February 24, 2011      

RE: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding

Dear Mayor:

Mayors Chris Bollwage of Elizabeth and Art Ondish of Mount Arlington, the Co-Chairs of our new Committee to Save CDBG Funding, are looking for support from Mayors all around our Garden State, in this effort to maintain current levels of this vital federal economic development/redevelopment assistance. Continued funding has never been more crucial, than now, when cuts could further slow our sluggish recovery.

Accordingly, we have enclosed a boiler plate letter (WORD / PDF) to be sent to New Jersey Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, detailing the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and that is must remain fully funded.

The House of Representatives has already voted on a 62.5% cut of the CDBG Program; therefore I am also requesting that you contact your Congressional representatives in an advisory capacity, and convey how essential CDBG is to your community, our state and nation.

I strongly suggest that you emphasize the critical nature of this program and the devastating effects that will result if it is reduced or eliminated. Since numerous community organizations are directly impacted by the CDBG program, it would also be beneficial if the end users of this Program could also reach out to your legislators.

Letters may be addressed to Senator Frank R. Lautenberg at: One Gateway Center, 23rd Floor, Newark, NJ 07012 and Senator Robert Menendez at: One Gateway Center, 11th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102. 

Thank you for your attention in the matter. If you have any questions, contact Jon Moran at 609-695-3481, ext. 121 or jmoran@njslom.com.

Very truly yours,

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director