Demolition of prison clearing way for improvement in Camden
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
By: Megan Pinto
mpinto@whyy.org
The demolition of Camden's Riverfront State Prison is officially underway.
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For many residents in North Camden, the collapse of the prison symbolizes the rebirth of a community.
For activists like Rodney Sadler with Save Our Riverfront – the 24-year old prison has been a long-standing hindrance to the redevelopment of the 16-acre Waterfront.
Sadler: I thought it was long overdue. I was elated to see it and I hope that this really does spur the redevelopment of North Camden's waterfront.
Sadler says the key factor in a successful revitalization includes the creation of what North Camden needs most… jobs.
Planners hope to transform the area into a mix of commercial and residential properties after the demolition work is completed in the spring.