Gov. Chris Christie has nixed a measure that would extend the Urban Enterprise Zone program, leaving it to be phased out here starting in early 2017.
Barring a miracle - or an override of Chris Christie's conditional veto, which is essentially the same thing - Trenton and four other cities are about to lose a vehicle for economic prosperity.
The state's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program, now three decades old, provides sales-tax breaks to lure customers to downtown shopping areas struggling to survive.
The program, under the direction of the state Department of Community Affairs, also offers incentives such as breaks on energy taxes and a business-to-business tax exemption.
In addition, participating business owners are eligible for free marketing services and networking opportunities.
Statewide, the program has grown to 32 designated zones in 37 municipalities, NJ Spotlight reports.
In Trenton, the UEZ covers a 2.5-mile commercial and industrial area; the city's web site calls it "a business success in the heart of the Capitol City," and merchants sing its praises.
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More than 900 local businesses have signed on, leading officials to boast that the program's financial benefits have allowed for significant improvements in the city's business district.
But now the governor has nixed a measure that would extend the program. It will be phased out here starting in early 2017, as well as in Bridgeton, Camden, Newark and Plainfield.
The remaining cities across the state would see their UEZ designations go belly up gradually over the next 10 years.
Mindful that the Legislature has not once succeeded in overriding one of the governor's vetoes during his more than six years in office, a group of concerned lawmakers is working on a compromise to keep the program alive and vital.
Sponsored in part by Assemblywoman Elizabeth Maher Muoio (D-Mercer), the proposal would permit a two-year extension for the immediately affected cities. It would also create a study to determine if other types of economic-development efforts would eventually be a better way to go.
Muoio told NJ Spotlight last week that the tax benefits the UEZs provide are crucial for cities like Trenton. Contractors from other parts of New Jersey - and even from other states - come here to buy bulk items such as countertops and electrical supplies, she said.
In his State of the City address earlier this month, Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson thanked members of the Senate and Assembly who are advocating for the compromise, and underlined the program's vibrancy.
"The Urban Enterprise Zone program needs to be extended, especially for cities like Trenton that need every tool to attract commercial activity to our local businesses," he said.
We're not ready to say goodbye to an initiative that's provided a boost to our cities' economic energies. Let's hope the governor can be persuaded to feel the same way.
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