Members of the firm’s Redevelopment & Land Use, Real Estate and Environmental Departments were involved in the firm’s representation of the Camden Redevelopment Agency in its negotiations with the Salvation Army for the remediation, acquisition and redevelopment of a former 85-acre landfill in Camden. The location is now the site of the 120,000 square foot Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, which opened in October of 2014.

Robert Beckelman, a partner in our Redevelopment & Land Use Department, handled the negotiation of a redevelopment agreement for the project.  Environmental Department partner David A. Roth negotiated an environmental remediation agreement for the property. Anthony Giountikos, Counsel to the firm’s Real Estate Department, handled the closing for the sale of the property.   

This fall, the Salvation Army completed construction of the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.  Facilities include an indoor water park, an eight-lane pool, an NCAA-regulation basketball court, two baseball fields, a rock wall, a chapel, performance stage, café, fitness center, two exercise studios, a food pantry, a library and classrooms. The project, completed at a cost of over $90 million, was made possible by a bequest from the estate of philanthropist Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald's CEO Ray Kroc.  The community center expects to employ approximately 160 employees.  Low cost memberships are available for both families and individuals. Nearly 1000 members had signed up prior to the October grand opening, and 5000 members are anticipated within the firm year of operation. The library, classrooms, chapel and food pantry will be open to non-members as well.

The firm is proud to have played a role in the realization of this worthwhile project, which will serve as a valuable ongoing economic and recreational asset to the predominantly low-income local community.