EDISON – Members of New Jersey’s 18th Legislative District, Senator Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex), Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex)and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-Middlesex), announced two Main Street grants totaling $48,000 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
The two grants were awarded to the downtowns of Metuchen and Highland Park on July 17.
“We’re proud to have such great towns in the 18th District and these grants just go to show how important it is not only to the residents, but to the state, to continue investing in our downtowns. Metuchen and Highland Park are fortunate to have such terrific community organizations working every day to support the lifeblood of their towns,” Diegnan said in a prepared statement.
The Metuchen Downtown Alliance has been approved to receive a $23,000 award to enhance downtown as a gathering place for families and children and to help businesses innovate. Specifically, this award will provide funds for placemaking in Imagination Alley on Main Street, and provide nearby businesses with new signage, lighting and awnings, according to the statement.
Main Street Highland Park has been approved to receive a $25,000 award to repurpose a makeshift downtown gathering area into a true downtown square, including pavilions, paving, bicycle facilities, public art and more. The project will provide public space for events and community gatherings all year long.
“People choose to live in central New Jersey because of its balance of work and play. These grants help wonderful communities like Metuchen and Highland Park continue to attract new businesses and provide amenities appealing for residents of all ages,” Karabinchak said in the statement.
Pinkin announced that, “We’re happy to see communities across our district receive recognition and support for their successful and strong downtown business and residential communities. It is important that we continue to invest in the economic development efforts that will ensure their continued success. The Main Streets program will keep our downtowns resilient for future generations.”
The Main Street New Jersey Program was established in 1989 to support the revitalization of downtowns throughout the state. Every two years the DCA accepts applications and designates selected communities to join the program. Through District Transformation Grants, these communities receive valuable technical support and training to assist in restoring their Main Streets as centers of community and economic activity, according to the statement.