionary projects.So we will begin with a short history of our city.

ELIZABETH MILESTONES• The first English speaking community in

New Jersey• The first capitol of New Jersey• The first home of Princeton University• The home of New Jersey’s first Colonial

Governor, Phillip Carteret• Home to Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr• The home of the first Colonial Assembly and

Council Meeting• The home of the first Governor of the State after

the Declaration of Independence, WilliamLivingston

• The site where the first British ship was sunk byAmericans after the Declaration of Independence

• The home of the first President of Congress afterthe Peace Treaty with the English, Elias Boudinot

• The Singer sewing machine• The first ice cream soda• The first submarine• The first assembly line automobile producer in

the state• The home of one of the country’s great military

leaders, Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey• The home of James P. Mitchell, the Secretary of

Labor under President Eisenhower, after whomour Board of Education Administrative Buildingis named

• The home of the creator of “Tom Swift” and the“Bobsey Twins,” as well as authors Judy Blumeand “Mickey” Spillane

OVERVIEWELIZABETH AT A GLANCE

HISTORYBUILDING ON THE PAST


From the shores of the port to the beautifulgreenery of Elmora, there are plenty of exciting

things to do in Elizabeth—one of America’s mostethnically diverse and exciting cities.

MIDTOWN AND MORENow it is time to explore more of Elizabeth’shistory and sample the diversity that makes thiscity so great. Wander up to historic MidtownElizabeth, where you can enjoy more than a dozenhistorical sites and markers, which recount thedays leading up to the founding of the U.S. You canalso stop and shop, have a quick bite to eat in theMidtown shopping district or explore the historyin this area with a walking tour.

Start your walking tour at the historic ElizabethPublic Library and check out an ongoing exhibitthere. This elegant building was a gift from AndrewCarnegie in the early part of the past century. Makeyour way past the grand Union County Courthouseand take some time to admire the historicmonuments and fine architecture.

Follow the road along Broad Street to the FirstPresbyterian Church, which was also an importantbattleground during the Revolutionary War, andcheck out its fascinating cemetery. Going north onBroad Street, you will find St. John’s EpiscopalChurch, a brooding masterpiece. The church has abeautiful interior with elegant stained glass,fabulous woodwork and another fascinatingcemetery to boot.

Located further north on Broad Street is thehistoric Art Deco Hersh Tower, built during theheight of the depression as the tallest building inUnion County. Across the street is the old “UnitedCounty” bank building built in the early 1900s—an example of that time period’s style of bank.

Just up West Grand Street is the city’s main NJTransit train station, with its Plaza, a focal point ofoutdoor events. The city’s 9/11 Monument islocated here.

Back on East Jersey Street, there is the historicRitz Theatre, an Art Deco masterpiece. With 2,772seats, the theatre is one of the largest—andoldest—operating theatres in the state dating backto 1926. The Ritz has been magnificently restored.

Further down East Jersey Street is historicBoxwood Hall, the home of Elias Boudinot,President of the Continental Congress; andJonathan Dayton, the youngest signer of theConstitution. Across the street is a rare treasure—the last remaining original Royal Governor’smansion in the U.S., the Belcher Ogden Mansion,the residence of Royal Governor Jonathan Belcher.

The Bonnell House is also nearby. The residencestands as Elizabeth’s oldest building, as well as oneof the oldest in the state. The 17th Century housewas home to owner/builder Nathaniel Bonnell,who arrived in Elizabeth around the time of itsestablishment.

Elizabeth is a city of many statues and monumentsas well, something that will become apparent asyou make your way through it—some of the finestexamples are in Midtown and the Elizabeth Avenuecorridor.

Just off East Jersey Street is Winfield Scott Park,named after an important military figure. In thispark, you will find a huge Veterans’ monument, aswell as monuments to Martin Luther King Jr., thecrew of the Challenger and the extraordinarilyimpressive Vietnam Memorial.

Proceed south to Elizabeth Avenue and you beginto get a sense of the kaleidoscope of ethnicities thatis Elizabeth today.

Elizabeth Avenue is known as “The Market”because anything you could ever want is located onthese blocks. Also an important portal during theRevolutionary War, history buffs can find a markerand statue of a Minuteman at historic UnionSquare, where a key battle was fought.

SHOPPINGElizabeth is the state of New Jersey’s largest UrbanEnterprise Zone (UEZ), a very important fact toshoppers. Participating stores are eligible to chargea sales tax rate that is half the normal sales taxthroughout the rest of New Jersey. Anotherimportant sales tax fact is that in New Jersey thereis no sales tax on clothing. Armed with these facts,you now will understand why Elizabeth has such awealth of retail opportunity for shoppers.

You can start your day with a stop in the easternend of the city at IKEA, the Swedish chain’s best-selling furniture store in Northern America. Inbetween shopping for furniture, you can also enjoya taste of Swedish foods and great cinnamon bunsin their cafeteria.

From IKEA, you can stop and admire the sweepingviews of one of America’s most well knownroadways, the New Jersey Turnpike, and thespectacular view of Newark-Elizabeth Airport.Approximately 32 million passengers comethrough the airport every year.

Drive across Center Drive from IKEA to the newlyrenovated The Outlet Collection/Jersey Gardens,the state’s largest mall, and enjoy a wide selectionof shopping opportunities. The OutletCollection/Jersey Gardens is completing a majorrenovation and remerchandising in 2013. Newstores include Tommy Hilfiger, Seiko, The LegoStore and Banana Republic. The mall offers visitorsfrom around the world over 200 premium outletstores and restaurants. You will revel in thebargains you will find in the mall’s stores. Morethan 22 million people visited the mall last year,including a large international contingent due to itsproximity to the airport. This figure iscontinuously on the rise.

Once you have tired of the dizzying shoppingopportunities, you can stop for a movie and somepopcorn and ice cream in the AMC Movie Theatre,

TOURISMSTAY A WHILE

GRAND REOPENING FALL 2013Over 200 Stores All Under One Roof

www.jerseygardens.com


901 Spring Street • Elizabeth, NJ 07201(877) 2-CROWNE • (908) 527-1600

www.crowneplaza.com/newarkairport

The Crowne Plaza Newark Airport Hotel is the perfect place to stay whether you are travelingon business or pleasure. We have accommodations and facilities to meet all your travel

needs. Our exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff is always here to serve you. Whileat the Crowne Plaza be sure to take advantage of our great amenities like our "state of theart" fitness center, heated indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Our newly implemented concierge

service is a great place to stop for suggestions on activities in the area including NYC, whichis only 25 minutes away by car. You can also take our complimentary 5 mile radius shuttle to

Newark Penn Station where you can take the train directly to NY Penn Station.

Come experience the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Newark Airport

which has 20 screens, also the state’s largest. Thetheatre is designed in the same vein as an old-fashioned movie palace.

