(TRENTON) – Legislation by Senator Donald Norcross and Assemblymen Angel Fuentes and Gilbert “Whip” Wilson (D-Camden/Gloucester) making possible the sale of the Riverfront State Prison site in Camden was signed into law today.

“This was the last hurdle to beginning development at the former site of Riverfront State Prison,” said Senator Norcross. “The land is in a premium location for a variety of potential uses, each of which would bring jobs and economic opportunity to the city. This couldn’t come at a better time for our residents, or the State.”

The sale of the land to the Economic Development Agency (EDA) allows the State to seek developers to purchase the land for use. The EDA - which oversaw the demolition of the prison in 2009 – is now charged with finding a buyer to develop the land and administering the funds from the purchase. This was the course of action recommended by the State House Commission, a bicameral, bipartisan commission created to oversee state property.

“The redevelopment of the Riverfront Prison site is a continuation of the efforts currently underway in North Camden,” Assemblyman Fuentes added. “The EDA will take into account the efforts of the City working in concert with local community groups to bolster this area as it makes is decision about the sale of the land.”

Net proceeds from the sale will be retained and utilized by the EDA for projects within Camden City.

“Ultimately, this is a win for the residents of Camden,” Assemblyman Wilson said. “Opening the land at the Riverfront site to development means growth, not only for that area but for the City as a whole. More to the point, we’re turning a site that was just empty land and debris into something useful for the men and women who live here.”

###