Don’t Worry, Camden: One Day, We Promise, Someone Is Going To Gentrify The Shit Out Of You (Just Not Now)
Once again, Camden, NJ is America’s most dangerous city. The standing, based on FBI-compiled crime data and population figures, reprises our immediate neighbor to the east’s chart-topping in ’03 and ’04, and comes on the heels of a movement for Camden to wrest back control of its local government after a failed revitalization plan by former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey stripped it of much of its own sense of self. But you know, we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: We sincerely believe that within our lifetime, we’re going to see Camden start to come back. Perhaps this is just blind optimism, but Camden has a great history, some very cool old buildings, cheap-as-hell real estate and easy transportation options. And it was certainly a great, thriving city back in the day: I mean, just look at the old postcards! It’s only a matter of time before a group of youngsters says, “There is no fucking way I am buying in Port Richmond or Kensington for over $200K.” Enter Camden. Then again, we’d be lying if we said that anything like this would start to happen in the next ten years. So hold the line in the meantime, Camden; Starbucks is coming. We swear. Just… not right now.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Because of the intervening river and associated $4 toll, there needs to be something worth moving to Camden for, aside from low rents (which are also available around Brushfuck, PA sans bridge toll.) The NJ Aquarium and, uh, the Victor aren’t enough.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I agree, Camden is ripe for gentrification. It’s closer to Center City than a lot of other neighborhoods, has plenty of old houses that could use some fixing up and some pretty cool buildings. Once the state prison on the waterfront comes down, someone could make a big investment in that place that could really pay off.
And you don’t pay the toll if you take PATCO or walk/bike across the bridge.
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Didn’t Arthur Kade move to Camden?
November 24th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
With the help of Camden’s numerous anchor institutions (Cooper Hospital, Rutgers, Campbell’s Soup, just to name a few), the city is transforming. The model is very similar to the one which has proven so successful in University City in Philly. Crime here is way down (in spite of the recent report, which, frustratingly used two-year old data and questionable census information). And the points of interest are no longer restricted to the waterfront.
For example, the arts are very much on the rise in Camden. We’re having a series of temporary art galleries on Broadway, including a holiday festival (including a big caroling event) on Dec. 11. The gallery series will continue in the spring.
I work for a non-profit that does economic development and we’re actively looking for artists, art groups, and other young energetic people who are interested in moving their residence or set up shop in Camden. For those concerned about the toll, you can ride your bike across the bridge (or walk) and it’s really a beautiful trip. And of course there’s always PATCO, which makes for a 4 minute ride (from 8th Street).
I encourage anyone to contact me at mduffy@greatercamden.org for more information on this. Economic and cultural change in Camden is not something that is five or ten years away – it’s already happening!
December 1st, 2009 at 2:53 am
bridge toll? what clown pays a bridge toll? It’s $1.25 on the train and $1.35 on the bus – cheaper than SEPTA either way . . . oh, and there’s been a Starbucks on the Rutgers campus for 5 years.