From the eastern side of the mall, you will enjoywonderful views of the Bayonne Bridge and theNewark/Elizabeth Seaport, which is one of thenation’s largest import/export facilities. If you looksouth from the mall parking lot, you can also seethe massive red brick Singer Sewing Building,which for years employed tens of thousands ofpeople, fueling Elizabeth’s inner-city economy.Further inland is historic St. Patrick’s Church—with its majestic soaring twin spires. The parkadjacent to St. Patrick’s has many wonderfulstatues, including one of Cuban Patriot Jose Martiand one of a former Monsignor of the Church.

LODGINGWith its proximity to Newark Liberty Airport,Elizabeth is home to New Jersey’s finest hotels. Thecity ranks second only to Atlantic City in total hotelrooms in New Jersey.

Among its many choices, the city is home to aHilton Hotel and the Crowne Plaza, along with aMarriott Renaissance, a Courtyard, a ResidenceInn by Marriott and the Country Inn and Suites byCarlson. Joining that list is the new Embassy SuitesHotel. In addition, several further hotel sites areeither in the planning stages or are currently underconstruction in Elizabeth. All these hotels, plusmany others close to the Newark-Elizabeth Liberty

International Airport, are convenient to IKEA andThe Outlet Collection/Jersey Gardens shoppingdistrict, with shuttle service to these locations.

DININGElizabeth is well known for its many differentvarieties of food. Everything from American toItalian to Portuguese to a wide variety of LatinAmerican culinary delights is accessible inElizabeth. A host of produce stores and meatmarkets hold court around the historic UnionSquare area. The Elizabeth Avenue area features afarmers’ market, an annual tradition since 1890,throughout the spring, summer and fall, and freeconcerts during the summer months.

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTSThe city’s ethnic diversity is reflected in its specialethnic days, festivals and parades. The ElizabethLatin Carnival is held in early September, drawingcrowds in excess of 250,000 people, as does theElizabeth Latin Waterfront Festival, which is heldin the spring. Colombians, Cubans, Haitians,Dominicans and Portuguese show their pride andculture with festivals and parades throughout theyear. The Mayor’s Office and the Elizabeth PublicLibrary celebrate various flag raisings forColombians, Peruvians, Italians, Polish, Irish andmore. Elizabethport Day, Julyfest and Unity Day arespecial festival days. African-American Historyand Hispanic Heritage Months are also widelycelebrated at many of the city’s institutions.

The city introduced the Tour De Elizabeth, anannual bike tour of the entire city, in 2003. Since itsinception, the event has grown from 100 riders toover 750 riders. Held the third Sunday in May, thisis an event not to be missed.

REGIONAL CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUThe Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce andthe city of Elizabeth, in conjunction with theNewark Regional Business Partnership and the cityof Newark, have created a Convention and VisitorsBureau to represent the burgeoning hotel industry,retail opportunities and entertainment venues inthe Newark area, such as the New JerseyPerforming Arts Center and the Prudential Center,which is home to the New Jersey Devils NHL team.The Bureau has been successful in the past inattracting several major events including the 2011NCAA Eastern Regional “Sweet 16” and “Elite 8.”The CVB continues playing an integral part as anorganizing arm of the NY NJ Host Committee forthe 2014 NFL Super Bowl. It is also working withthe 350th Anniversary Committee to help celebrateand market its yearlong celebration.


RECREATIONA WORLD TO EXPLORE

With approximately 46 parks, there is always alittle bit of something for everyone to enjoy

in Elizabeth. Its main parks include Warinancoand Mattano parks, both belonging to the countysystem, and the majestic Veteran’s MemorialWaterfront Park. The city’s most extensive park isWarinanco Park, a county park designed by thenoted landscape architect Frederick Olmstead,who also designed New York’s Central Park. It istruly a park for all seasons, with winding trails,huge trees, flower gardens, an ice skating rink,track, fitness course, tennis courts and football,soccer and baseball fields. In the spring, cherryblossoms sprout and turn the park into a colorfulplace that must be seen. Azaleas, tulips andmagnolias surround the park. Also, a windingwaterway with various birds and waterfowlcrosses through the park.

At the eastern end of town is the Veteran’sMemorial Waterfront Park, which Mayor Bollwagededicated in 1993. The park fronts the Kill VanKull waterway, which flows into the New YorkHarbor. The boardwalk recreation area contains afishing pier, tables for chess, bike racks andbenches. There is a city-run marina that has slipsand dry-docking facilities for more than 60privately owned pleasure and fishing boats.

At Mattano Park, there are more ball fields,playgrounds and a water spray feature for childrenin the summer. There are beautiful views of green

fields and the Elizabeth River. Union County’s PhilRizzuto Park borders Elizabeth/Union/Hillside inhonor of the late New York Yankee Hall-of-Famebaseball player. The park is a 10.4-acre multi-usefacility that also contains a “BoundlessPlayground” area, which allows children withdisabilities to play alongside their peers.

The city has a number of recreation centers opento the public throughout Elizabeth, including theThomas G. Dunn Sports Center and the YMCA onMadison Avenue. Elizabeth is within easy drivingdistance of several public golf courses in UnionCounty, including Ash Brook and Galloping Hill.During the off-season, Galloping Hill istransformed into a winter wonderland, offeringsledding, cross-country skiing and iceskating.

The city of Elizabeth has served as a backdrop fora number of famous movie productions, including“The Wrestler,” with Academy Award NomineeMickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei. Many musicvideos have used the city as a backdrop. TV showssuch as “The Sopranos” have used the city forfilming episodes.

Elizabeth’s Department of Recreation boasts awide-array of programs that makes it one of thebest in the state. Every kind of sport imaginable isoffered: from youth sports leagues to tennisinstruction, to basketball, baseball, soccer, softball,swimming and boxing. There are also day campsand ceramic and flower classes. The departmentruns two in-ground pools and six fountainsprinkler systems from July 4th until Labor Day.


The city of Elizabeth is at the center of an air,land and sea regional transportation network

that is continuing to see upgrades during the city’scurrent boom in commerce.

NEWARK AIRPORTNewark has long been on the forefront of aviationhistory. Opening in 1928, it is the nation’s oldestairfield and home to the nation’s first commercialairline terminal. In fact, in 1935, Amelia Earhartled the dedication of this landmark terminalbuilding. (Only London’s Croydon Aerodromepredates the Newark terminal.) Located partly inNewark and partly in Elizabeth, Newark is locatedonly 14 miles from Manhattan, serving a criticalrole for the New York-New Jersey metropolitanarea. Newark Liberty continues to build on itsheritage of innovation with leadership roles incongestion mitigation and the campaign forNextGen technology.

The Port Authority takes its role as a communityleader very seriously. This includes everythingfrom investing in the infrastructure that keeps theregion moving to investing in the people andplaces that make it all work.

We work closely with communities and electedofficials throughout the region on a variety ofcommunity-based initiatives. We continue to be a

strong proponent of noise-abatement programs inlocal schools, a leader in the use of alternative-fueled vehicles and a major funder of the Councilfor Airport Opportunity and Air ServiceDevelopment Office.

