Bridgeton UEZ Head Stephanie Gonzalez Shares New City Projects
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
BRIDGETON — Bridgeton is preparing for one of its most significant waves of redevelopment in years, thanks to a series of Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) projects that Coordinator Stephanie Gonzalez says will reshape the city’s downtown, strengthen small businesses, and create new opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs.
In an interview with Front Runner New Jersey, Gonzalez detailed more than a half?dozen initiatives now moving forward—many of which have been in planning for more than a year.
Together, they represent millions of dollars in investment and a renewed commitment to making Bridgeton a vibrant, diverse, and accessible destination.
$1.5 Million Food Truck Park: A First for Bridgeton
The centerpiece of the new UEZ efforts is a $1.5 million food truck park slated for East Commerce Street, on the site of the former Bank of America parking lot. Gonzalez said the project will create 10 new vendor spaces, complete with upgraded electrical infrastructure, digital kiosks, new seating, signage, and art installations.
The goal is diversity—culinary and cultural.
“We love our Latino food downtown, but it’s time to create more opportunities,” Gonzalez said. “We’re talking to Italian, Indian, African American, West Indies, Jamaican businesses. We want everyone represented.”
The park will give entrepreneurs a no?cost space to operate, including free electricity—an important lifeline during tough economic times. Groundbreaking is expected soon.
Pocket Park Revitalization and ‘Heart of the City’ Landmark
Last month, Bridgeton received $240,000 to overhaul Pocket Park downtown. The redesign includes bilingual signage, a digital kiosk for business listings and store hours, and a new rewards program that gives shoppers points for local purchases.
The park will also feature a major new landmark: a large sculptural heart, inspired by iconic city centerpieces like Chicago’s Bean.
“Bridgeton has a lot of heart,” Gonzalez said. “We want to showcase that, with historical facts from all cultures engraved into the centerpiece.”
Infrastructure Upgrades: Pearl Street, Laurel, Commerce
The UEZ continues its work on downtown infrastructure, with Pearl Street next on the paving schedule. Laurel and Commerce Streets have already been completed.
Marina Improvements and Riverfront Activation
Bridgeton’s waterfront is also getting attention. The city secured $900,000 last year to rebuild the bulkhead, and phase two—mapping the riverbed—is underway. Phase three will involve dredging part of the Cohansey River to improve access and aesthetics.
Lighting, paint, and cosmetic upgrades along the riverfront are planned to support tourism and future events.
New Off?Duty Police Program to Support Downtown Businesses
A new UEZ?funded policing initiative will bring off?duty officers downtown during peak shopping hours—typically 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on weekends. The program has already begun informally and will be formally announced at the UEZ Business Expo on August 29 at the Marino Center.
“This is really going to help stores that stay open later,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve been working closely with the chief and the mayor to make this happen.”
A Year of Planning, Community Input, and State Collaboration
Gonzalez said the projects stem from months of surveys, roundtables, and walking tours with residents and business owners. The UEZ board approved the initiatives between February and April, with more approvals expected in July.
She credited her team—Kevin Robago, Heather, Mayor Albert Kelly—as well as state partners Joyce Zara, Bill Jenkins, and Executive Director Christine Campbell for supporting Bridgeton’s creative approach.
“We wanted projects that reflect what the people asked for,” she said. “Now residents will be able to see the change, not just hear about it.”
UEZ Jamboree and Five?Year Plan Presentation
Bridgeton will host the first?ever UEZ Jamboree on August 22, followed by the UEZ Business Expo on August 29, where Gonzalez will present her five?year plan covering her work since 2023.
She encouraged residents to attend.
“Shopping local really helps the community. We want people to see how they can get involved and how these projects will uplift Bridgeton.”
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