Corzine to discuss future of Camden

September 16, 2009  |  Courier Post  |  Link to article

CAMDEN - Leaders from Camden Churches Organized for People will host a meeting with Gov. Jon S. Corzine tonight to discuss how state control has affected the city and what else must be done in order for it to rehabilitate.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Pro-Cathedral Church, 2907 Federal St.

Local faith leaders said a recent survey shows that residents are frustrated by the lack of improvement to their neighborhoods since Camden was put under state control seven years ago through the Municipal Rehabilitation and Recovery Act.

The law promised "this was going to happen, that was going to happen," said CCOP chairman the Rev. Willie Anderson. "It didn't happen. What, when, how are you going to do something about it? We still have issues with abandoned houses, empty lots, education, infrastructure -- public safety. We need to prioritize them all."

A panel of residents will open the meeting by talking about what it's like to live in Camden. Church leaders will then ask the governor to respond to their concerns and suggestions.

"We know there's been a lot of good downtown but there's been a lot of places in the city that need attention and are not getting it," said Monsignor Bob McDermott, pastor of St. Joseph's. "As far as we're concerned, life in the city has not changed. It's too easy to let somebody off the hook on that."

McDermott said church leaders will also ask Corzine to talk about the role of the chief operating officer and when he expects to appoint a permanent replacement.

Anderson said he's not sure how much control the state should have over the city, but certainly "Camden is not capable of standing on its own."

"It didn't have the resources before, where would it get it now?" he said.

Anderson said Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie has also agreed to hold a meeting in Camden, but the date has not yet been set.

Also Tuesday night, Camden City Council leaders will hold a work session to go over the agenda for the following week's meeting