DCA's Main Street New Jersey Program Continues Success in Difficult Economic Times
2008 Saw Business and Job Expansion in Program


TRENTON - Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Joseph Doria today announced that DCA's Main Street New Jersey Program witnessed continued accomplishments in 2008, including an increase in jobs and business expansion.

"The Main Street New Jersey program is indicative of the kind of economic development that Governor Corzine has been promoting and advocating throughout the state," said Commissioner Doria. "Community commitment towards enhancing the hearts of our traditional towns and cities is one of the hallmarks of local Main Street programs.  We are proud of our accomplishments in 2008 and look forward to the program’s continued success in 2009."

Despite difficult economic times, local Main Street New Jersey districts statewide saw the creation of 90 housing units, a gain of over approximately 110 new or expanded businesses and approximately 460 jobs in 2008. In 2008 Main Street New Jersey programs crossed the $1 billion mark for reinvestment in their districts since the program's inception in 1990. Additionally, local stakeholders and volunteers invested approximately $1,984,210 worth of free labor for the betterment of their historic downtowns and commercial corridors in 2008 alone. The Main Street New Jersey program has a $529 return on investment for every state dollar invested in the program.

Main Street New Jersey (a coordinating program of the National Trust Main Street Center) is a comprehensive revitalization program that promotes the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in New Jersey. Every two years the DCA accepts applications and designates selected communities to join the program. These communities receive valuable technical support and training to assist in restoring their Main Streets as centers of community and economic activity. The program helps municipalities improve the economy, appearance and image of their central business districts through the organization of local citizens and resources. Last year, Somerville, Newton, Caldwell, Montclair, Orange and Maple Shade became the newest designees of the program, bringing the total to 28.

For more information regarding Main Street New Jersey, call 609-633-9769, or log on to www.mainstreetnewjersey.com.