Each year, we host a number of educational andcommunity events, which range from career daysthat help students explore aviation careeropportunities to an annual 5K Run at TeterboroAirport. Many of our airport staff meet regularlywith local community boards, participate incommunity forums and serve in communityorganizations during their spare time. We livehere, too, and do all we can to make a difference.

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Important Phone Numbers(All area codes 908)

CITY CLERK ...................................................................820-4130CITY HALL (Main) ..........................................................820-4000ELIZABETH BOARD OF EDUCATION .................................436-5000ELIZABETH HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM...................352-8450ELIZABETH OFFICE ON AGING ........................................820-4044ELIZABETH PUBLIC LIBRARY...........................................354-6060EMERGENCY...........................................................................911FIRE HEADQUARTERS ....................................................820-2800HOUSING AUTHORITY OF ELIZABETH..............................965-2400INFOLINE......................................................................820-4243LIBERTY WATER COMPANY...................................1-800-652-6987PARKING AUTHORITY ....................................................353-0949POLICE HEADQUARTERS.................................................558-2000POST OFFICE (MAIN BRANCH)........................................820-8540PUBLIC INFORMATION...................................................820-4124RECYCLING INFORMATION .............................................820-4154VITAL STATISTICS (licenses, etc) ......................................820-4082VIOLATIONS BUREAU.....................................................527-6575

COMMERCEGREATER ELIZABETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ...............355-7600ELIZABETH DEVELOPMENT COMPANY .............................289-0262ELIZABETH AVENUE PARTNERSHIP..................................965-0660HISTORIC MIDTOWN ELIZABETH (SID) ............................355-9600

UNION COUNTYMAIN LINE ....................................................................527-4000OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER.................................527-4200CLERK OF THE BOARD ...................................................527-4787INFOLINE ...........................................................1-877-424-1234

OTHERSNJ TRANSIT (bus and rail) ......................................973-275-5555NJ MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION ...........................609-292-6500

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UNION COUNTY COLLEGEUnion County College is a public comprehensivecommunity college providing quality, affordable,accessible educational programs that serve thegreater Union County region. It is the first of NewJersey’s 19 community colleges, serving bothcareer-minded and transfer-oriented studentssince 1933. The college enrolls almost 30,000credit, noncredit and continuing educationstudents and is accredited by the Middle StatesCommission on Higher Education. Union CountyCollege provides opportunities for highereducation for people of diverse ethnic, racial,cultural, educational and socioeconomicbackgrounds in a multi-campus setting. Thecollege has four campuses, which are located inCranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield and Scotch Plains.It strives to promote in students a sense ofresponsibility for their own development and anunderstanding of their obligations as members ofa democratic society. The college fosters in itsstudents the desire to learn, the ability to thinkclearly and express themselves effectively, thehabit of analytical and reflective thought and anawareness of themselves, their heritage, othercultures and their environment. Dr. Margaret M.McMenamin serves as the college’s eighthpresident.

The college offers more than 75 programs of study,many of which lead to the Associate’s in Arts andthe Associate’s in Science degrees. Students whosatisfactorily complete these two-year programsmay transfer to four-year institutions for theirjunior and senior years.

In addition, Union County College confers theAssociate’s in Science degree upon graduates ofthe Trinitas School of Nursing in Elizabeth. TheElizabeth campus also houses the Institute forIntensive English, providing English instructionfor those wishing to learn English as a secondlanguage.

Thanks to funding from the Union County Boardof Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey CountyCollege Capital Project Fund, the Elizabeth I.Kellogg building opened on the Elizabeth campus

in the fall of 2009. It is located approximately oneblock south of the college’s existing Sidney F.Lessner Building and adds 132,000 square feet oflibrary and instructional space to the Elizabethcampus. The building was developed by the UnionCounty Improvement Authority and houses degreeprograms, continuing education offerings, a lecturehall, state-of-the-art information commons andlibrary, and serves as a new home for the TrinitasSchool of Nursing. The top floor houses theheadquarters of the college’s Industry BusinessInstitute (IBI) along with a conference center.

The Union County Improvement Authorityfinanced the project, and the state of New Jerseycontributed $19 million through the CountyCollege Capital Projects Fund. In addition, theUnion County Board of Chosen Freeholders hasestablished the Freeholder Scholars Program forUnion County students who have attained a recordof academic success in high school. Thescholarship will cover two free years of college inpursuit of an associate’s degree. Distance learningopportunities, such as courses by DVD, areincreasing with each semester.

Through the college’s Industry Business Institute,educational training programs can be designedfor any company or organization. The Division ofEconomic Development and ContinuingEducation provides professional development andpersonal enrichment opportunities for individualswho live or work in Union County. Classes offeredthrough this division include career certificateprograms.

Union County College offers a wide range ofactivities for students, including the honor societyPhi Theta Kappa (a five-star chapter), an award-winning newspaper and various athleticprograms.

Union County College has an unparalleledcommitment to strategic planning, to studentsuccess and to diversity. At the college, studentsare number one.

KEAN UNIVERSITYFounded in 1855, Kean University has become acomprehensive, metropolitan institution of highereducation, boasting a richly diverse student,faculty and staff population. Kean’s fiveundergraduate colleges and its Nathan WeissGraduate College now serve more than 16,000students.

While Kean continues to play a key role in thetraining of teachers, it is also a hub of educational,technological and cultural enrichment. More than50 undergraduate degrees and more than 35options leading to a doctoral or master’s degree,professional diploma or state certification are

offered. Among these are Kean’s first doctoralprograms, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in UrbanLeadership and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) inSchool Psychology. The university also offers anopportunity for students wishing to pursue acareer in medicine through a partnership betweenKean, Drexel University College of Medicine andSaint Peter’s University Hospital.

In 2007, the university acquired the historicLiberty Hall Museum. Built in 1772, this valuablehistoric resource now serves as a venue for classes,lectures and special presentations in a widevariety of disciplines.

The campus recently completed several extensiveconstruction and renovation projects, includingtwo new residence halls. Kean’s eight residencehalls now accommodate nearly 2,000 students inapartment-style suites and traditionaldormitories.

One of the signature projects of this academic yearis a new, mixed-use building that will serve as anentryway to the Kean campus at the corner ofMorris Avenue and Green Lane. The six-storybuilding will feature a café and retail space on thefirst floor, classrooms and administrative space onfloors two through five, and a conference centerand rooftop terrace on the sixth floor. The newbuilding will be home to Kean’s Robert BuschSchool of Design, as well as the university’s ever-expanding business programs.

The New Jersey Center for Science, Technologyand Mathematics, founded in 2003, is housed inthe STEM building. LEED Gold Certified by theU.S. Green Building Council, STEM features sixstories of technology-oriented classrooms,laboratories and auditorium space that enhancestudent learning.

