NJEDA Board Approves Brownfields Redevelopment Award to Support Remediation of Bergen County Manufacturing Site

TRENTON, N.J. (May 15, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved $350,000 in tax credits under the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive (BRI) Program to support remediation of a long-dormant manufacturing site in Elmwood Park. The BRI Program supports remediation costs and incentivizes developers to cleanup brownfield sites across the state, transforming contaminated properties into community assets.

“The Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program will help achieve Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of revitalizing underutilized properties into thriving economic engines that will benefit entire communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “After decades of pollution and contamination at this site in Elmwood Park, the BRI Program will support the property’s remediation, which will allow for a new business to open on the site, creating new jobs and increased spending in the area. As this program continues to support additional projects across the state, it will help rejuvenate communities and unlock untapped economic potential.”

The tax credits approved by the NJEDA Board were awarded to Ninety Nine Main Avenue Redevelopment, which will remediate 99 Main Avenue in Elmwood Park. The site was used for manufacturing from 1955 to 1989. During 1960’s through the 1980’s, metal shelves, storage units, and conveyor systems were manufactured and painted on site. A tank containing cleaning products leaked and caused soil and groundwater contamination.

In 2023, the developer entered into an agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environment Protection (NJDEP) to remediate the site. Once remediation is complete, the developer plans to use the site for a construction business, which will include an office building and laydown yard for equipment.

“We are extremely grateful for NJEDA’s ongoing support of our efforts to work with developers to transform underutilized sites across the state to productive use that will improve local economies and enhance protection of public health and the environment,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The DEP is eager to work with all parties to facilitate the cleanup of the legacy contamination at this site in Elmwood Park so that it can be redeveloped to better serve the needs of the community.”

“I want to extend my thanks to the NJEDA and Governor Murphy for their commitment to right past environmental wrongs while driving economic growth through the administration of the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive (BRI) Program,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “This tax credit awarded to the 99 Main Avenue site in Elmwood Park eliminates long-standing environmental hazards and will revitalize the property, ultimately spurring further job creation here in Bergen County.”

“This is great news for the Borough and its residents. We are thankful that the site will be turned into something useful and that will hopefully add jobs to our community.  The residents and other business on that street deserve to have a new, updated, esthetically pleasing property at that location that will help to enhance property values and improve the morale in the neighborhood,” said Elmwood Park Mayor Robert Colletti.

Established by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), the BRI Program will make a onetime award of up to 60 percent of remediation costs available for eligible brownfield sites depending upon their location, with a maximum award of up to $8 million. The program is designed to work in conjunction with other NJEDA incentives if applicable, including the Aspire tax credit program.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

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