What is CityWorks?
CityWorks is a not-for-profit corporation that was created to assist non-profit organizations, like MURC, in developing commercial and residential real estate projects in economically-distressed, urban neighborhoods throughout New Jersey. CityWorks can assist non-profits with land use and site planning, financing, market analysis, project construction and business tenant recruiting.
CityWorks is committed to the communities it serves. Non-profit empowerment and community development are at the core of CityWorks' mission. The corporation's plan is not simply to construct commercial and residential projects, but to complete the circle that creates a true urban neighborhood. The result will be a community with a solid base for growth and self-sufficiency and plenty of community pride
What will CityWorks contribute to the West Lake Avenue project?
CityWorks is not a risk-averse developer. The corporation brings to the Neptune project a commitment to underserved, urban communities and a belief that local community development corporations can see their dreams become reality, with some help. In addition, CityWorks can enhance the monetary and organizational value of local non-profits like MURC by bringing the best financing programs, both public and private, to the table, and by making sure that exorbitant fees and profit motives don't stop the project.
CityWorks has already commissioned a market study to identify the economic advantages of the Midtown area. The corporation has placed a computer in Clara's on West Lake Avenue so that community members can keep abreast of the project and provide feedback.
What people say about CityWorks:
"Success can be tricky! A culinary arts program, called Promise Jobs, that developed out of our original soup kitchen, Elijah's Promise, has graduated over 100 students with a 90% placement rate in the local food services industry. But now the two programs are fighting for kitchen space. We need to expand, but we also need assistance in the planning and execution of our expansion.
We turned to CityWorks to provide us with the expertise to carry out our vision of a separate home for Promise Jobs. They will help us in the final planning and construction phases as we convert an 8,000-square-foot building in New Brunswick into offices, a training center and kitchen facilities."
Lisanne Finston, Executive Director,
Elijah's Promise, New Brunswick
"We are committed to creating a dynamic neighborhood in and around West Lake Avenue. But we can't do that without creating a viable commercial center to meet residents' needs. Luckily, we have found a partner to help us bring commercial development to the area in conjunction with our overall redevelopment plan. CityWorks will help make sure that local residents get what they need."
Mayor Thomas Catley, Neptune