Continuing its role as a leader in environmentallyfriendly practices, Kean pioneered the state’s firstundergraduate program in Sustainability Studies.The university also signed a memorandum ofunderstanding with the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) committing to reduce waste andboost recycling on campus, as well as to decreasethe university’s carbon footprint. Kean’s aerobicin-vessel digester recycles all food waste oncampus as part of its Blue Goes Green campaign.

Kean’s Human Rights Institute (HRI) offers abroad range of activities, conferences andcurricula that aim to raise awareness of humanrights violations worldwide and to inspire action

EDUCATIONLIFE-LONG LEARING


among students, teachers and the general public,in an effort to combat social injustices. Kean alsooffers an interdisciplinary M.A. in Holocaust &Genocide Studies degree that explores theHolocaust, anti-Semitism, and other genocidesand atrocities.

As part of its rich campus life, Kean also offersmore than 130 academic, professional interest andphilanthropic student groups, as well ascompetitive Division III sports programs and anarray of visual and performing arts.

Kean’s East Campus, home to the Nathan WeissGraduate College, also houses the Institute forAdults Living with Communication Disabilities, aswell as the Department of Psychology and theCommunity Psychology Clinic. It featuresenhanced classrooms and the Gene & ShelleyEnlow Recital Hall, a premiere 332-seatperformance space.

In addition to the Union campus, Kean and OceanCounty College (OCC) have established KeanOcean, a partnership that enables residents in theregion to complete the upper division coursesrequired for certain Kean Universityundergraduate and graduate degree programs onthe OCC campus.

For more information, please visit us online atwww.kean.edu or call (908) 737-KEAN.

ELIZABETH PUBLIC SCHOOLSThere are more than 22,000 students in 31 publicschools and two early childhood centers, makingthe Elizabeth Schools System among the largest inthe state, with a professional and support staffnumbering just about 3,000. The children inattendance represent more than 50 countries and37 language groups.

The system’s Pre-K, elementary and middleschools are located in the city’s neighborhoods.There is one central high school, the largest in thestate, located in the city’s Midtown district. Avariety of educational offerings are available in thepublic schools, including honors and advancedprograms, bilingual and English as a SecondLanguage programs, a Gifted and Talented trackand special education programs.

The high school’s track, baseball, basketball andfootball programs are among the best in the state,and the school has spawned many professionalathletes who have gone onto successful careers.The school’s marching band has also won manystate competitions.

Educational programs initiated under MayorBollwage’s administration include the LEAP(Linking Educational After-School Programs) andSOAR (Special Opportunity for Achievement andReawakening) programs, which provide after-school programs and activities centering onbuilding leadership skills and health education,

including workshops for children about alcohol,tobacco control, drug and violence prevention.

The Mayor created the Office on Youth, and, aspart of this function, created a Youth AdvisoryBoard to consult on the needs of children.

ELIZABETH PUBLIC LIBRARYThe Elizabeth Public Library is a modern librarysystem meeting the needs of Elizabeth residents,businesses and students for both traditional andinnovative library services.

The library provides services both on the Internetand at its four locations. By accessing the library’sweb page, persons with valid library cards haveaccess to our virtual library 24/7, which includese-books and online reference resources.

The library produces several hundred programs ayear for children and adults. There are magic, craftand storytelling programs for children, as well ascultural and ethnic programming reflecting themany heritages of the residents of Elizabeth. Manystaff members are fluent in Spanish and some inPortuguese and Creole.

PRIVATE EDUCATIONElizabeth also offers many options for private andparochial education. There are more than a dozenprivate schools offering educational opportunities,including Catholic, Christian and Jewish. Thereare also a number of options for daycare, pre-school and nursery schools.

http://www.kean.edu/


BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTThe city of Elizabeth is at the economic epicenter ofNew Jersey, a hub of transportation, shipping,industrial and retail opportunities. Businesseslooking to invest in the city will discover anestablished and reliable network of public andprivate partners ready to assist with financial needs.The city’s lead development agency is the ElizabethDevelopment Company (EDC), a powerful andeffective partner that is a “one-stop” shoppingcenter for business development.

ELIZABETH DEVELOPMENT COMPANYDoing business in the city of Elizabeth is easier andmore profitable than ever. Opportunities for successare driven in large part by the skills and the visionof the Elizabeth Development Company. The EDC, anonprofit economic development corporation withan independent Board of Trustees, was establishedin 1977 to help meet Elizabeth’s economicdevelopment needs. The EDC serves as a catalyst foreconomic advancement; it has earned state andnational acclaim for both its highly successfulUrban Enterprise Zone and its innovativecommunity development initiatives.

Working in cooperation with Elizabeth Mayor ChrisBollwage, the EDC and its Urban Enterprise Zoneprogram are driving the city’s economic resurgence.Since its inception, the EDC has helped generatemore than $2 billion in new economic investmentsin the city that have put thousands of area residentsto work.

For more than 35 years, the EDC has helpedbusinesses and entrepreneurs succeed byconnecting them with the financing anddevelopment tools needed to make projects movequickly and efficiently from proposal to reality.

The EDC and its staff are well-equipped to supportbusinesses—both large and small—with virtuallyall of their needs, including: site location, financialassistance, tax relief incentives, access to quality jobtraining, employment placement services andmuch more. When it comes to building strong,viable businesses in Elizabeth, the EDC serves as acomplete “one-stop” shop.

The EDC has also expanded its role inredevelopment by taking a leadership position inrevitalization projects throughout the city. The EDChas completed the successful renovation of alandmark downtown commercial bank and thedevelopment of new, affordable housing for seniorresidents in a vital city neighborhood with keynonprofit organizations in the city. The agency isactively assisting in the development of a range ofadditional projects.

The city’s award-winning Urban Enterprise Zone(UEZ) program offers major tax break incentives tobusinesses and developers, plus a reduced sales tax

to customers. Elizabeth’s UEZ is a valuable tool forrevitalizing neighborhoods large and small. Itsinnovative planning programs have also helpedsecure tens of millions of dollars in targeted stateand federal tax benefits available to developers whopursue projects in specific city neighborhoods.

URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE (Elizabeth’s UEZ)The UEZ program was developed by the state ofNew Jersey to help promote redevelopment in itsurban centers. The goal of the UEZ is to advancesustainable growth by helping businesses succeedin city neighborhoods.

Since its inception, Elizabeth’s UEZ program hasbeen a catalyst for more than $2 billion in neweconomic development in the city—fueling thecreation of thousands of new jobs. These initiativesrange from large-scale redevelopment efforts alongthe city’s waterfront, to more targeted projectsrevitalizing business districts in the city’s vibrantneighborhoods.

Elizabeth’s UEZ Benefits Include:• Reduced sales tax—most retail businesses can

charge customers half the state sales tax rate• Sales tax exemption on most business-related

purchases• Corporate tax credits• Unemployment insurance rebates• Below-market rate loans

The 50 percent reduced sales tax benefit hasprovided over $150 million in additional funds forreinvestment into the Zone. This massivereinvestment included funding for additionalpolice, elaborate streetscape beautifications andenhanced infrastructure improvements, as well asmany other economic development programsdesigned to help businesses succeed in Elizabeth.

