Department of Economic Development and Grants Oversight
1 Civic Square, Room 203A
Telephone: (973) 399-6785
Deborah F. Simpkins
Director
Email: dsimpkins@irvingtonnj.org
Kimbelyn Smith
First Time Homebuyer / Rehabilitation Program Coordinator
Telephone: (973) 399-6737
Email: ksmith@irvingtonnj.org
Shelby Blair
HOME Program Monitor
Telephone: (973) 399-6656
Email: sblair@irvingtonnj.org
Zoya Haye
Lead Safe Program Coordinator
Telephone: (973) 399-6731
Email: zhaye@irvingtonnj.org
Maliyah Bellinger
Intake Coordinator
Telephone: 973-399-6725
Email: mbellinger@irvingtonnj.org
Zhan LaQuer
CDBG Coordinator
Telephone: (973) 399-6782
Email: zlaquer@irvingtonnj.org
Eric Majette
Finance Manager
Telephone: (973) 399-4385
Email: emajette@irvingtonnj.org
Welcome to the Department of Economic Development and Grants Oversight
Irvington is on the move, providing plenty of opportunities for everyone to be a part of this growth and renaissance!
The Department of Economic Development and Grants Oversight (DEDGO) is ecstatic to be at the center of this growth by being responsible for the development and implementation of programs, projects and services to enhance the physical, economic and social tenets of the Township. This is accomplished through four catchment areas:
- Redevelopment and Property Disposition;
- Property Acquisition;
- Grants Oversight of our CDBG, HOME and Clean Communities Grant Programs;
- Business, Economic and Workforce Development Services.
The mission of the Department of Economic Development and Grants Oversight is to facilitate economic growth throughout the Township by implementing Mayor Vauss’ progressive economic and redevelopment vision to enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, invest and entertain in the Township.
Our goals are to:
- Increase the number of tax ratable properties;
- Spur investments that enhance the Township’s economic growth;
- Build residential and commercial infrastructure through scaled redevelopment;
- Create economic and employment opportunities for residents;
- Increase the number of and facilitate the growth of local businesses; and,
- Improve the quality of life for residents and businesses through programs and grants management.
We achieve this mission by planning, implementing and overseeing a comprehensive economic development and redevelopment strategy to ensure the systematic growth and development of the Township’s workforce, residential, commercial, non-profit, and industrial sectors.
We also achieve this mission by working in coordination with other Township departments, businesses and agencies and by the planning, management and disbursement of federal grant funds to foster impactful public-private partnerships.
The DEDGO is responsible for administering the Township’s HOME, CDBG, Lead Based Paint Hazard Remediation and Abatement (HUD and NJ State Grants) and the Clean Communities Grants.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – HOME Investment Partnership Grant (HOME):
The CDBG and HOME Grants enable the Township to provide a vast array of services to benefit our residents!
HOME
The HOME Partnership funds are used to provide: funding to developers to develop affordable rental and homeownership housing; assistance to low income home owners to make much needed renovations to their properties; and down payment or closing cost assistance to new homeowners.
HOME PROGRAMS
HOME Owner Rehabilitation Program
HOME grant funds are awarded to income eligible Irvington homeowners to make much needed repairs to their property. The current grant award is up to $20,000.00.
HOME Buyer Program
HOME grant funds are awarded to income eligible applicants looking to purchase a home in the Township of Irvington. Grant funds can be used to assist with down payment or closing costs. The current grant award is up to $10,000.00.
HOME Funds Redevelopment Program
HOME and CDBG Grant Funds are awarded to qualified developers who are seeking grant funds to complete their redevelopment project and to provide affordable housing. The grant award is determined on a project by project basis and can only be used as gap funding.
CDBG
The CDBG funds support the following services and programs: Neighborhood Revitalization through rehabilitation of housing, community facilities, sidewalks and curb appeal; funding to several Township Departments and to local non-profits to provide various social services, including counseling services and programs for youth, adults and seniors.
The application for 501c3 tax exempt nonprofits to apply to obtain grant funds under the CDBG program is usually available during the month of January. Please check our website and the local newspaper for the exact dates of availability.
LEAD BASED PAINT HAZARD REMEDIATION AND ABATEMENT GRANTS
HUD Lead Based Paint Hazard Remediation Grant
The DEDGO was awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct lead remediation activities and to reduce the number of lead-based paint hazards and other environmental hazards present in housing throughout the Township. Households under this grant must be income eligible to receive a grant of up to $12,000.00 for lead based paint remediation and $5,000.00 to remove other home hazards such as mold and other contaminants.
Municipal Lead Abatement Grant
The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has also awarded the Township of Irvington a Municipal Lead Abatement Grant to facilitate abatement of lead based paint to all household. Income eligibility is not a requirement for this grant and the grant award can be up to $20,000.00.
CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT
The Clean Communities Grants is used to fund neighborhood and community cleanup programs and projects.
The Township’s Business, Economic and Workforce Development Services seeks to retain, attract and grow our businesses and expand economic and employment opportunities for Irvington Residents.
First Source Employment Linkage Program
This program implements an ordinance adopted by the Township to ensure that businesses receiving a financial benefit from the Township hire Irvington Residents first.
In addition, providing services to businesses and individuals, the department undertakes the following activities:
- Mayor Tony Vauss Annual Business Summit
- Work with the Business Improvement Districts
- First Source Ordinance Employment Linkage Program
- Coordinate the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ)
- Plan and Host CARIFEST (Caribbean festival and Parade)
Forms/ Applications
- Abandoned Property Community Reporting Form
- Business Services Request Form
- First Source Information Sheet and Registration Form
- HOME First Time Homebuyer Program Application*
- HOME Rehabilitation Program Application*
- Voluntary Property Transfer Program Application (VPTP)
- Workforce Services Request Form
- Lead Based Paint Hazard Remediation and Abatement Grant Application
*Eligible Applicants must meet federal income requirements set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development annually. For income guidelines for the current year, please contact our office.