A resolution sponsored by Jersey City Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley would allow a local business to give $25,000 annually to offset summer camp fees for underprivileged families.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Many residents reached out concerning the new summer camp fees and their displeasure with the new charge. This gift will help to ease that burden. It is good to see a company not only benefiting from the expansion of Jersey City, but being an active partner in making the City a better place for its residents,” Ridley said in a statement.
“With that in mind, I thought it would be best to spread the donation over the next 20 years instead of accepting a one time gift for a lower total amount. This funding will benefit the Ward A community and Jersey City whether I am the Ward A Councilwoman or not. That was important to me.”
The local legislation, which will be voted on during tomorrow’s 6 p.m. council meeting, says that Jersey City Initiatives, a company based out of Ward A, recently received approvals for the construction/installation of a sign at the address 9 Route 440.
“Whereas, the Giftor desires to make a yearly donation of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for twenty (20) years to be used by the City in the neighborhood most impacted by the sign,” the resolution says.
“Whereas, the City shall use the funds exclusively for the purposes of community improvement projects, recreation, or non-profit services at the advisement of the Ward A councilperson.”
Low to moderate income families are charged $150 per session for this year’s summer camp, where each session is two weeks long. Standard pricing for families not within the low to moderate income bracket are charged $300 per session.
This gift to the city would allow over 150 kids meeting the low to moderate income requirements to attend the camp for free. Camp is held at the Caven Point Athletic Complex in Ward A)and Pershing Field Park in Ward C.
The camp includes physical recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, food, and other activities.
The proposal comes after the council unanimously (9-0) voted in favor of increasing pool fees for next year on first reading, though it doesn’t appear to have the votes to be implemented on second reading.
