New Jersey Pushes to Create "Renaissance Zones" around Urban Schools

Governor James E. McGreevey of New Jersey has released a plan to create "renaissance zones" around newly built schools. The zones would include new or restored housing, recreation or community centers, and opportunities for economic growth. The proposal, unveiled in October 2002 as part of the governor's planning summit, is an effort to combine New Jersey's $8.6 billion school construction program with a plan for urban renewal.

Much of the construction money was ordered by the New Jersey State Supreme Court in its landmark Abbott v. Burke ruling. The decision said that urban schools were inadequately funded. As the remedy stage of the case proceeds, some lawyers and advocates have been taking about the urban school as the center of the urban community, which is often in need of a variety of extra-educational services.

The state is looking for five pilot sites and hopes to continue with another 10 or 15. Districts believed to be on the short list for pilot sites include Camden, Trenton, and Neptune.

Prepared November 2002