Bernardsville awarded downtown transformation grant. Here's what the money will do

BERNARDSVILLE – Efforts to enhance the downtown's image and promote economic growth have a received a boost with $150,000 from the state's Transformation Grants to Main Street program.

Main Street Bernardsville, the organization formerly known as Downtown Bernardsville, with the mission of revitalizing the town and engaging the community, will use the money for a variety of purposes, according to a release from the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) which administers the grant program.

The money will be used for:

• A subscription to Placer.ai, a software company which provides business organizations with specialized data to support marketing efforts;
• A street banner and signage program;
• Public space use;
• Marketing and operational support for businesses.

In all, the DCA distributed $1.49 million in Main Street grants.

“DCA recognizes how important Main Street New Jersey is to the economic and social health of our communities, which is why we continue to invest significant resources in the program,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “The grant funding will be used for storefront improvements, creative and cultural placemaking, and marketing strategies to take downtowns to the next level. We can’t wait to see how these projects positively impact main street districts around the state.”

The program helps municipalities improve the economy, appearance, and image of their central business districts through the organization of local citizens and resources. Municipalities must apply and meet the program’s requirements to be selected to join the program, which was established in 1989. These designated communities receive technical support and training from DCA to assist in restoring their main streets as centers of economic and social activity.

Main Street Bernardsville has started a search for a new executive director following the resignation of Olivia Manning, the organization's founder, who has been hired as the executive director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance.

The organization's next event will be the Haunted History Tour on Oct. 12. Tickets will go on sale Aug. 1.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com