Redevelopment Projects

Redevelopment successes benefit your business by eliminating vacant properties, creating more jobs, increasing tax revenues and attracting more business to the City.

The UEZ works closely with City Agency's to make commercial redevelopment a reality. For three out of four of the City's redevelopment areas the UEZ has funded the studies and plans that are a necessary part of the redevelopment process. (These studies and plans are formally known as "Area in need of Redevelopment Studies" and "Redevelopment Plans")

Additionally, the UEZ has provided redevelopment financing for redevelopment projects.

While the redevelopment process can take a long time and generate some controversy, the UEZ and City's redevelopment efforts have directly resulted in the following:

Recently constructed building at 600 Main Avenue housing Subway and Cingular Wireless. Rehabilitation of the previously vacant building at 196 Jefferson Street housing Dollar Green. The new commercial stores with upper story apartments at 360 Monroe Street and 265 Passaic Street The rehabilitation of the decades long vacant Garden Building into senior housing. The demolition and rebuilding of retail stores and offices at 251 Monroe Street. Acquisition and Asbestos Removal at 663 Main Avenue.

In the years ahead we look to add to the former bank buildings at 585 and 663 Main Avenue to the list of completed projects.

Cleanup Projects
The UEZ currently funds two cleanup projects. The first, through Public Works, paid for a new street sweeper, 100 new masonry garbage cans and the requisite personnel to empty the cans. The other project, the UEZ fully funds the Downtown Merchants Corporation (DMC) to clean up trash, litter and debris manually from UEZ areas.

Security, Cameras and Police On the Beat
“Zero tolerance for crime or criminals!”

UEZ security programs have played a role in the reduction of crime. With funds provided by the UEZ, eight full-time police officers patrol strictly within the Zone seven days a week, from noon to 8 p.m.

State-of-the-art surveillance within the UEZ is another major deterrent to crime. Security cameras — with monitors back at headquarters — can read a car license plate number from several blocks away. Ongoing UEZ programs such as Clean Sweep and Graffiti Eradication also contribute to a more inviting and safer community.

Graffiti Eradication
Thanks to the “Graffiti Eradication” Program — fully funded by the UEZ and run by the Downtown Merchants Corporation (DMC) — the city is now largely graffiti-free, with about 50 buildings cleaned up every month. Workers either power-wash the graffiti away, or paint over it.

The elimination of graffiti has contributed to a more secure and attractive environment for businesses and shoppers alike.

Response time is fast — if your building or property is blighted by any unsightly graffiti, call the UEZ and the problem will be eliminated within 24 hours.

Streetscape improvements
Thanks to funding from the UEZ — plus the strong support of the Mayor — downtown Passaic is looking pretty as a picture!

Main Avenue enjoyed a major “makeover” in 2004, with new landscaping, an impressive ornamental clock, new areas carved out for small events, as well as other enhancements such as flagpoles, black iron fencing and handsome paver blocks.

Adding to the ambiance during the summer are the flowering cherry blossoms that provide natural beauty to the heart of downtown.

More than 100 new street signs have been installed throughout the UEZ. Larger point size for the lettering as well as a richer background color helps make our signage more attractive as well as easier to read.