Maplewood Gets 'Main Street New Jersey' Designation, Support From State

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The state of New Jersey announced Thursday that Maplewood is one of four towns that will now get training and technical support to revitalize their downtown business districts, as they're now diesnated part of the "Main Street New Jersey" program.

This is the first time in six years that the MSNJ Program has added new communities to its roster. There are now 23 communities participating in the program. Bernardsville, Fair Lawn, and Toms River are the others that were added Thursday.

Since it was established in 1989, the MSNJ Program has brought new businesses and jobs to downtown districts. The MSNJ Program is a Coordinating Program of Main Street America, which is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The state said the program will help Maplewood's Springfield Avenue Partnership, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation that is committed to creating a stable, diverse, and friendly commercial district along Springfield Avenue in Maplewood.

"It promotes local businesses, works to attract new businesses, and performs such services such as cleaning sidewalks, maintaining an online business directory and database of available commercial space, and assisting with façade renovation projects," said the state Department of Community Affairs, in announcing the award.

Mayor Frank McGehee said, "Springfield Avenue is a cornerstone of Maplewood and as a municipality we are always looking for ways to enhance our business district. Being named a new Main Street New Jersey district provides the opportunity for our bustling area of commerce to strengthen its live, work, play, and learn environment and add tasteful signage, which will enhance the dining and shopping experience of patrons and residents throughout New Jersey. Thank you for this honor."

“Over the years, both public and private investment have built up Springfield Avenue, remaking it from a county thoroughfare to a neighborhood business corridor. For this community effort, Springfield Avenue and the Springfield Avenue Partnership are honored to receive the Main Street New Jersey designation,” said Nicole Wallace, Executive Director of the Springfield Avenue Partnership. “In the coming year, the Partnership aims to invest in placemaking and wayfinding, and to increase the number and diversity of events.”

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