February 20, 2018 - DCA Awards Grants for Neighborhood Revitalization Efforts throughout New Jersey

FOR IMMDEIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 20, 2018

A Total of $9.85 Million Awarded to 12 Non-profits for Housing and Economic Development Activities

TRENTON, NJ – The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today announced $9.85 million in grant awards to community-based non-profits through the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program. Through NRTC, corporations receive a 100 percent tax credit against various state taxes in return for their investment in revitalizing low-and moderate-income communities. DCA administers the program, which entails ensuring that the corporate funding is allocated to non-profits to implement neighborhood revitalization plans. 

NRTC awards are used by their non-profit recipients to implement multi-year revitalization plans in eligible neighborhoods. This funding must be used for housing and/or economic development activities (including construction and rehabilitation of housing units, creation of commercial facilities, assistance to small businesses, employment training and child care); and the remainder for supportive services and other activities that are complementary to neighborhood revitalization (including infrastructure and open space improvements, providing social and community services, recreation activities, crime prevention activities, and community outreach activities).

“The NRTC program continues to have a positive impact in neighborhoods throughout New Jersey,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Commissioner of DCA. “In New Brunswick, Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen operates a vibrant community hub known as the Unity Square Community Center in the first floor of a converted neighborhood firehouse.  Since its opening in 2015, it has been host to extensive community-oriented programming, such as workforce development training, English classes, youth after school clubs, and crime watch groups. Each investment supports the community’s vision and helps our non-profit partners to implement creative revitalization plans that benefit working families, seniors, and children.”

The Division of Housing and Community Resources helps to strengthen and revitalize communities through the delivery of affordable housing, supportive services and by providing financial and technical assistance to communities, local government, and community organizations. For more information on the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program, visit, http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/nrtc.html. 

The DCA was established in 1967 to improve state services to local government; address the issues at the time of urban decline and suburban development; and secure federal funds to fight poverty. Today, the Department offers a wide range of programs and services, including affordable housing production, fire safety and building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery.

A list of the 2018 NRTC grant recipients and projects can be found at http://www.nj.gov/dca/services/2018grantawards.html.

For more information regarding the DCA, visit http://www.nj.gov/dca/.