Metuchen awarded Main Street transformation grant. Here's what the money will do

METUCHEN – Main Street will be getting some facelift work thanks to a $140,000 grant awarded by the state Department of Community Affairs.

The Metuchen Downtown Alliance was one of 12 Main Street New Jersey district organizations, and the only in Middlesex County, to share in $1.49 million in Main Street New Jersey Transformation Grants which are aimed at improving the appearance, quality of life and local commerce within Main Street districts.

In Metuchen the funds will be used for facade improvements and enhancements such as maintenance work, painting and signage replacement along with upgrading two restaurants’ outdoor canvas structures with wood and iron parklets, a mural at the Town Plaza to encourage selfies and an electric system to light all the downtown plaza's trees.

“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.

“When main streets are healthy, communities are healthy,” said Gina Fischetti, coordinator of Main Street New Jersey. “Therefore, we are pleased to provide grants that help communities reshape their main streets into vibrant places that draw people to live, work, and visit.”

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.