OCED - Office of Community and Economic Development
- 2006 Annual Plan (PDF)
- 2005 Annual Plan (PDF)
- 2005 Five-Year Consolidated Plan
- 2005 Community Development Week Newsletter (PDF)
- 2004 Annual Plan (PDF)
- 2003 Annual Plan (PDF)
- 2002 Annual Plan (PDF)
- Home Repair Program
- Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports
- Urban Enterprise Zone Program
Program Year 2006
For the City of Long Branch, 2006 will be a year filled with new ideas and new growth. Activity is high and synergy abounds as we look forward to the continued success of programs and services offered by the OCED (Office of Community and Economic Development). We are anxious to complete many of the projects started and excited to welcome new ones that will make our community and City all the better. In addition to adding new projects and services, we investigate the challenge of discovering new resources that can complement and enhance City services and extend added benefits to residents and others who are in need.
Community Development Block Grant Program
The OCED administers the CDBG Program and makes assistance available to low and moderate-income individuals and households. From crime prevention strategies to financial assistance to non-profits, the OCED has an array of programs and services that will benefit people, places and infrastructure throughout Long Branch. While our country bears the responsibility of committing resources to international causes, domestically and locally, we are challenged to not only make due with present allocation, but in fact, we must strive to do more with less and there is an imminent threat in Washington that funds could be diverted as the need abroad may dictate. Despite this reality, we remain confident that federal programs and services will be available to those who are in need. The OCED is committed to delivering such services in an efficient and fair system for eligible clients.
Housing Rehabilitation and Production
New housing will become available in 2006 as well as the continuation of financial assistance to abate code violations in the existing housing stock. Individuals and families who are income eligible are encouraged to apply for funds. Improving the housing stock and producing new housing fulfills the Property Improvement Initiative that began in 1995. Residents and visitors to Long Branch are guaranteed to see improved streets, housing and more attractive communities.
Urban Enterprise Zone Program
This is the 11th year of the Long Branch UEZ Programs and the business community has taken advantage of the funds that are made available to participating retailers. The UEZ Program is responsible for much of the improvements that have occurred in business districts. Parking lots located in commercial zones were upgraded and many streets were provided new sidewalks. Merchants who certify to participate in the UEZ Program may qualify for a grant to do facade renovations to their buildings. Other benefits to the program include technical assistance for fledging businesses, job fairs, seminars and constructive business meetings. Certified merchants who start up new businesses may also qualify for utility-installation discounts, infrastructure upgrades and other amenities. The UEZ Program also supports four police substations strategically located in business zones offering law enforcement and immediate response to emergency situations. UEZ Police also oversees the local Community Service Program.
Additional Services and Programs
The OCED is the leading agency to effectively pursue open-space and outdoor recreational facilities. Part of the effort includes the improvements and upgrades to City owned parks and play areas throughout Long Branch. Jerry Morgan park will be completed in 2005 and construction for the new Manahassett Creek Park will break ground. Look for a new site on Third and Union Avenue, Broadway Park, to be completed in 2005 as well. The OCED is responsible for preparing Workable Relocation Assistance Plans necessary for authorizing the relocations of businesses, homeowners and tenants who are affected by the ongoing redevelopment projects along the oceanfront, Broadway and within designated communities. Many who previously lived within a Redevelopment Zone were successfully relocated to new and improved residential environments.
For more information regarding programs and services of the OCED, visit our website at www.longbranch.org or contact the OCED at 732-923-2043.