2022 Community Funding Project Requests
Projects Requested:
Below is a list of community projects Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. has submitted for funding this year. If you do not see your project among those listed, please feel free to submit your request again for possible funding next year. Projects are listed according to the sponsor, requested amount, and specific need.
Proposed Recipient: Borough of Roselle
Address of the recipient: Borough Hall, 210 Chestnut Street, Roselle, NJ 07203
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Explanation of Request:
The Borough of Roselle is requesting THUD EDI funding for the Capital Improvements of Public Facilities that will benefit businesses and residents thereby promoting economic development. Borough roadways and pedestrian areas require constant maintenance from crack- sealing, to milling and paving and reconstruction. In addition, there has been an increase in vehicular traffic through the Borough that has resulted in an increase in speeding, vehicular and pedestrian accidents on the roadways. The proposed traffic calming, milling and paving of over two miles of deteriorated roadways in multiple high traffic area in the Borough, including the central business district area, will not only improve the aesthetics in these areas but also promote economic development for our Borough. The installation of rumble strips, speed humps, four-way stop signs, and pedestrian rapid flashing beacon signs where necessary will increase pedestrian and visitor traffic in our business areas.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: City of Jersey City
Address of the recipient: 200 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Amount Requested: $500,000
Explanation of Request:
The City of Jersey City is requesting funding from FY 2023 Community Project Funding to expand our domestic violence intervention services into the greater Hudson County area. Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services (JCHHS) currently offers battering intervention services for Jersey City residents identified as causing harm in an intimate partner relationship.
The HealthierJC Peaceful Families program prioritizes victim safety and offender accountability. It offers a nationally-recognized and evidence-supported program for helping reduce abusive behavior and recidivism. Unlike most similar programs it is offered without cost to the participants, reducing barriers to participation. This responds to national statistics and local experience which show that domestic violence charges disproportionately affect people of low and moderate income, and that Black and Hispanic persons are arrested and charged at higher rates than other races and ethnicities.
The program is also a direct response to increased domestic violence arrests in the COVID-19 era, and the community desire to treat behavioral problems by means other than incarceration.
The program offers education on abusive behavior, prioritizes offender accountability, and confronts the cognitive-behavioral distortions that support an abusive person’s actions. The program understands that abuse is a learned behavior. Participants are helped to understand the process of their abuse, and to learn skills to better regulate their emotions, deescalate conflict, and plan to keep others and themselves safe by practicing respectful behaviors in relationships.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Clinton Hill Community Action
Address of the recipient: 404 Hawthorne Ave, Newark, NJ 07112
Amount Requested: $317,000
Explanation of Request:
There is a lack of adequate data on air pollution in the South Ward of Newark available to residents and policymakers, exacerbating the adverse impacts of air pollution on communities. There is only one air quality monitoring station in Newark. This means that residents cannot protect themselves and their families, enforcement agencies are unable to enforce regulations, and policy makers are unable to identify hot spots and make informed, evidence-based arguments to advance climate and clean air regulations, policies and projects for the city. As a result, there is an increase in the adverse impact of poor air quality on the health of low-income communities.
The project will install purple air monitors, low cost sensors in the South Ward, engage local schools and community members to monitor their air, collect the data, analyze the data and build evidence of the health and climate impact of emissions in this community. This project will build support within key Newark departments to utilize air quality data as an indicator for action needed in the Newark Sustainability Action Plan and their health programs to achieve their climate mitigation goals.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: County of Essex
Address of the recipient: 165 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ, 07102
Amount Requested: $2,823,150
Explanation of Request:
The County of Essex will partner with NJ-based Global Agricultural Productions to design, build and operate a commercial grade rooftop farm that will produce blueberries to USDA organic standards using a stormwater capture system for irrigation and a patented lightweight growing medium that will result in crops that can be sold through local restaurants and markets, thereby addressing food scarcity. This proof of concept will not only demonstrate how an urban farm can be built on existing structures in an urban area without major structural modifications, it will also do so in a way that captures almost all stormwater and filter it on-site through processes like evaporation and redistribution as grey water. This new, green detention system will almost eliminate the need for stormwater transportation and reduce levels of toxic pollutants, such as lead, zinc, pyrene, chrysene, and other nonpoint contaminants that enter the grounds and sewage systems, seeping into nearby waterways and vegetation as they travel through the overflowing rainfall. This project will also address the urban heat island effect, which results from overbuilding in urban places.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Kean University
Address of the recipient: 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ, 07083
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Explanation of Request:
Kean University’s proposed Generation-2-Generation (G2G) Parent University is a two-generation (2Gen) higher education program and resource center for the parents and caregivers of middle and high school-age students in Kean University’s pipeline development programs. In these programs, Kean University currently has approximately 450 students from underserved, low-resourced urban communities that are primarily from households of parents/caregivers with little to no formal higher education experience. 2Gen strategies have been proven to improve educational attainment for students and parents/caregivers. Kean will provide career exploration opportunities on how to become a paraprofessional or substitute/alternate route teach, workforce readiness including a Certificate in Workforce Readiness, industry certifications, academic credentialing, and parenting and Spanish and English Language Arts supports to parents and caregivers, and students in Kean’s pipeline programs. Additionally, in partnership with the County of Union’s Department of Economic Development, One-Stop Centers, Workforce Development Board, and Board of Social Services, the G2G Parent University will provide job and skills training for current high-demand sectors that are projected to experience significant growth in the coming decade, including information technology, financial operations, business operations, software development and sales, and social entrepreneurship.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Nassan’s place, Inc.
