To support the economic development of Burlington City, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by its chair, Senator Troy Singleton, that would create an additional Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) for the city.
The UEZ program, first authorized in 1983, is aimed at stimulating economic growth and revitalization of urban communities by encouraging businesses to develop and create jobs through both public and private investment.
UEZ-qualified businesses are permitted various tax and government benefits, including the ability to charge half the standard sales tax rate, tax exemptions on certain purchases and investments, grants and assistance for the hiring, training and retaining of employees.
“The creation of a new UEZ in Burlington City will help attract new employers, spur investment and create new job opportunities for local residents,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington).
“This designation would also open up Zone Assistance Funding for Burlington City, allowing them to better fund local infrastructure investments, rehabilitation of properties, as well as provide new forms of assistance to small businesses.”
The current law provides for 32 UEZs across New Jersey’s urban municipalities, which would be increased to 33 under this bill, S-4734. The additional UEZ would be designated within 90 days of the date that Burlington City submits its application and zone development plan to the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority.
