About the UEZ Program
The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) is a state-designated program to alleviate unemployment in approximately 37 municipalities throughout the state of New Jersey. The City of Paterson was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone in 1994 and plays a vital role in the restoration of Paterson. Since that time, Paterson has collected almost $25,000,000 in tax revenue for various revitalization projects. The sales tax collected in Paterson has provided the UEZ with the funds to administer approximately 45 economic development projects. The following list is just an example of the programs and projects which offer a great number of advantages to UEZ members:
- Business Improvement Grants
- Sidewalk Matching Grants
- Revolving Loan Program
- Main Street Streetscape
- Video Surveillance
- Farmers Market Revitilization
- Street Lighting
Today, Paterson retains it’s proud history and is making a true “silk to silicon” transformation. Central to this revitalization is the UEZ Program, enabling UEZ retail members to charge 3½% sales tax giving them a competitive edge over other businesses. All UEZ business members however, benefit from the tax exemption allowed for operating supplies. 100% exemption from the NJ State Sales and Use Tax for the purchase of all tangible property (excluding motor vehicles) includes the following:
- Office Supplies
- Office Equipment
- Services, including installation
- Building Materials
- Repairs and Improvements to existing properties
For more information on the program and for assistance in filling out the application to become a member, please contact the Paterson Urban Enterprise Zone office at (973) 321-1212. There are no application or membership fees.
Business Revitilization Grants
Business Improvement Grants
The Business Improvement Grant Program is eligible for all commercial and mixed commercial use properties within the Paterson UEZ, excluding Main Street. Businesses and property owners are eligible for a 50% matching grant up to $35,000 per building. Qualified improvements include minor improvement of lower and upper facades; rehabilitation of historic details; signage; awnings; lighting; security gates; fencing and landscaping. All restoration, rehabilitation and new construction projects must conform to the UEZ Façade Improvement Guidelines as well as the Department of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
Main Street Facade Grants
The Main Street Façade Program is eligible for all commercial and mixed use properties with frontage on Main Street, from Crooks Avenue to Memorial Drive. All property and business owners are eligible for a 50% matching grant up to $50,000 per building. Qualified improvements include major repairs and improvements to storefronts and upper faces; rehabilitation of historic details; signage; awnings; lighting; security gates; fencing and landscaping. A full block of applicants will receive a 70% matching grant, up to $50,000 per building. All restoration, rehabilitation and new construction projects must conform to the UEZ Façade Improvement Guidelines as well as the Department of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
Revolving Loans
The Revolving Loan Program was created for qualified Urban Enterprise Zone businesses to provide the financing necessary to promote economic growth with the City of Paterson. The loans are available to qualified UEZ certified businesses that are located with the Urban Enterprise Zone.
The UEZ Loan program makes additional financing available for projects that might not otherwise be financed through a private bank.
The Revolving Loan Program also allows resident businesses to save money on the cost of their debt, thereby allowing more money to be reinvested in the business’ expansion and creation of additional jobs.
Sidewalk Matching Grants
The Sidewalk Matching Grant is available to UEZ certified businesses within the Urban Enterprise Zone, excluding Main Street.
Businesses wishing to participate in the program will be required to obtain three (3) proposals for sidewalk repair and complete the necessary paperwork with the City Engineering Division. The maximum grant is $6,000 per qualified business. The qualified business will match dollar for dollar the amount up to $6,000 for the repair of their sidewalk. Each business can only apply once for this matching grant.
Click here for a list of the members of the UEZ Advisory Committee.