The state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced Nov. 21 four new communities received designation to the Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) Program.

Special improvement districts in Princeton (Experience Princeton), Plainfield (Plainfield Special Improvement District), Millburn (Explore Millburn-Short Hills) and Haddonfield (Partnership for Haddonfield) received the prestigious MSNJ designation.

Housed within DCA’s Division of Local Planning Services, the program aims to encourage and support the revitalization of downtown business districts throughout the state. With these newest designations, the total number of MSNJ districts is now 29.

Since the program’s inception in 1989, MSNJ-designated communities have received more than $1 billion in public-private investments – resulting in a net gain of 1,500 new and expanded businesses as well as a net increase of 6,680 jobs, according to the DCA.

The designation enables these communities to receive on- and off-site technical assistance as well as training in downtown revitalization and management. It also opens up grant opportunities to assist with physical improvement projects, operational support and more.

“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 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 communities applauded the news; see what they had to say below.

Princeton

“Experience Princeton is one of the largest special improvement districts in the state covering the entire municipality,” said Princeton Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambrose. “This Main Street designation is vital to growth and sustainability of our still young organization.”

“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,” said Experience Princeton Executive Director Isaac Kremer, Main Street America Revitalization. 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.”

“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,” said Aubrey Haines, president of Experience Princeton and CEO of Princeton Property Partners. “Princeton is the hometown of over 700 businesses and the beating heart of Central New Jersey attracting over 2 million visitors a year.”

Plainfield

“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,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp. “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.”

“This acknowledgment reflects the collective efforts of our community, businesses, and leadership in revitalizing and enhancing the heart of Plainfield,” said Abel Gomez, executive director of Plainfield Special Improvement District. “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.

Millburn

“We are so fortunate to have the team at our Special Improvement District – Explore Millburn-Short Hills – who drafted our application,” said Millburn Mayor Annette Romano. “As I always say, Millburn’s Downtown is beautiful, and I am lucky to live in and lead such an amazing community as mayor.”

“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,” said Explore Millburn-Short Hills Executive Director Steve Grillo. “There are big things ahead for Millburn!”

“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,” said Explore Millburn-Short Hills Chairwoman Jackie Benjamin Lieberberg.

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,” said Haddonfield Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich. “We are thrilled to become a part of Main Street New Jersey!”

“The Partnership for Haddonfield greatly appreciates the opportunity to represent one of the many great main streets in New Jersey,” said Michael Marciante, executive director of the Partnership for Haddonfield. “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.”

More information on MSNJ is available online.

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