Mayor Reed Gusciora and City Council Celebrate Local Economic Development

Trenton N.J. – As a result of the City of Trenton’s Business Improvement Incentive Program, a local economic development grant program, the City of Trenton co-financed improvements at 128 West State Street, a commercial property, owned by West State Partnership.

Improvements to 128 West State Street included waterproofing the café from moisture intrusion, repairing the retaining wall, installing a drainage system, and repairing two sets of stairs (the landing areas and roof soffits). Mayor W. Reed Gusciora stated, “This grant program is supporting incredible local businesses like the one that will be at 128 W. State St, creating jobs for contractors within the city. It is part-and-parcel of our effort to create a more attractive retail district in the Capital City.”

The Trenton Business Improvement Incentive offers grants of up to 50% of total project cost, grant to not exceed $20,000, to businesses operating within retail space that are planning to make building improvements, with a minimum project cost of $5,000.

North Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Williams affirmed, “I would like to encourage eligible local businesses to take part in this innovative grant program. Together, we are revitalizing the downtown: One business at a time.”

Other projects that the Trenton Business Improvement Incentive Program have supported since the inception of the program include interior commercial space at 103 Perry St, solar installation at 5 Chelten Way, roof repairs at 13 East Front, façade and roof repairs at 219 East Hannover, weather vestibule installation at 106 Pennington Ave, façade repairs at 115 S Warren St, electric and flooring work at 134 E Hanover St, and automobile lifts at 330 Ferry St.

West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby remarked, “Today, we celebrated 128 W. State St. and Taraun Tice; tomorrow, it will be another business. I look forward to supporting the revitalization of our local economy.”

If you are a current or prospective Trenton business and would like to learn more about this and other resources, contact Eric Maywar in the Division of Economic Development at emaywar@trentonnj.org.