New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Designates Four New Districts to the Main Street New Jersey Program

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Designates Four New Districts to the Main Street New Jersey Program

• Posted on: 11/21/2024

New Designations Bring Total Number of Districts to 29 throughout New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today announced the designation of four new communities to the Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) Program, an initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting the revitalization of downtown business districts throughout the state. With the designation, downtown districts in Princeton (Mercer County), Plainfield (Union County), Millburn (Essex County), and Haddonfield (Camden County) can now receive technical assistance and training in how to strengthen their main streets as centers of community and economic activity.

"We are incredibly excited to announce four new MSNJ Districts and look forward to assisting these communities as part of the MSNJ program," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "The MSNJ designation focuses on developing partnerships between local small business owners, entrepreneurs, and communities to foster public and private reinvestment in their historic New Jersey downtowns."

The prestigious MSNJ designation allows communities to receive on- and off-site technical assistance and training in downtown revitalization and management. MSNJ communities can also apply for grant opportunities to assist with physical improvement projects, operational support, and the development and implementation of transformation strategies in their designated districts to the extent funding is available.

The MSNJ program, within DCA's Division of Local Planning Services, assists with the development of preservation-based downtown revitalization initiatives including strengthening the existing tax base, increasing sales, creating a positive community image with attractive and viable downtown buildings, attracting new businesses, creating new jobs, increasing investment in the downtown, and preserving historic architectural resources.

The four newly-designated districts brings the total number of MSNJ districts to 29. Since the program's inception in 1989, there has been more than $1 billion in public-private investment in Main Street designated communities, with a net gain of 1,500 new and expanded businesses and a net increase of 6,680 jobs. Between 1997 and 2022, residents, merchants, and property owners donated nearly $10 million in volunteer wage time to support their local Main Street program.

Princeton

"We are gratified that the Main Street New Jersey program and the NJ Department of Community Affairs has recognized the need to support the iconic "Main Street" community. Princeton is the hometown of over 700 businesses and the beating heart of Central New Jersey attracting over 2 million visitors a year."

Aubrey Haines, president of Experience Princeton and CEO of Princeton Property Partners

Young Patriot's Day at Princeton Battlefield

"What a great honor it is to be recognized as a Main Street community. Situated in the heart of Central New Jersey, Princeton is a major draw for visitors to our town from both nearby towns and throughout the world. Experience Princeton is one of the largest special improvement districts in the state covering the entire municipality. This Main Street designation is vital to growth and sustainability of our still young organization."
Princeton Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambrose

"Over the last two years more than 50 volunteers have worked tirelessly to create a flourishing Princeton economy and to offer exceptional experiences for residents and visitors. We thank Governor Murphy, DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, MSNJ State Coordinator Gina Fischetti, and Main Street America for their belief in the ability of our organization to achieve results."
Experience Princeton Executive Director Isaac D. Kremer, Main Street America Revitalization

Plainfield

"As the executive director of the Plainfield Special Improvement District, I am thrilled to see Plainfield recognized as one of the 2024 Main Street New Jersey Districts. This acknowledgment reflects the collective efforts of our community, businesses, and leadership in revitalizing and enhancing the heart of Plainfield. We are excited to continue building a vibrant, inclusive downtown that not only preserves our historic character, but also positions Plainfield as a destination for innovation, culture, and economic growth. I look forward to working closely with Main Street New Jersey to further our mission and create lasting opportunities for everyone in our district."
Abel Gomez, executive director of Plainfield Special Improvement District

Plainfield's newest mural located in a lot adjacent to 131 North Avenue office of the Plainfield Special Improvement District.

"I am incredibly proud of the work our Special Improvement District (SID) has done to be recognized as one of the 2024 Main Street New Jersey Districts. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and vision of Executive Director Abel Gomez, local businesses, community members, and partners who are committed to revitalizing Plainfield's historic downtown. Together, we are creating a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects the rich culture and diversity of our city while fostering economic growth and opportunity. We look forward to continuing this transformative work as we collaborate with Main Street New Jersey to build on this momentum."
City of Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

"This is a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to revitalize and reinvigorate the heart of Plainfield. With this new partnership, we will gain access to crucial resources, training, and funding opportunities that will enable us to strengthen our local businesses, beautify our streets, and create a vibrant, inclusive downtown for everyone to enjoy."
Mario Camino, chair of the Plainfield Special Improvement District

Millburn

"I am ecstatic about Millburn Township receiving the 2024 Main Street New Jersey Award. We are so fortunate to have the team at our Special Improvement District - Explore Millburn-Short Hills - who drafted our application. As I always say, Millburn's Downtown is beautiful, and I am lucky to live in and lead such an amazing community as mayor."
Millburn Mayor Annette Romano

Residents enjoying entertainment at Millburn Town Hall Plaza.

"Millburn is thrilled to be in the select few communities that have been admitted to the program and look forward to all of the benefits it brings. As chairwoman and one of the founders of Millburn's Special Improvement District, I am grateful to serve on a dynamic, proactive and engaged board with committed residents, government officials, business and property owners who worked collaboratively to put forth a winning application."
Explore Millburn-Short Hills Chairwoman Jackie Benjamin Lieberberg

"As a 15-year economic and community development professional, I can say this is the most significant achievement of my career. The Special Improvement District was created in 2020 and in just four short years we have been able to assemble a service portfolio in our downtown that has been recognized by such a prestigious program as Main Street New Jersey. There are big things ahead for Millburn!"
Explore Millburn-Short Hills Executive Director Steve Grillo

Haddonfield

"This designation is incredibly meaningful for the Borough of Haddonfield. It comes after nearly 20 years of growth and evolution - from our early days of competition with local malls and the "big box" anchored shopping centers to more recent online shopping trends and COVID-19-related challenges - signifying the power of our main streets, while also highlighting the need to be agile and responsive to our small business owners. To that end, I have purposefully engaged with preservation and tourism partners over the last four years to make our downtown more than just a beautiful and inviting destination for shopping and dining local. We've worked tirelessly to bring residents and visitors together for experiential events that create lasting memories and deepen connections to our borough. The Main Street New Jersey designation is a testament to the volunteers and recent staff additions that have enabled us to keep moving forward and generating economic impact. Thank you to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Local Planning Services and Main Street New Jersey staff for assisting us during the process and giving of our time and energy in the review and approval of our submission. We are thrilled to become a part of Main Street New Jersey!"
Haddonfield Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich

Spectators enjoying Haddonfield Fourth of July parade.

"The Partnership for Haddonfield greatly appreciates the opportunity to represent one of the many great main streets in New Jersey. Haddonfield has over 200 food, retail, and retail service businesses that make up a dynamic and welcoming downtown. With its historic backdrop, shade tree-lined streets, and walkable sidewalks, Haddonfield is the crown jewel of South Jersey. We are very excited to have our community recognized by Main Street New Jersey and invite everyone from across the state to experience everything Downtown Haddonfield has to offer."
Michael Marciante, executive director of the Partnership for Haddonfield

For further information on the Main Street New Jersey Program and its participating communities, please visit: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlps/msnj.shtml.

Local Planning Services (LPS), an office within DCA, provides the services of licensed Professional Planners to assist municipalities with achieving municipal land use and planning goals.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media:

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