Cramer Hill Case Study

632 Words3 Pages
1 The history of what is now known as Cramer Hill in Camden stretches back to the 1870s. At the time, that portion of the city was unoccupied after the Native Americans had been driven out. A small colony of African-Americans had located to the northeast and nearer to the river, and they called their settlement East Camden. The only resident on the South Hill was an old African-American woman known as Aunt Rosy. She had a small hut on the Hill, but was actually a “squatter,” having taken possession of land that belonged to a Mr. Thomas F. McKeen. In 1874, Alfred Cramer and Joseph McMasters bought sixteen acres of McKeen’s land and laid out a town plan. That same year, they built the first house and store near what is now the corner of Federal Street and Westfield Avenue, and Alfred Cramer moved in, becoming the first legally recognized resident of the town. The area was eventually named after Mr. Cramer. 2 The neighborhood has been a close-knit one for many years. However, recently, Cramer Hill has been at the center of a heated debate over the desire to rebuild a city vs. the desire of residents to stay in their…show more content…
There are several reasons why planners and developers focused on the Cramer Hill area for redevelopment. First of all, the area is near major transportation routes and centers, including the Ben Franklin Bridge, Interstate 95, Route 676, the Walter Rand Transportation Center, and the RiverLine. City planners know that residents and businesses want easy access in and out of an area for the greatest number of people. Secondly, Cramer Hill is a stable neighborhood with a lower percentage of crime and poverty than many other parts of the city. This is a desirable trait for redevelopment because it makes it more likely that efforts will be successful. Finally, Cramer Hill has a “riverfront view,” which increases its appeal for homeowners, visitors, and
Open Document