TRENTON — The state's capitol has gained a reputation in recent years for being one of the most dangerous places in America.

But a group called Greater Trenton is trying to do just what its name implies — make Trenton, well, greater.

The not-for-profit economic development organization is made up of corporate, academic and philanthropic organizations aiming to revitalize the core downtown area, Greater Trenton CEO George Sowa said.

“The idea is to become a one-stop shop for companies interested in investing in the city,” he said. “And part of that also includes reaching out to potential investors and developers that may have an interest in the city. We also see ourselves supporting many 'clean and safe' efforts and a host of other positive efforts that are going on throughout the city.”

So how is this going to happen?

“There’s a very positive feeling about the potential the city has right now and there’s the Economic Opportunity Act that provides tremendous opportunities for companies that are interested in moving into a city and creating jobs and retaining jobs,” Sowa said. “We’re going to be trying to work with the state in terms of bringing companies in, and make sure we create opportunities for the residents.”

He added safe, affordable housing is another key piece of the puzzle.

“Millennials want to be able to work and live in a city environment, so you provide housing in a very transit-oriented setting ... with the companies in the area that will be supporting the employees,” he said. “It starts by providing a safe and affordable environment for people. The assets are here already we just need people to recognize it, so it’s a great nexus between the employees and the community and the companies all coming together.”

He admits there are challenges "without question."

"This won’t be a sprint. It’s going to be a middle-distance run," Sowa said. "Many people talk about the way Trenton used to be but we’re going to be working very closely with community groups, the existing government that’s in place and also businesses that are in the area to try and really change that.”

Sowa, whose grandparents settled in Trenton after emigrating from Rumania, stressed this is really all about the "three Ps" — the people, the process and the place.

“The idea is to work with both the business leaders and the community to try to make sure we bring businesses in and keep the businesses that are here. People used to speak positively about the city and wanted to have families and businesses here, and we want to get that back. We want people to say they’re proud to be in Trenton or going to Trenton.”

Sowa, who previously served as executive vice president of Brandywine Realty Trust, spearheaded a multi-million dollar plan to develop Campbell Soup's new headquarters in Camden. He also helped to facilitate two public-private partnerships in New Brunswick totaling more than $100 million.

The Board of Greater Trenton is comprised of NJM Insurance Group, Bristol Myers Squibb, the Princeton Area Community Foundation, Investors Bank, TD Bank, Wells Fargo Bank Capital Health, PSEG, Princeton University, Thomas Edison State University and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Each organization has agreed to contribute $50,000 a year for the next five years to Greater Trenton.

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