Demolition of prison clearing way for improvement in Camden

The demolition of Camden’s Riverfront State Prison is officially underway.

The demolition of Camden’s Riverfront State Prison is officially underway.

Listen:
[audio: 091217mprison.mp3]

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.