BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has recognized the Township of Bloomfield, and specifically Bloomfield Center, as a booming downtown commercial district, and has welcomed Bloomfield into an agreement with the DCA and Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) program.
Bloomfield Center is experiencing a renaissance, with increasing transportation alternatives and a plethora of successful businesses which residents of Bloomfield and surrounding towns frequent. Through the MSNJ Program, Bloomfield will have access to a variety of services, including technical and financial programs throughout the state.
“It is an honor to partner with the Department of Community Affairs, Main Street New Jersey Program and their affiliate townships to make the experience of Bloomfield Center shoppers, store owners, employees, and residents even better. I would like to thank the MSNJ and DCA for recognizing what a special place Bloomfield Center, and the greater downtown Bloomfield area, is. Downtown Bloomfield has come a long way over the past few years, and it is easy to see why people love coming here to shop and recreate,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “I would like to thank Executive Director Ollyn Lettman and the Bloomfield Center Alliance for helping to keep our booming downtown area a true partnership that works for everyone.”
“The BCA is excited to be part of this initiative aimed at supporting and empowering district management organizations in their efforts to bolster downtowns like Bloomfield Center. Working in partnership with the township, we will use the resources and assistance offered through the MSNJ Program to identify and implement new strategies that support the local economy, attract new business/investments, and position Bloomfield Center as a desirable destination to live, work, and play,” said Bloomfield Center Alliance Executive Director Ollyn Lettman. “On behalf of the organization, I want to thank the Department of Community Affairs and the leadership of Bloomfield Township for making this partnership possible.”
Under the agreements with the DCA and MSNJ program, Bloomfield Township will continue to improve pedestrian and bicycle accessibility downtown, and commit to more mixed-use developments which have been proven to increase business activity. Additionally, the Township will bolster its partnerships with downtown businesses in Bloomfield Center. Such events currently include Dinner Under the Stars, and Bloomfield Restaurant Week, among others.
“This partnership will allow us to continue building on the progress we’ve made in keeping this a strong community that offers something for everyone,” said Township Administrator Matthew Watkins. “The vision that Mayor Venezia and members of the Township Council has expressed is being realized with this project in addition to millions of investment dollars by private investors and public grants?” “Over the next few years we will have renovated train station, new parking, housing, streetscapes, sidewalks and streets—even a new roundabout.” “Downtown Bloomfield is an example of what a thriving downtown can be, thanks to the dedicated year-round work Bloomfield businesses, the Township Mayor, Council, Planning Board, the Bloomfield Center Alliance and many others.”
