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5th District Legislators Announce New Camden Supermarket

ShopRite store to anchor major Admiral Wilson Plaza development
bringing jobs and revenues to the City

(CAMDEN) – Senator Donald Norcross and Assemblymen Angel Fuentes and Gilbert “Whip” Wilson (D-Camden/Gloucester) have announced a major new development project to begin on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden. The project includes a 75,000 square-foot ShopRite, as well as 75,000 square feet for additional retail space.

“The proposed development on Admiral Wilson Boulevard finally brings a major supermarket to a centralized location in the City, a reality that has been decades in the making,” said Senator Norcross. “This is precisely the type of investment that will enable Camden to thrive.”

The construction will bring 400 construction jobs, 320 new full and part-time jobs, and approximately $1.5 million in new tax revenues. Additional retail is expected to include a variety of goods and services, restaurants and a full-service bank. The ShopRite will be operated by Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, Inc., one of South Jersey’s largest supermarket operators. Store owners expect that a substantial percentage of their employees will be Camden residents.

“There is a definite need for a full-service supermarket in the area, and it’s important to provide residents with a wide-range of choices,” said Jason Ravitz of Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, Inc. “My brothers and I are thrilled to be a part of Camden’s renaissance, and look forward to joining the community.”

For thirty years, the concept and vision of a new supermarket in this area has been put forth by political, civic, and labor organizations alike. Previous advocates include former Senator Walter Rand who lived in Northgate, former Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts, former Camden City Mayor Randy Primas, former City Council President and Building Trades President Joseph DiRenzo, and Senator Norcross’s father, the former Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO President George Norcross, Jr. Current advocates include Rod Sadler of Save Our Waterfront, Mayor Dana Redd, the Camden City Council, and many others.

“This dynamic shopping center will bring jobs and drive positive business to the city,” Assemblyman Fuentes stated. “Its easy accessibility and ample space make Admiral Wilson Boulevard the perfect choice for development for our economy and our community.”

The Fifth District legislators have advanced multiple programs aimed at changing Camden’s designation as a “food desert,” by creating the Fresh Mobiles pilot program and supporting community gardening. It has been their goal to see supermarkets return to the city.

“The inclusion of a ShopRite at this site continues our efforts to provide healthy alternatives to Camden’s residents,” said Assemblyman Wilson. “When families lack access to fresh produce and nutritional options, they are forced to rely on high-priced, over-processed junk food. That reliance ends with this community-based supermarket.”

The development on Admiral Wilson Boulevard joins a series of projects underway in the city designed to bring about smart growth and create jobs for South Jersey residents. The higher education reforms enabling Rutgers and Rowan Universities expand in the city, the opening of the Cooper Medical School and the development of the Cooper Cancer Institute, as well as the pending development of the Riverfront State Prison site are each pieces in the larger strategy to reenergize Camden.

“Developers are seeing opportunities to build on the foundations for growth we have created over the past several years,” Senator Norcross added. “They’re making smart investments in our city that help the residents and will benefit the entire area.”