March 23, 2023

Hello MDA Businesses,

As I settle into the role of executive director, I am working my way through the district meeting all of you a little at a time. In an effort to be able to keep you informed, I will also be sending monthly or bi-monthly emails just for the businesses to keep you up to date on the work that is happening behind the scenes.

There are currently 3 essential issues that I would like to inform you about.

First - Parking issues.



As Metuchen grows and robust businesses move in, the district is experiencing greater parking challenges. For the past coupld of months there have been meetings between the Borough, the Parking Authority, the MDA and law enforcement with the mission of assessing the parking challenges and potential solutions holistically and by a multi-faceted approach to resolution. I am including a form for you to include your feedback. While we do believe we understand the myraid issues facing the businesses, we of course, want to hear directly from you if you would like to contribute to the conversation.

Second - Grants



There have been a few inquiries about the state of the Storefront Grant Program for 2023. This year, without the benefit of Covid relief funds our budget is tighter. We will continue to pursue grants as the opportunities present themselves. The reduced line item for grants in the 2023 budget will instead fund placemaking efforts that benefit the district as a whole. We will be offering a custom sandwich board matching grant opportunity open to the first 30 businesses who apply and provide their deposit. Look out for a specific email to follow shortly. The MDA will continue to bring grant opportunities to you, such as the 3 opportunities below. I am here to help with the grant application if you need assistance.

ADDITIONAL GRANT INFORMATION

* 350 grants of $5,000 each from Main Street America/American Express for ground

floor non-franchise downtown businesses that have been in business since at least1/1/22 with less than 20 employees, which are owned 51%+ by veterans, disabled persons, women, LGBTQ+, persecuted immigrants, Asian, Pacific Islander, MiddleEastern or African American. Applications will be available beginning March 20 and must be submitted by April 7. Funded projects must be completed during July and August 2023. A handful of $25,000 grants will be offered chosen from those who get the initial 350 grants and successfully complete the funded project. More information is available at: https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/backingsmallbusinesses

* Up to $50,000 (minimum of $5,000) from the NJ Economic Development Authority to cover half of capital improvements or purchase/install new furniture, fixtures and equipment. Grant may fund a project that was already completed during the 2 years prior to application as well as projects not yet commenced. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. More information is available at: https://www.njeda.com/small-business-improvement-grant/

* Up to 20% of annual lease payments for leasing new or additional space for businesses occupying at least 250 square feet or expanding by at least 250 square feet with a minimum lease term of 5 years at a market rent. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. More information is available at:  Small Business Lease Grant - NJEDA 

Third - The Great American Main Street Award



This is the biggest award in the Downtown industry. Chosen by a jury of peers it recognizes the great work that has been happening in Metuchen the past six years. It is an honor to be nominated and a win will bring many new visitors, potential home buyers and investors. This is our time to shine.

We will learn Monday at 11:30 m if we won, follow the Metuchen Downtown Alliance for the news.

Fingers crossed.

Lots of great stuff to come this year.

If we haven't had the chance to meet and you would like to schedule a time, please email me at dawn@downtownmetuchen.org

Thank you,

Dawn Mackey