Camden Begins $18M Road Overhaul — Will Local And Minority-Owned Businesses Benefit?

Camden, NJ — Camden has broken ground on an $18 million road and lighting upgrade to Haddon Avenue and Broadway, marking the latest phase of a $163 million citywide infrastructure effort. 

City officials say the goal is to revitalize long-neglected roads, improve safety, and support growing business corridors — but questions remain about whether the benefits will extend to Camden-based, minority-owned firms.

The Haddon Avenue project, a 1.3-mile reconstruction between Vesper Boulevard and Kaighn Avenue, includes new paving, ADA-compliant ramps, improved drainage, and upgraded lighting. The Broadway project,  spanning from Ferry Avenue to Newton Avenue, began in early June.

“A Generational Investment”

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen emphasized the importance of the upgrades in  a recent press release, saying the work was “more than just a road project.”

“[T]his is a generational investment into the city’s future. Haddon Avenue is a blossoming commercial corridor,” he said. “Its upkeep is vital to our local business community and the safety of the thousands of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists that travel it on a daily basis.”

On Broadway, a corridor that had become a source of frustration for residents due to poor conditions, Carstarphen noted the community’s repeated calls for change.

“Broadway has been one of the top concerns from our residents, so we are thrilled to finally break ground on this transformative project,” he continued.

City Council President Angel Fuentes, a longtime resident of Camden, echoed the mayor’s sentiments:

“As a Camden resident who travels Haddon Avenue on a daily basis, this project’s impact will be immeasurable. Thousands of people rely on Haddon Avenue to frequent businesses and commute through the city every single day.”

Concerns About Equity and Access

While the investment has been positioned as a  critical step forward, some Camden residents and local business leaders are calling for more transparency on who is actually benefiting from these multi-million-dollar contracts. The city has not publicly released a breakdown of contractors hired for the work or disclosed how many are minority- or Camden-based firms.

Anthony Perno, CEO of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, a nonprofit development group that works closely with the city, acknowledged the challenge Camden faces in ensuring equitable development.

“If we don’t think that perception facing the city of Camden is a real problem, we’re all kidding ourselves,” said Anthony Perno, CEO of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, in comments reported by WHYY. “The economic incentives… are what is necessary to convince corporate leaders to come here.”

However, some community advocates argue that those same incentives often fail to benefit the residents who live and work in Camden. In that same WHYY report, one local leader raised concerns about the lack of job creation tied to redevelopment efforts:

“Why aren’t they going out there and recruiting companies that have jobs for our residents? If we could get 5,000 entry-level jobs with a living wage, I believe you’d start to see a change in Camden.”

Calls for Inclusive Contracting

Camden is home to hundreds of minority- and women-owned businesses. Many of them work in construction, landscaping, and engineering. But stakeholders say they are often left out of major public contracts. Barriers like limited access to bonding and a lack of insider networks make it harder for them to compete.

Organizations like the Camden Business Association and the South Jersey Urban League are speaking out. They are urging the city to release contracting data. They also want equity benchmarks set for future infrastructure funding.

“There’s still a gap,” said one local business owner who asked to remain anonymous. “We keep hearing about investment in Camden, but we need to know: who’s getting the work, and is any of it staying in Camden?”

What Comes Next?

The Haddon Avenue and Broadway projects are expected to wrap up in phases through late 2025. The city has promised to release updates and hold community forums. Advocates say they will be watching closely. They want to ensure the infrastructure upgrades don’t just rebuild streets. The goal is to help rebuild wealth in Camden’s neighborhoods, too.