The Center of it All | Winter 2023 | DowntownNJ.com
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Fort Lee or a long-time resident, you can’t help but appreciate the vibrant and cultural art scene the borough has to offer. Fort Lee is a mecca for the arts, with beautiful streetscapes, a burgeoning mural program, and many nods to its place in film making history. MORE>
Referring to Jersey City as the “Sixth Borough” does not do it justice. Jersey City is so much more. In the last two decades or so, Downtown Jersey City has developed a unique character and vibe: cosmopolitan with a small-town feel and a Jersey edge. MORE>

Cannabis can be a complex issue for municipalities to navigate without special guidance. Balancing both the real and perceived concerns of our residents with zoning regulations that are responsive to the desires of the business community and advocates is the work of planners. MORE>

The New Jersey Builder’s Association shares information about how NJDEP’s “Protecting Against Climate Threats” (PACT) regulations could affect revitalization in your downtown. MORE>

Craft brewing and distilling is a developing industry in the Garden State. But while New Jersey passed legislation in 2012 to allow tasting rooms, the restrictive nature of New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) rules is hampering expansive growth. MORE>

Downtown New Jersey attended Governor Murphy’s roundtable discussion with local restauranteurs and lawmakers about his plan to reform NJ’s antiquated liquor license laws. The legislative proposal would increase the availability of liquor licenses gradually over five years. MORE>

DNJ President Bob Zuckerman reflects on the past year, and looks forward to serving our members in 2023. MORE>

Announcing the appointment of four new members to our Board of Directors in 2023. MORE>
Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:30AM
Virtual via Zoom

Hear from a panel of experts from federal, state, and non-profit entities to discuss available funding and incentive programs and how they can be used in downtowns to support small businesses, redevelopment, planning, and infrastructure projects. MORE>
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 3:00PM
Lower Forge Brewery, Medford NJ

SAVE THE DATE for a discussion about liquor license reform in NJ. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy happy hour networking. MORE>
Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 9:30AM
Edward J. Bloustein School – Special Events Forum

Panelists will share regional best practices on how to attract and retain local businesses, maximize use of ground-floor commercial space in TOD, better connect transit and local retail through wayfinding, and create unique community events in an effort to revitalize downtowns. MORE>

Downtown New Jersey’s annual conference and New Jersey’s premiere economic development event, returned in person with a hybrid conference on December 1 and 2, 2022. The “Destination Downtown” conference featured insights on how communities could put their best foot forward to bring vitality, investment, and creativity to their downtowns. READ RECAP>

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.