Address of the recipient: P.O. Box 883, East Orange, NJ 07019
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Explanation of Request:
The description of the project is to build the first of its kind state-of-the-art Autism Center that will serve children and families affected by Autism. Nassan’s Place Community Center for Autism will provide access to affordable educational and recreational programs, support services and other resources for individuals and their families.
The following programs will be provided: Afterschool Enrichment, Saturday Enrichment Inclusion, Basketball Inclusion, programs during nonscheduled school days and sensory friendly.
The center will provide respite, parental supports, social services, workshops, transitional services and job training in one location.
The center will also provide speech, occupational and ABA therapies that will help to enhance the fine motor, sensory and social skills of children/adults on the autism spectrum.
The center will serve thousands of children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families giving them a sense of acceptance, opportunities, help and hope for the entire family unit.
Nassan's Place Community Center for Autism will fill a void that has been lacking in urban inner-cities for decades for low-income family households which is access to quality and affordable programming, support and other resources in their communities. The center will provide jobs for individuals on the autism spectrum while also employing citizens within the community.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Newark Community Health Centers, Inc.
Address of the recipient: 741 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104
Amount Requested: $2,500,000
Explanation of Request:
NCHC is requesting funding in the amount of $2,500,000 to renovate its new Orange, NJ location from a commercial building to a health care facility. Even though many commercial office buildings are designed in accordance with modern accessibility codes, converting to a medical use will force additional upgrades designed to promote the best patient care. The first floor of the building, covering 18,000 Square feet will be renovated and will serve as a full-service site providing Family Practice, Dentistry, Pediatrics, Adult Medicine and Oral Health services. Approximately 45% of the population of Orange, NJ is low-income, with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. NCHC continues to be the sole provider of primary care within this area, serving the uninsured and underserved within this community. The renovation of this new site will provide better access to and a more comfortable setting for our patients.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Newark Emergency Services for Families, Inc. (NESF)
Address of the recipient: 982 Broad St, Newark NJ 07102
Amount Requested: $1,107,500
Explanation of Request:
Housing FIRST will address poverty by creating a housing assistance and advocacy infrastructure for families experiencing situational or episodic homelessness due to an acute event or periodic crisis.
Implementing a centralized, single function model, NESF will serve those who come directly to our agency, and also accept referrals from partner agencies, creating a county wide “hub” for housing advocacy. The Housing Search Advocate (HSA) role will match housing-ready residents with appropriate units with a goal to keep children in their area schools to reduce social disruption. HSAs will learn the local housing market, cultivate partnerships with housing providers, and build relationships with area landlords - all essential to successful housing placement.
Clients will be further supported by wraparound services, including counseling, and up to three months in supportive private housing while HSAs and Case Managers works with them to secure permanent affordable housing.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Newark Public Radio, Inc.
Address of the recipient: 54 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102
Amount Requested: $910,000
Explanation of Request:
WBGO will undertake sorely overdue renovations on the façade of our offices, a 80+ year old building, prioritizing areas showing the greatest wear and at highest risk of failure. According to a 2018 facilities survey and a recent contractor’s bid for repairs, the south and west façades of the building are dangerously deteriorated. Funding will allow contractors to do spot pointing of bricks, shore up the chimney, replace tiles and coping and remove and replace a badly cracked concrete slab, among other vital repairs.
The repairs will increase the longevity of the façade and prevent further damage inside of the walls due to water infiltration issues. Much of the building’s mortar is disintegrating, leaving noticeable spaces between bricks and at the parapet. Beyond preserving the building, and lessening the inevitability of future failures, the repairs will prevent the public safety issue of having cracked materials at the top elevation of the wall facing the highly trafficked sidewalk.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences/Rutgers School of Nursing
Address of the recipient: 65 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07107
Amount Requested: $950,650
Explanation of Request:
Despite a severe nursing shortage, Rutgers School of Nursing is forced to turn away hundreds of qualified applicants annually due to lack of clinical rotation slots at area hospitals. By expanding high-fidelity clinical simulation to 30 percent of required clinical hours, the school can increase admitted students by at least 25 percent (75–90 additional students each year); provide high quality, simulated clinical learning exercises; and reduce student burden on over-taxed hospitals. Research supports that high-fidelity simulation is a superior learning activity, and that hours spent with faculty in high-fidelity simulation exercises result in learning outcomes comparable to those achieved via similar hours at hospitals. Startup funds will be used to purchase the high-fidelity simulation equipment—such as life-size, high-tech manikins that can be programmed to simulate a variety of patient symptoms, conditions, and events—necessary to expand nursing student admittance by at least 25 percent.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: South Ward Alliance d/b/a South Ward Promise Neighborhood
Address of the recipient: 543 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ 07108
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Explanation of Request:
SWPN aims to build the South Ward Wellness Center (SWWC), a 35,000 square feet building, to provide a single point of access for services to address the social determinants of health, including medical care, behavioral health, education, housing, and workforce development. This center will house resources so that residents of this underserved and marginalized community can live healthy lives. Within the SWWC building, patients will be seen by health care providers and social workers, while all community members will enjoy community programming and a fitness center.