COMMERCIAL LOANSThe EDC offers a wide range of financing, whichprovides flexible terms and below-market-rateloans for small to large businesses and commercialprojects located within the city’s Urban EnterpriseZone. Projects can range from land acquisition andnew construction to business improvements, newequipment and working capital.

NEW MARKET TAX CREDITSThe EDC received $35 million in New Market TaxCredit allocations in 2006 and 2007—the onlyallocations awarded to a wholly New Jersey-basedcommunity development entity. These funds, in theform of equity investment or below-marketfinancing, are being used to support major retailand commercial redevelopment projects in the city.

SMART GROWTHSmart Growth is a term used by the state of NewJersey to describe well-planned, well-managedgrowth that adds new commercial and residentialdevelopment, as well as the creation of new jobs,while preserving open space and environmentalresources. Smart Growth is an approach to land-useplanning that targets the state’s resources toenhance the quality of life for New Jersey residents.Smart Growth principles include mixed-usedevelopment, walkable town centers andneighborhoods, mass transit accessibility,sustainable economic and social development, aswell as preserved green space.

To limit sprawl in New Jersey, Smart Growthprioritizes development and redevelopment effortsin communities with existing infrastructurenetworks such as Elizabeth. With a populationboom of more than 10 percent over the last decade,Elizabeth is the quintessential Smart Growthsuccess story. The city’s efforts to embrace theSmart Growth strategy have paid off.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTPROGRESS & PROSPERITY

To find out more about Elizabeth’s Urban Enterprise Zone call theElizabeth Development Company at 908-289-0262

or visit them online @ edcnj.org

edcnj.org


TRANSIT HUBThe city of Elizabeth is ready to implement acomprehensive redevelopment plan for MidtownElizabeth that will bring more than 1 million squarefeet of new commercial, retail and residential spaceto this vibrant center of commerce.

Twenty acres of the region’s premier real estate inMidtown Elizabeth are primed for targetedeconomic development that can leverage tens ofmillions of dollars in state and federal tax creditsand incentives, as well as Urban Enterprise Zonebenefits, to ensure its success. The area is alsolocated in an Urban Enterprise Zone, affording itadditional benefits.

A six-block stretch in Midtown Elizabeth locatednext to the Elizabeth train station and bordered byUnion County College has been identified as thearea’s best potential for new commercialdevelopment.

Three specific sites, ranging in size from two tothree acres and all within one block of the trainstation, each can now be developed with as much as300,000 square feet of office space with retailcomponents, or as mixed-use commercial andresidential space. Additionally, a 120,000-square-foot expansion of Union County College facilitieshas been completed along with the construction ofa new 1,500-space parking deck, which includes27,000 square feet of commercial space.

All three sites are located in the city’s Urban TransitHub Tax Credit District, a state initiative available todevelopers in Elizabeth and other urban centers.The state passed the Urban Transit Hub initiative toencourage investment and job growth aroundtransit hubs.

In Elizabeth, the Hub Tax Credit District providesan up to 100 percent state tax credit to corporationsthat make a minimum capital investment of $50million in a project in Midtown Elizabeth, andcreate or retain a minimum 250 jobs in the city’sdistrict. These tax credits are available to bothowner/occupants and tenants. A lesser credit, 35percent is available for mixed-use projects of asimilar scope.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS –NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAMThe Neighborhood Revitalization Tax CreditProgram offers business entities a 100 percent taxcredit against various NJ State taxes for investing inthe revitalization of designated neighborhoods.Eligible neighborhood projects can receive up to $1million annually to assist with pre-developmentand implementation costs. Elizabeth has two NRTCdesignated neighborhoods, one in Elizabethportand, more recently, another in historic Midtown.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONThe city of Elizabeth is situated in one of the mostdensely populated and wealthy regions in thenation, making for an ideal location for businessesto thrive. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, nearly7.5 million people live within a 15-mile radius ofElizabeth, earning over $200 billion a year with anaverage household income of $80,000.

Immediate access to a far-reaching network of air,sea, rail and trucking facilities makes Elizabeth apremier location for moving goods and peoplearound the region, the country and the world.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSThe Elizabeth Avenue Partnership (EAP) is anonprofit organization created and designated bythe city of Elizabeth to manage the ElizabethAvenue Special Improvement District (SID). Thepartnership plays a key role in the management andmarketing of the business district and has beeninstrumental in the resurgence of the popularFarmer’s Market in the area.

The Historic Midtown SID is undergoing majoreconomic revitalization, with the recent addition ofseveral new major banks and restaurants to thedistrict. The district management team hasdeveloped new initiatives and programs to supportMidtown.

Other SID projects include multi-million-dollarstreetscape improvements, continuing in bothSpecial Improvement Districts. Both of these pro-active special improvement districts have beenextremely successful in maintaining some of thelowest shopping vacancy rates in the region.

ELIZABETH RETAIL SKILLSCENTER…YOUR SUCCESS STARTS HEREThe Retail Skills Center is an innovativeemployment facility whose recruitment, training,customer service certification and job placementservices can help businesses develop and retain anefficient workforce. Since opening, the center hasserved hundreds of businesses in the region andprovided training for thousands of area residents.Today, the center operates in conjunction withUnion County College, so participants can earn notonly job skills, but continuing education skills aswell.

HOPE VI In 1997, the Housing Authority of the city ofElizabeth received a $28.9 million federal grant tobuild more than 575 homeownership and rentalunits for low, moderate and median incomehouseholds. The new units opened in Elizabethportand dramatically transformed the look, the feel andthe lifestyle in the city’s oldest neighborhood.

This federal grant also leveraged additional publicand private investment, totaling more than $100million and further enhancing the revitalization ofthe Elizabethport neighborhood. The city openedthe multi-million-dollar HOPE VI ElizabethportCommunity Center located on Second Street.

MIDTOWN REDEVELOPMENTThe $250 million project has moved forward withthe completion of the Pedestrian Plaza and theMidtown historic train station renovations. A caféoperates in the train station located next to thebeautiful Pedestrian Plaza. The Midtown area wasdesignated by the state as a “Transit Village,”enabling additional incentives to help expeditesurrounding redevelopment.

MERRITT MILLER-DUFFY, CICPresident

Office: 908-352-7300Fax: [email protected]

P.O. Box 260283 N. Broad St.

Elizabeth, NJ 07207

THE INSURANCE SPECIALISTS EIFCU is a member-owned financial cooperative. As a credit union, Entertainment Industries Federal Credit Union exists to serve our

member owners. Call, stop by or visit our website www.eicu.org today.

16 West Grand Street • Elizabeth, NJ 07201Phone: 908-282-9881 • www.eicu.org

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community helping the local economy.Now is the time to make the switch.

