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The Center of it All | Winter 2025 | DowntownNJ.com

President's Message 2025


2024 was quite a year. We're proud of what we've accomplished, grateful for the support we've received, and excited about what 2025 will bring.


2024 has been a year of changes. I was installed as the President of Downtown New Jersey at the start of the year. Our new executive director, Natalie Pineiro, joined the team in July. At our annual meeting at the League of Municipalities in November, Courtenay Mercer joined the Board and was elected Treasurer. MORE>

Welcoming our Newest Board Member: Courtenay D. Mercer


Courtenay D. Mercer, PP, AICP is a land use planner with substantial public sector experience that enabled her to provide assistance to diverse and complex planning projects, and to work with all types of communities. Her project experience ranges from rural conservation planning to urban redevelopment. In addition to public and private sector planning work, Courtenay is involved with many civic and volunteer efforts, including public community boards and non-profit organizations. MORE>

Spotlight on Flemington: Historic Flemington's Rennaissance


Nestled in the heart of Hunterdon County, the Historic Borough of Flemington, New Jersey, is experiencing a Main Street transformation in a 1.4 square mile borough where 65% of the buildings are on the national historic register.Flemington is alchemizing its rich history with an infusion of modern accommodations and amenities to welcome residents, visitors and hotel guests for a new Main Street experience. MORE>

The Role of SID's in Creating Defining Public Spaces


Public spaces play a vital role in downtown areas by providing places where people can gather, interact, relax, and participate in various activities. These spaces come in many forms, with common examples including parks, plazas, and streets designed to encourage interaction, walkability, and a sense of community. MORE>

Town Hall Plaza: Making Magic in Millburn


In Millburn, the Special Improvement District (Explore Millburn-Short Hills) was confronted with a unique challenge in 2024 – abandon a purpose built “Complete Streets” pedestrian space on Main Street and replace it with a new space due to concerns over traffic and public safety. The result became known as Town Hall Plaza. MORE>

Cities benefit from business-historic preservation collaboration


The new Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” is the latest in a line of movies to be filmed in Hoboken. From the upcoming “The History of Sound” to classics like “On the Waterfront,” the Mile Square City is no stranger to hosting film sets. This, in large part, is due to its well-maintained 19th-century streetscape and rich architectural preservation. MORE>

Potential Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol: What It Could Mean for Downtowns and Commercial Districts


On January 3rd, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory recommending that alcoholic beverages carry warning labels highlighting the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. This advisory has reignited discussions on public health and consumer awareness but has also raised questions about the potential economic and regulatory impact on businesses, particularly those in downtowns and commercial districts reliant on bars, restaurants, and nightlife. MORE>

Creating Vibrant Downtowns: Balancing People, Parking and Deliveries

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 11:30AM

Virtual via Zoom


Join us for a virtual listening session, where you tell us what works (and what we need to improve!) in the transportation system you use every day. This session will focus on striking a balance between the people and services that use our downtown spaces. MORE>

TOD in Your Downtown Forum: Affordable Housing + TOD: Obligations and Opportunities


This event, hosted by NJTOD, Downtown New Jersey, and NJ TRANSIT’s Transit Friendly Planning (TFP) Program brought together experts from public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to share their experiences with affordable housing in downtowns across New Jersey. MORE>

Downtown New Jersey Conference 2024: Fostering Connections and Inclusivity in Community Revitalization


On December 5, 2024, community planners, district managers, developers and community leaders gathered at The Mezzanine in downtown Montclair for the annual Downtown New Jersey (DNJ) Conference. Centered around the theme of “Downtown Connections,” the event delved into strategies for building inclusive and resilient downtowns through equitable investments, partnerships, and community-centered development. MORE>

New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference 2024: Resources for your Downtown


On November 19, the first day of the NJ League of Municipalities, we hosted a panel of experts at the who shared technical and financial resources to help municipalities bolster their business districts. Click through to our website for a summary of the session and links to the resources shared in the panel! MORE>

March 29th - April 1st: National Planning Conference (Denver)


April 7 - 9th: Main Street Now Conference (Philadelphia)


June 4 - 5th: NJ History & Historic Preservation Conference (Burlington County)


June 11 - 13th: NJ Planning & Redevelopment Conference (New Brunswick)

Assistant Downtown Manager: Plainfield Special Improvement District (Posted 2/20/2025)


Spring Marketing Intern: Hoboken Business Alliance (Posted 2/19/2025)


Business Support Liaison: Perth Amboy Business Improvement Corporation (Posted 1/29/2025)

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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.

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