Christie unveiled a plan Wednesday to demolish old state office buildings to spur private development. Watch video
TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie unveiled plans Wednesday to demolish a trio of state office buildings and relocate them within blocks of the Statehouse to pave the way for private development in the state's capital city.
The relocation of the state's Health, Agriculture and Taxation office buildings, Christie argued, would spur "private-sector employment, innovation, modern housing and recreation" in New Jersey's 10th largest city, which for years has been plagued by poverty and crime.
"It's a good day for the city of Trenton," he said.
The governor stood in the shadow of a building that sat vacant for nearly two decades, but is now a "project that is a symbol of economic development" as it's transformed into apartments. The Roebling Lofts builders have future plans for a restaurant and retail space for the site, Christie said.
Christie's evolution on Trump's wall
"It has been, at times, a difficult road," he said. "But there are good leaders in the city, now, who are willing to step forward."
The administration's plan calls for a new, seven story building on the corner of John Fitch Way and South Warren Street to house The Division of Taxation and the construction of a five-story building at North Willow and West Hanover streets to house the Agriculture and Health departments.
The project will take its initial steps on Friday, when the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is expected to approve a $3.6 million interim financing plan to help fund the predevelopment services.
"Through the demolition of existing state office buildings, we are paving the way for the West State corridor to welcome new private investment, generate economic development opportunities that will create jobs and help build a dynamic downtown environment," Christie said.
He argued the current state buildings are outdated and inefficient.
"Our administration will fulfill our promise to voters to substantially reduce New Jersey's formally bloated workforce through attrition," he said. "We've done that and it makes sense to make the footprint that we have here, the non-tax-paying footprint, that way have here in Trenton, less."
He boasted the state shed 9,000 public jobs through attrition since he took office.
"And maybe if we take away some of the office space, whoever comes after me won't try to fill those empty offices," Christie quipped.
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook. Follow NJ.com Politics on Facebook.