Is your credit poor and in need of repair, and you have been laid off and now living on less? We will help you restructure your debt by lending you money. You will have a manageable

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The city of Elizabeth operates under a mayor-council form of government. In addition to

the mayor, there are nine council members, six ofwhom are ward representatives and three thatserve at-large. Both mayor and council membersare elected to serve four-year terms. City councilmeetings are generally held the second andfourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

City Hall is located at 50 Winfield Scott Plaza inthe historic Midtown District. Elizabeth is alsothe county seat, with the Union CountyAdministration Building and the CountyCourthouse located within the Midtown Districtat Rahway Avenue and South Broad Street.

The Elizabeth Development Company, whichadministers the city’s Urban Enterprise ZoneProgram and many helpful business programsand incentives, is located on North Broad Streetand Westfield Avenue.

The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce isthe champion of its robust citywide businesscommunity. There are two merchant associations,the Midtown Special Improvement District andthe Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, that playimportant roles in the area’s major businessdistricts.

The award-winning Elizabeth Public Libraryserves the city’s community with severalbranches, bookmobile service and its newlyrenovated Main Branch on 11 S. Broad Street. Itscomputer offerings are considered among themost impressive in the state.

The Police Department/Municipal CourtComplex is located at 1 Police Plaza (East GrandSt.), off Broad Street in Midtown, and the MainPost Office, considered an architecturalmasterpiece, is located at N. Broad Street andWestfield Avenue.

GOVERNMENTSERVING THE PEOPLE

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dAmerican Red CrossWhen disaster strikes, Red Cross Volunteers givethe gift of hope by offering the essentials of food,clothing and shelter. Join our team of volunteersand be part of the solution for disaster relief.Every day the Red Cross is in the community.Through blood drives, disaster response andeducation, the city of Elizabeth can count on theRed Cross to be there when disaster strikes, downthe street, across the country and around theworld. To get involved with the Red Cross, visitwww.njredcross.org or call 908-232-7090.

d Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County -Elizabeth ClubThe Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, Inc. is aprivate nonprofit, nonsectarian youth serviceagency affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs ofAmerica. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs ofUnion County – Elizabeth Club is to enable allyoung people to reach their full potential asproductive, caring, responsible citizens. We arecommitted to the long-term development of everychild who comes through our doors by providingguidance and a series of caring relationships withadults and peers. For further information onprograms and services offered at the ElizabethClub call 908-351-3344.

d Brand New DayBrand New Day, Inc.’s (BND) mission is toenhance the quality of life for low- to moderate-income individuals, youth and families. BNDoffers services to the community in the areas offoreclosure prevention, homeownershipcounseling, rental of affordable housing,development of rental/homeownership units andyouth services. BND builds affordable housing inthe area, and has homes for sale and rent. BND, aHUD-certified counseling agency, provides freecounseling to families who want to restore theircredit, purchase a home or families facingforeclosure. BND is proud to offer GED educationand construction trade training to at-risk youththrough Youthbuild Elizabeth. People can get moreinformation at www.brandnewdaycdc.org or 908-282-0781.

d Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services—Your Community PartnerBridgeway Rehabilitation Services helps peoplewith mental health disorders return to productiveroles in the labor market, and can also help you—local employers—find well trained andresponsible employees. Bridgeway ensurespotential employees are job ready, provides on thejob support to both employee and employer, andcan assist you in obtaining tax credits.

Bridgeway has been providing services to theElizabeth community for 40 years, and has a

successful track record in employee placement.Funded by the State of NJ, there is no charge foryou company to use our services. To find out howyou can use Bridgeway’s resources to make yourbusiness more successful, call 908-686-2956.

d Community Access Unlimited (CAU)Community Access Unlimited (CAU) is a multi-faceted human services agency with a mission toprovide community access through effective andcomprehensive support services for people withdisabilities, at-risk youth and people. We helppeople with housing, life skills training,employment, health maintenance, moneymanagement, socialization, education and civicactivities. CAU also provides training inassertiveness, decision-making and civil rights.We provide more all-encompassing residentialand support services than any other organizationof our kind. We are the only agency in UnionCounty that provides such a comprehensivecontinuum of care for people with developmentaldisabilities and youth in New Jersey’s child welfaresystem. For more information call 908-354-3040.

d Elizabeth Coalition to House the HomelessThe Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homelesshas been the prime service provider to thehomeless and near homeless of the greater UnionCounty area for 30 years. Services are deliveredthrough three basic programs: Project Gatekeeper,an Emergency Case Management program for anyhousehold having housing difficulties; HospitalityHouse, a transitional housing service for familiesineligible for public assistance; and Bernice’sPlace, an after-school program and summerrecreation program for homeless youth. For moreinformation call 908-355-2060.

d Elizabeth PackersEstablished in October 2008, The ElizabethPackers Inc. is community-based football andcheerleading program, under the National PopWarner organization. The Elizabeth Packers isrecognized 501(c)(3) organization, primarilyestablished to develop and solidify a positive

relationship for the youth of the city of Elizabeth.Our program is geared towards elementary,middle school and high school aged childrenbetween the ages of 5 and 15 years old. We strive to:

• Improve the life skills of all youth throughexceptional coaching practices, competition,daily life lessons and coping skills,

• Instill the values of education,

• Teach sportsmanship, build character anddiscipline coupled with love of the game,

• Encourage the participants to maintain goodgrades in school and to emphasize theimportance of keeping a proper relationship andbalance between scholastic and athleticendeavors,

• Keep our community youth engaged and awayfrom situations that lead to bad behavior; and

• Help kids become more active in an effort todecrease obesity in children.

Our program’s regular season commences onAugust 1st through the end of October; however,we strive to implement activities during the off-season to keep the city’s youth engaged in positiveactivities.

Visit us at: www.elizabethpackers.orgContact Kenneth Vaughn at: (973) 392-2680 e-mail: [email protected]

d Family & Children’s ServicesFamily & Children’s Services (FACS) is anindependent, non-profit, behavioral health andsocial service agency based in Elizabeth andserving Union County and the surrounding area.Since 1893, our mission has been to strengthenfamilies and individuals by providingcomprehensive personalized services with apriority to serve those most vulnerable, at-riskand underserved.

Services offered to the community include;evidence-based trauma therapy for children andyouth, individual, family, and couples counseling,

SOCIALSERVICES


homeless prevention case management andcounseling for at-risk youth. For more informationplease visit our website at www.facsnj.org or call908-352-7474.

d Father Hudson HouseCenter for Hope; Assisted Living and Respite Care:

As part of the Center for Hope’s unique residentialservice, Fr. Hudson House in Elizabeth and Peggy’sHouse, in Scotch Plains, NJ provide a homelikeenvironment customized to individual needs.With a focus on those who need compassionate,skilled care through the later stages of life, ourprofessional staff of nurses, doctors, aides, socialworkers, chaplains, cooks, volunteers and otherswork to guarantee that our residents’ needs,comfort and concerns are our top priorities.