Phase 1 of this project is underway with the April 14, 2022 opening of the SWWC in a temporary space at 491 Clinton Avenue. Until the completion of the new building, this space will house our partner, Saint James Health, a federally qualified health center; SWPN’s Healthy Beginnings program designed to support pregnant women and children and public services. SWWC will ensure the continuity of our impact on the South Ward.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: Township of West Orange
Address of the recipient: 66 Main Steet, West Orange, NJ 07052
Amount Requested: $1,158,810
Explanation of Request:
The O’Connor Park Reconstruction Project will provide West Orange residents and those within District 10 an outdoor gathering space that promotes socialization and physical health. The recreational facilities at O’Connor Park that will be reconstructed are the half basketball courts, handball courts and ice hockey skating rink including updating the existing sport lighting to LED lighting, refrigerating unit, upgrades to walking paths and ADA accessible bleachers. The physical deterioration of these amenities makes these facilities inadequate for recreational use. The Township is requesting FY 2023 Community Project Funding to complete site design and construction of these facilities. Community Project Funding will provide the Township the opportunity to upgrade the Park for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, particularly those with disabilities who cannot access the outdated facilities that are not within ADA compliance.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: United Way of Hudson County
Address of the recipient: 900 Bergen Ave, Suite 201, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Explanation of Request:
The United Way of Hudson County (UWHC) requests funding to rehabilitate the CAUSE Community Foodbank in Jersey City. The goal is to create the United Way Social Service Center (Center), which will have a State-of-the-Art Community Food Bank, a meeting space for neighborhood organizations, and house the headquarters for United Way. The Center will be a centrally located facility dispensing vitally needed social services to low- and moderate-income persons in the 10th Congressional District and all f Hudson County.
The facility is located in a prime transportation hub. It is one block south of McGinley Square and many bus lines, including NJ Transit, operate directly to the address. The address is located on Bergen Avenue, one block east of Kennedy Boulevard (the main artery of Hudson County) between Fairmount St. and Montgomery St. The Journal Square Port Authority (Bus, PATH, Taxi, Jitney) Transportation Center is within walking distance.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: University Hospital-Newark, New Jersey
Address of the recipient: 150 Bergen St, Newark, NJ 07103
Amount Requested: $3,550,680
Explanation of Request:
University Hospital’s Center for Advanced Liver Disease & Transplant (The Center), was founded in 1989 as the first liver transplant program in New Jersey. To date, 1,603 liver and 49 kidney transplants have been performed, with a one-year survival rate (98.7%) among the highest in the country. Across the United States, University Hospital has transplanted the largest volume of patients with approved Charity Care over the past 10 years. Given its growing patient volume, The Center currently sees patients in four different locations, which creates confusion, frustration, and delays. This is particularly a problem for patients with low health literacy, who also suffer from the debilitating effects of liver disease – which in many cases include diagnoses of encephalopathy, a condition that impedes memory. Funding will support the construction of a central location of services that will unite the various pieces of The Center’s practice, allowing for a streamlined operation that enables the clinical team to closely monitor every patient under one roof. Patients with liver disease will have one number to call and one location to visit.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.
Proposed Recipient: YMCA of Newark and Vicinity
Address of the recipient: 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102
Amount Requested: $1,200,000
Explanation of Request:
The Newark YMCA is in dire need to upgrade its HVAC and Exhaust system. Our Homeless Shelter and Boarding Programs (under Employed) serve up to 500 families and individuals. The room heat index can reach as high as 100 degrees on any hot summer day. The recent pandemic has required the organization to evaluate its priorities and make the HVAC and Exhaust system an urgent matter. By improving HVAC and exhaust, residents will be able to isolate within their rooms instead of common lounges, helping prevent the spread of COVID19. The current project will replace the existing 2,000-amp switchgear with a 3,000-amp service. The project will also replace 15 exhaust fans located in the residential towers, pool, basement, and gym. All areas frequently used by YMCA residents. The electrical wiring will be replaced and upgraded as the current wiring is original to the building dating back to 1953. Lastly the project includes the purchase and installation of approximately 210 5,000 b/t/u air conditioning units for residents that occupy floors 6-12.
Member's Signed Certification Letter here.