The biggest question in South Jersey isn’t whether the region has momentum — it’s
whether the broader economic environment will let it keep going.
That idea framed the Southern New Jersey Development Council’s 30th Annual
Construction Forecast last Friday at Stockton University.
The annual gathering brought together leaders from construction, development, labor,
education, government, finance, infrastructure and economic development to take stock
of what’s coming.
Robert Curley, Regional President of the Mid-Atlantic Metro for TD, offered the market
economic update — and why he remains positive.
“Despite the noise around inflation, interest rates, tariffs and labor shortages, I believe
New Jersey remains one of the strongest, most strategically positioned economies in
the country,” Curley said.
The “Coming Attractions” portion of the program — moderated by Mike Hagarty of the
Camden County Improvement Authority — put some numbers behind that optimism.
Here’s what was on the board:
Rowan University: The university outlined its West Campus Development Project, a
multi-phase initiative centered on health care, wellness and advanced manufacturing.
Estimated total cost: $690 million. Projected impact: more than 4,170 construction jobs,
more than 900 permanent jobs and approximately $14.3 million in annual tax revenue.
South Jersey Port Corporation: The corporation highlighted more than $132 million in
total capital investments across its deepwater port facilities in Camden, Paulsboro and
Salem, with efforts focused on modernizing operations, diversifying cargo,
strengthening workforce training and advancing sustainability.
Casino Reinvestment Development Authority: Atlantic City’s residential development
pipeline is growing. CRDA showcased approved and planned projects including
Lighthouse Row, Residences at the Orange Loop, Terraces at Absecon Inlet, AC Inlet
Partners, Caspian Pointe and Colosseo Atlantic City.
The Authority: The regional economic development agency reported 96 active projects
totaling more than $662 million in investment and 5,100 jobs across Cumberland, Salem
and Cape May counties. The portfolio spans school expansions, public safety facilities,
broadband infrastructure, renewable energy, land bank redevelopment and municipal
partnerships.
The most forward-looking presentation of the day came from Hopeworks and Camden
County Commissioner Jeff Nash, who unveiled the Camden 3D Urban Visualization
Project — a digital twin platform designed to support economic development, planning
and community engagement as part of Camden’s Master Plan.
The platform gives planners, investors and residents a new way to visualize what
redevelopment actually looks like before a shovel hits the ground. It’s the kind of tool
that can change how a community tells its own story — and Camden, increasingly, has
a story worth telling.
The event closed with a keynote from NJEDA CEO Evan Weiss, who addressed
statewide priorities and the role of infrastructure, public finance and strategic investment
in keeping New Jersey competitive.
