Clean and safe is the foundation for economic growth
Camden Special Services District
What is it?
CSSD is a program organized by the Greater Camden Partnership in 2005 to bring enhanced maintenance and security to the city’s main commercial areas and to promote Camden as a clean and safe place to live, work, study and invest. It is based on the “clean and safe” model that has been a foundation of economic redevelopment strategies in urban areas around the country.
A full time staff of maintenance workers and trained hospitality personnel, under the direction of an experienced project manager, ensures that sidewalks and public spaces are litter-free, that graffiti is removed promptly, that sidewalks are power washed periodically, that weeds are removed from planters, and that visitors to downtown and neighboring communities are welcomed by friendly uniformed workers.
To come: Statistics—trash picked up, crime decrease, etc.
Where is it?
The original CSSD district encompassed the traditional downtown, including the University District, the Science Campus at Cooper University Hospital, the Government Center and portions of the Waterfront. In August 2008, the CSSD district was expanded under an Urban Enterprise Zone grant to include the following five commercial districts: Yorkship Square, Broadway, Haddon Avenue, Federal Street, and River Avenue.
How does CSSD work?
CSSD does not replace the traditional functions of government. Rather, CSSD provides enhanced maintenance and hospitality services in coordination with property owners and the City’s departments of public works and public safety.
CSSD activities are funded by voluntary contributions, grants, and fees for services. GCP retains Service Group, Inc. to hire, train and deploy Camden residents for work as maintenance crew members and hospitality ambassadors.
An experienced Project Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations of the staff. GCP staff oversee the fulfillment of clean and safe responsibilities by SGI and are responsible for fundraising, community outreach, and the development of overall program strategy.
An eleven member Management Board oversees the income and expenses of the program. The Management Board is comprised of representatives from a diverse cross-section of the CSSD’s leading contributors.
How do I get involved?
There is a tremendous amount of evidence showing that clean and safe initiatives are an important foundation for economic development. Anyone who is interested in investing in Camden’s future by supporting this effort should contact the GCP.
