Editing Long Branch, New Jersey (section)

==Economy==
Portions of the city are part of a joint [[Urban Enterprise Zone]] (UEZ) with [[Asbury Park, New Jersey|Asbury Park]], one of 32 zones covering 37 municipalities statewide. The city was selected in 1994 as one of a group of 10 zones added to participate in the program.<ref>[https://www.state.nj.us/dca/affiliates/uez/publications/pdf/tax_q&a_052709.pdf ''Urban Enterprise Zone Tax Questions and Answers''], [[New Jersey Department of Community Affairs]], May 2009. Accessed October 28, 2019. "In 1994 the legislation was amended and ten more zones were added to this successful economic development program. Of the ten new zones, six were predetermined: Paterson, Passaic, Perth Amboy, Phillipsburg, Lakewood, Asbury Park/Long Branch (joint zone). The four remaining zones were selected on a competitive basis. They are Carteret, Pleasantville, Union City and Mount Holly."</ref> In addition to other benefits to encourage employment and investment within the UEZ, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3.3125% [[sales tax]] rate (half of the {{frac|6|5|8}}% rate charged statewide) at eligible merchants.<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/dca/affiliates/uez/about/ Urban Enterprise Zone Program], [[New Jersey Department of Community Affairs]]. Accessed October 27, 2019. "Businesses participating in the UEZ Program can charge half the standard sales tax rate on certain purchases, currently 3.3125% effective 1/1/2018"</ref> Established in November 1994, the city's Urban Enterprise Zone status expires in November 2025.<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/dca/affiliates/uez/publications/pdf/ZONE%20EXPIRATION%20DATES%20-%202018.pdf Urban Enterprise Zones Effective and Expiration Dates], [[New Jersey Department of Community Affairs]]. Accessed January 8, 2018.</ref>

===Development===
Broadway Center is a planned entertainment and commercial hub of Long Branch, as envisioned by the City Government and Thompson Design Group, who created the Master Plan for the city. This complex is planned to offer retail shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and two performing arts theaters as well as 500 new residences sitting atop a 1,500 car parking garage. It will be designed by the architectural firms of [[Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum]] (HOK).<ref>Varno, Christine. [http://atl.gmnews.com/news/2007-04-19/Front_Page/020.html "Planners OK first phase of Broadway Arts Center - Architect: Project aims to create a residential urban community"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130124141016/http://atl.gmnews.com/news/2007-04-19/Front_Page/020.html |date=2013-01-24 }}, ''Atlanticville'', April 19, 2007. Accessed July 3, 2012.</ref>

In June 2013, the city approved designation of the area around its train station as a [[transit village]], which can bring incentives for revitalization and denser development.<ref>Robbins, Christopher. [http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2013/06/long_branch_approves_transit_village_ocean_place_expansion_over_residents_concerns.html "Long Branch approves transit village, Ocean Place expansion over residents' concerns"], [[NJ.com]], June 13, 2013. Accessed August 3, 2014.</ref>

There are several mid-rise buildings lining the oceanfront.<ref name=Emporis/> In December 2013 another 12-story residential project was approved.<ref>Spahr, Rob. [http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2013/12/movin_on_up_shore_town_approves_luxury_oceanfront_high-rise_despite_objections.html#incart_m-rpt-1 "Movin' On Up: Shore town approves luxury oceanfront high-rise despite objections"], ''[[NJ.com]]'', December 5, 2013. Accessed August 20, 2014.</ref>