All personal and medical care is provided in eachresident’s private room, complete with an en suitebathroom. Our generously staffed facilities, andlimited number of residents, allow for a level ofattention unequalled by more costly alternatives.

Families can relax knowing that the ever evolvingchallenges of caring for an ill fragile loved one arebeing professionally managed, allowing them tospend time visiting – not worrying.

Please call 908-889-7780 with questions, or toinquire about our rates and room availability.

d Groundwork ElizabethGroundwork Elizabeth is a 501c3 nonprofitorganization, which partners with the public andthe private sector, as well as other nonprofits andthe community at large, to improve the physicalenvironment and the quality of life within thecommunity. Groundwork works to instillenvironmental ownership within the communitythrough education, community gardening (TheCome Grow With Us! Community GardeningProgram) and volunteerism as it plants trees,hosts cleanups, makes park and accessibilityimprovements and hosts an extremely popularannual cycling event, the “Tour de Elizabeth” withmany other stakeholders. Groundwork helps tocoordinate the City, County, public, private sectorand the community at large as the groups worktogether to continue to vision and build theElizabeth River Trail. For more information, logonto Groundwork’s website atwww.groundworkelizabeth.com, [email protected] or call ExecutiveDirector Jonathan Phillips at 908-289-0262.

d Institute of Music for ChildrenThe Institute of Music for Children, Inc., anonprofit arts organization located in Elizabeth,offers year-round instruction in instrumentalmusic, (violin, piano, guitar, drums) voice, dance,drama, filmmaking and more to children agesthree to 18. Working together in small groups withprofessional artist/educators the children learnvaluable skills and experience the joy of creatingand self-expression. Classes are offered on

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays (Teen Night) andSaturdays during the school year. During thesummer, the Institute offers a five-week SummerCamp program.

Reduced tuition and scholarship awards insurethat every child has access to quality artseducation. At the heart of the Institute is creatingH.A.R.M.O.N.Y. - Helping Achieve ResponsibleMotivated Optimistic Neighborhood Youth and itbelieves that the most effective way of doing this isto provide in-depth arts experiences that aid inthe personal and academic development of itsyouth. Find out more about The Institute atwww.instituteofmusic.org,www.facebook.com/InstituteofMusic, 908-469-1211 x6.

d Jewish Family Service of Central NJJewish Family Service of Central New Jersey is afamily oriented, nonsectarian health and socialservice agency that provides family counselingand Older Adult Services to people in UnionCounty.

Clients served through the Family and ChildrenServices Department resolve issues with maritalrelationships, parenting skills and individualproblems such as depression or anxiety. Inaddition, we provide adoption home studies, foodpantry and the Economic Response Team – ourmost current initiative to help those who areunemployed. As for Older Adult Services, theorganization offers homemakers and home healthaides, Kosher Meals on Wheels, personal caretransportation, case management, counseling,caregiver support, community health nursing,safety in the home, medication management andGrandparents as Parents. For additionalinformation call 908-352-8375.

d Josephine’s PlaceJosephine’s Place is reflective of the needs of thewomen who come there and unique in the scopeof services and commitment of its volunteers andparticipants. Women come to Josephine’s Place tolearn to meet together, to help one another and tofind out about resources in the community forthemselves and their families. Each year, thenumber of women coming to Josephine’s Placeincreases. As their mothers participate inactivities, children play in a dedicated spacecontaining books, toys and videos, all donated bypeople throughout the area. In recognition of itscontribution to Elizabeth, Josephine’s Placereceived a Unity Achievement Award from theUnion County Human Resources Commission andwas recognized as a “Good Samaritan” by theElizabethport Presbyterian Center. For moreinformation call 908-436-0099.

d Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ Inspired by Jewish values, Federation cares forpeople in need locally, in Israel, and around theworld. It stands at the center of a network of 27

local and 4 overseas partner agencies to help meetthe educational, vocational, recreational, andsocial needs of the Greater MetroWest Jewishcommunity of Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union, andparts of Somerset County.

Federation raises and allocates the funds neededto respond to the diversity of Jewish needs on anongoing basis and in emergent situations throughits annual United Jewish Appeal Campaign.Among the many programs Federation supportsare: job training and placement services for theunemployed; crisis counseling for families;supportive services for seniors; Jewish identitybuilding initiatives; programs/services for peoplewith special needs and their families; makingJewish education affordable; Jewish camping;Israel education and advocacy; leadershipdevelopment; and Birthright Israel. Contact us at:973-929-3000, 908 889-5335 or visitwww.jfedgmw.org.

d NJ Sharing NetworkThrough organ and tissue donation andtransplantation, NJ Sharing Network saves lives,gives hope, and restores physical function. NJSharing Network is also dedicated to educatingthe public about the benefits of donation andtransplantation and supporting both donorfamilies and transplant recipients.

As a non-profit, federally-certified, state-approvedorgan procurement organization, NJ SharingNetwork is responsible for the recovery of organsand tissue for the 5,000 New Jersey residentscurrently awaiting transplantation, and is part ofthe national recovery system, which is in place forthe over 115,000 people on waiting lists.

Thousands of participants come together eachyear to join us for our Annual 5K Walk & USATFCertified Race that supports the NJ SharingNetwork’s mission and honos those whose liveshave been touched by our work.

Visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org for moreinformation and to get involved with the 5KWalk/Race or call us at 908-516-5400.

d Old First Historic Trust (OFHT)In 1664, 20 families began the colony of NewJersey. They named their settlementElizabethtown in honor of Elizabeth, wife of theproprietor George Carteret. They built ameetinghouse which evolved into the FirstPresbyterian Church, 42 Broad St. with its adjacentburial grounds. The church was the first home ofwhat is now Princeton University. It was also ahotbed of Revolutionary War activity as its pastorRev. James Caldwell united the people againstKing George.

Today, the historic grounds and buildings areundergoing a renaissance. A nearly completed$10-million restoration project will provide anhistorical, cultural, and social services center tothe City and region. The 20,000-square-foot


Academy will house a museum, theater,commercial kitchen, and art studio. OFHT is theagency that manages the site on behalf of thechurch. We look forward to helping bring NewEnergy to Midtown Elizabeth.

