DNJ Spring Newsletter: Spotlight on Verona, a glowing attraction, brownfields, policy updates, and more!

The Center of it All | Spring 2021 | DowntownNJ.com

Verona’s evolution in recent years makes it home to some of the best restaurants and chefs in the state. With over thirty different eateries offering something for every taste, Verona has become a food destination, and its time the rest of the state knows our secret! MORE>

Ride My Seesaw

Downtown Westfield Corporation leveraged their Main Street New Jersey grant to install a unique family-friendly attraction that would draw crowds downtown in the winter. Merchants say it was a resounding success! MORE>

Don’t Go it Alone!

Brownfields redevelopment is a team sport. Navigating the road to brownfields redevelopment can be complex and challenging. Developing relationships and meaningful partnerships are critical to success. MORE>

Policy Watch - May 2021

Check out the latest policy and legislative issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns. MORE>

Threat to Redevelopment Incentives

A bill that (ACS A1571 & A1576) that requires prevailing wage on projects receiving tax abatements or exemptions seems to be picking up steam in the NJ Legislature. MORE>

Liquor License Reform

Bills advancing much needed liquor license reform are still stalled in committee. Learn more, contact your legislators, & join the alliance. MORE>

DNJ Joins Vision Zero NJ Alliance

The Vision Zero New Jersey Alliance is committed to the idea that deaths and serious injuries on the roads are fully preventable. Every road in New Jersey can and should be designed and maintained to ensure safety for all users, across modes.

DNJ believes this effort is critical not only to community health and safety, but essential to helping our downtowns thrive. We encourage our members and partners to check it out and join the Alliance too! MORE>

COVID Lessons Learned:

From Tactical to Practical

Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 4:00PM

The session will provide advice for those looking to transition from tactical to practical implementation of complete streets. MORE>

Cannabis is Coming,

Are You Ready?

Friday, June 18, 2021 at 11:00AM

We’ll be joined by two experienced attorneys from Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP to discuss the implications of NJ’s Cannabis Law. MORE>

DNJ Board Members and staff will be participating in the following sessions:

MORE INFO & REGISTER>

Other Partner Events

June 1-5, 2021: NJ Bike & Walk Summit
June 3-17, 2021: History and Historic Preservation Conference
June 15, 2021: Creative Placemaking Leadership Webinar
June 17, 2021: The 15-Minute City Webinar Series (Part 3)

Help us help you!

Our ability to continue to advocate for New Jersey’s downtowns during these especially challenging times depends on member support. We hope you will consider joining today! JOIN DNJ>

Downtown New Jersey is an organization of individuals, businesses, government agencies, and local and regional organizations that are passionate about downtowns. Downtowns reflect our communities’ unique identities, provide a focal point, a convenient local place of commerce, and offer a sense of place where people can gather and truly be community. Downtown New Jersey is a resource dedicated to ensuring the vitality of our downtowns. Count on us as your resource for anything regarding downtowns in New Jersey.