Police Patrols And The UEZ – Part 1-What Reauthorization Means For Lakewood

The Lakewood Development Corporation (LDC), the administrative arm of Lakewood’s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), has successfully applied for a reauthorization of its U.E.Z. designation for another 15 years. The UEZ designation means that Lakewood Township residents and businesses will realize millions of dollars in benefits and opportunities for commerce in an economy, in which many are visibly struggling. The criterion for extending the authorization was based upon unemployment. Lakewood’s unemployment rate is above N.J.’s unemployment rate; and compared to last year, Lakewood has seen a significant increase in unemployment over the past recessionary period.
Patricia Komsa, the executive director of the UEZ is expecting that the UEZ designation will pump a conservative estimate of $30 million dollars into Lakewood’s economy in just the first five years.
Through UEZ funding, Lakewood Township will be able to add six primary patrol police officers during 2010 within the downtown business district and the Industrial Park, areas located within the Lakewood Urban Enterprise Zone boundaries. The officers will patrol on foot, bike, and motorized patrols to provide the high visiblity by shoppers and best coverage for businesses.
Komsa says, “These Officers will routinely stop in the stores in their assigned areas and talk with the merchants to see if they have any police-related issues that they can resolve. Local business owners state that they and their customers feel safer and well protected when the officers are out on patrol in the downtown area.”
The visibility of police officers increases economic development, which, in turn, produces additional revenue to Lakewood businesses and sales tax revenue for the UEZ to continue economic development projects.

9 COMMENTS

On My Way December 1, 2009 6:08 pm At 6:08 pm

Is that Officer Butterworth
ki lashem December 1, 2009 6:15 pm At 6:15 pm

Hershel for Mayor!!!!!
yaya December 1, 2009 6:59 pm At 6:59 pm

nope! its Officer Menk
Anonymous December 1, 2009 7:21 pm At 7:21 pm

I hope officer butterworth works in uez.
Anonymous December 1, 2009 8:45 pm At 8:45 pm

How can I find out if my business is eligible for UEZ assistance?
Schwarma December 1, 2009 10:58 pm At 10:58 pm

I hear………Officer Butterworth can answer any of the UEZ questions we have!
lakewood yungerman December 1, 2009 11:08 pm At 11:08 pm

While that mensch Butterworth is not a UEZ Officer, he is extremely versed on all aspects of the LPD. He would be more than happy to answer any questions regarding this matter. Mazel Tov Butters!!!
On My Way December 2, 2009 9:37 am At 9:37 am

Hey Hershel , we think that Butterworth and Hornack would make a good UEZ team………hmmmmm.
Butterific! December 2, 2009 9:32 pm At 9:32 pm

did he really found the company that makes syrup!! he is a well rounded gentleman.

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