Dr. Robert D. HiggsExecutive DirectorOld First Historic Trust(908) 353-1518 • [email protected]

d PROCEEDPROCEED was established in 1970 as a 501(c)(3)federally tax exempt social service corporation toimprove the socioeconomic needs affecting thecommunity in the city of Elizabeth and UnionCounty. Services range from preschool, parentingand child abuse/neglect prevention services tosenior citizen home repair and substanceabuse/alcohol abuse treatment, counseling andeducation programs. For more information, call908-351-7727 or visit our website atwww.proceedinc.com.

d StreetLight MissionStreetLight Mission is a faith-based communityoutreach center located in the inner city ofElizabeth serving those struggling with poverty,substance abuse, mental illness, disabilities andhopelessness. StreetLight provides numerousservices to our guests including basic life needssuch as food, daily clothing and recovery supportsfrom substance abuse. We also provide recoverymentoring services for men, women and childrenincluding a 12-step recovery program calledCelebrate Recovery. There are no fees for any ofour services. For more information, contactStreetLight Mission at 1181 East Broad Street,Elizabeth; call 908-820-8324; [email protected]; or visit online atwww.StreetLightMission.org.

d The Leaguers Inc.Head Start/Early Head Start Program(s):

• Head Start: Children from 3 to 5 years of age

• Early Head Start: Infants and toddlers

• Home-based Option: Infants and toddlers

• Male Involvement Initiative: Fathers and father figures

• Mothers Assisting Mothers: A forum for women

• Summer Camp: For school-aged children,includes field trips, arts & crafts and academicsupport over a full nine-hour day

All services are inclusive of children withdisabilities.

Contact the organization at 405-425 UniversityAvenue, Newark; call 973-643-0300, Ext. # 204.

d The Rotary Club of Elizabeth Established in 1917, the Rotary Club of Elizabethis a vibrant civic organization dedicated to servingboth the local and worldwide communities. Its 45members volunteer to raise funds in support of a

wide range of charities. Through such activities asthe annual Taste of Elizabeth food tasting event,the Club funds many worthy causes including itsscholarship arm, the Albert & Louise DavisScholarship Fund. Established in 1986, the Fundhas given over $420,000, making a difference inthe lives of 277 Elizabeth High School graduates.

The Rotary Club of Elizabeth is part of aworldwide organization of 1.2 million memberswho encourage high ethical standards in allvocations and promote peace and goodwillthroughout the world. A key initiative is theworldwide elimination of polio. Through its vastcommunity and national networks, Rotarians areon the verge of wiping out this crippling disease.

The Club invites all to consider membership. Formore information visit www.ElizabethRotary.orgor call (908) 352-7300

d United Way of Greater Union CountyUnited Way of Greater Union County mission is toensure the health & human services needs of thecommunity are identified and addressed in waysthat create a better quality of life for the residentsof Union County, North and South Plainfield. Ourfocus is on family strengthening, ensuring thatevery resident in our community has thenecessary opportunities, relationships andnetworks to support the success of their families.United Way of Greater Union County continuallylooks for the most effective ways to help peoplegain access to educational, economic and health-related opportunities. To further this goal, UnitedWay has helped create the Union County FamilyStrengthening Network, an integral part of thecounty’s human services infrastructure, becausewhen our families are doing well, ourcommunities thrive. For details call 908-353-7171.

d United Youth of New JerseyOver 18 years the United Youth of New Jersey(UYNJ) has been servicing at-risk youth inElizabeth and throughout Union County. UnitedYouth of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3)youth/community based corporation. Dedicatedto the community, the United Youth of New Jerseyhas spearheaded programs that have focusedupon improving self-esteem, motivatingteamwork, and enhancing talent throughfilmmaking and electronic sound in music classes.UYNJ prides themselves on the consistentworking relationship with senior citizensthroughout Union County. What makes thisprogram so unique is that there is no charge forthe many programs offered by the United Youth ofNew Jersey.

Our mission is to continue to educate at-riskyouth after school hours, providing them with themotivation and tools needed to succeed in schooland in life through mentoring, fine-arts weekendand summer small group educational programs.Contact Info. - (908) 220-5279 / website:www.unitedyouthofnj.org / email:[email protected].

d Urban League of Union CountyThe Urban League of Union County is a non-profitcommunity service organization founded in 1944and incorporated in 1952 and one of 98 affiliatesof the National Urban League located in NYC.Mission: to enable African Americans and otherdisadvantaged people to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. We employa five-point strategy to implement our mission:

• Education and Youth Empowerment

• Economic Empowerment

• Health and Quality of Life Empowerment

• Civic Engagement and LeadershipEmpowerment and

• Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment

Programs include Housing Counseling (pre/posthome purchase, budget/credit counseling,foreclosure, default/delinquency counseling),counseling for job search and computers,Employment, Teen Pregnancy Preventioncounseling, Alternative To Incarceration (BasicSkills/Vocational Training), Reconnectionsservices for ex-offenders and EmergencyAssistance for rent/mortgage, utilities and foodand Youth Work Experience placement.

For more information call 908-351-7200 or visitour website: www.uloucnj.org.

dYMCA of Eastern Union CountyThe YMCA of Eastern Union County is acommunity-based organization rooted inChristian principles and committed to buildinghealthy lives, through programs that strengthenspirits, minds and bodies for people of all ages,religions and cultures. With a commitment tonurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthyliving and fostering a sense of socialresponsibility, the Y ensures that every individualhas access to the essentials needed to learn, growand thrive. Our Y, which services the EasternUnion and Northern Middlesex Countycommunities, has the long-standing relationshipsand physical presence not just to promise, but alsoto deliver, lasting personal and social change. Forinformation call 908-355-9622.

dYWCA Eastern Union CountyThe YWCA Eastern Union County (YWCA EUC) isdedicated to eliminating racism, empoweringwomen and promoting peace, justice, freedom anddignity for all. The YWCA EUC, often known asProject Protect, provides a continuum of care andservices for survivors of domestic violence,including: a 24-Hour Hotline; Emergency Shelter;Supportive and Transitional Housing; A Child’sView PALS Program; Court Advocacy and CourtRepresentation; Individual and Group Counseling;Community Education; Domestic ViolenceResponse Teams and DV/DYFS Liaisons. For moredetails, please call us at 908-355-1995.

INDEXOF ADVERTISERS


WORSHIPFOSTERING TOGETHERNESS

The city of Elizabeth is New Jersey’s fourth-largest city—and its most ethnically

diverse area. Houses of worship of everydenomination imaginable dot the landscape ofthis city. It is not uncommon to find twodifferent places of worship standing side by

side on the same block. There are at least fourhouses of worship in the Midtown District thatare registered with state and federalorganizations as historical sites. Taken as awhole, these places make up the wonderfulmosaic that is Elizabeth.

Asisco Automotive Company / BJ&M Auto Inc .......... 9

B.B. Miller & Company............................................. 16

City of Elizabeth............................... Inside Front Cover

Crowne Plaza Newark Airport Hotel............................ 7

Elizabeth Development Company ............................. 15

Entertainment Industries Federal Credit Union......... 16

Infineum USA L.P. .................................................... 17

Kean University ........................................................ 13

Metalico Elizabeth ...................................................... 3

Northfield Bank .......................................................... 3

The Outlet Collection / Jersey Gardens....................... 6

Soulstice Productions ................................................ 3

Trinitas Regional Medical Center......................... 10-11

Union County College ................................. Back Cover

http://www.ucc.edu/

elizabeth, nj community profile

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