Revitalizing Paterson

The New Jersey Community Development Corporation is a full-service organization working to transform the City of Paterson into a thriving, diverse, and sustainable city for current and future generations.

Paterson has struggled to retain its prominence as an important American city, despite having an array of largely untapped resources—from the high concentration of beautiful beaux-arts buildings, to its rapid access to the interstate and nearby global commerce centers, proximity to New York City, and the rich history associated with the birth of the U.S. Industrial Revolution. At NJCDC, we contend that driving positive neighborhood change and sustainable revitalization must permeate citywide—not just in a few pockets of privilege and opportunity.

At NJCDC, we are working to connect the dots between comprehensive neighborhood revitalization, positive youth development and education, affordable and supportive housing, the preservation of the Great Falls Historic District, creative economic development, and direct public-policy innovation. We believe Paterson holds both a rich history and a promising future. We realize the textured history of Alexander Hamilton’s vision for the birth of a “national manufactory” here in Paterson and we know Paterson helped forge economic independence for our fledgling nation by establishing a vibrant national economy so others could rise and succeed. More importantly, NJCDC is working hard to help Paterson create the ‘Second Industrial Revolution’—one based on the cultivation of the human spirit, the persistence of youth to succeed, and the belief that a nurturing environment creates nurturing and productive people.

View of Independence House from the Upper Raceway.