Hawthorne Features Free Open Air Music, Concerts in Downtown Area

HAWTHORNE, NJ - A grant is music to the ears of residents as they are invited to enjoy three outdoor concerts on library grounds this summer, in addition to other musical events, according to a borough official.

"Our borough, courtesy of our NPP [Neighborhood Preservation Program] grant is proud to announce several musical events that will take place in and around our downtown area," said Nancy Agnello, Hawthorne's NPP Coordinator. "We will have three outdoor concerts on the library grounds that will include food trucks and ice cream vendors."

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Jefferson Place will be closed for these festivities.

"We will also have strolling musicians that will be playing in and around the pocket park and along Diamond Bridge and Lafayette Avenue for your enjoyment while dining or catching a movie at our theater," Agnello said. "We hope you enjoy what promises to be a great new experience for our community.  We will keep you posted as each event approaches."

The first concert will be Saturday, July 20:

The Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP), funded through a $125,000 New Jersey Department of Community Affairs grant, has provided several local improvements over the past three years, according to Nancy Agnello, Hawthorne's NPP Coordinator.

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The grant covers a five-year period.

The grant is applicable to areas defined as Hawthorne's Neighborhood Preservation Program gateway, Agnello said.

In 2021, the Borough was awarded an NPP designation for its Gateway District.

"The intent of this designation was to revitalize and breathe a new life into the Borough’s downtown area," Agnello said. "Thus far, the Borough has made several achievements through its NPP grants. In the first two years of funding, these achievements include:

• Renaming of the Borough pool and band shell.
• Renovating the outdoor plaza area of the library.
• Adding a new playground to the pool.
• Commissioning a grand mural on the outside retention wall of the pool.
• Expanding the walkway from the front to the side of the library.
• Installing additional benches.
• A decorative clock was added to the vest pocket park located at the corner of Lafayette and Diamond Bridge Avenues."

Agnello said the downtown musical events fall under community enhancements, "encouraging community involvement and an increase in downtown business activity."

There is an implementation plan in place for each year.

"These musical events are only one of several projects projected to be completed or at least scheduled to begin in this year," Agnello said. "I have just taken over this position in the beginning of this year and am excited to bring some great ideas to fruition for the borough."

There is an NPP Stakeholder Committee that is made up of a group of Hawthorne residents who are committed to the success of the program, Agnello said.

"They have a vested interest and a passion for our community. Mayor Lane is an active and vital part of this committee. He contributes valuable insight and knowledge along with a dedication to the continued improvements of this borough."

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