ABOUT
DISCOVER
DOWNTOWN DUNELLEN
INITIATIVE
Video Credit: Homes.com
"Discover Downtown Dunellen" is an initiative aimed at revitalizing Dunellen’s downtown area by creating a Special Improvement District (SID) that brings together local businesses, community members, and municipal leadership. The initiative focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports small businesses through unified management, infrastructure improvements, and strategic development. By enhancing the area’s aesthetic, accessibility, and overall functionality, "Discover Downtown Dunellen" seeks to create a dynamic space that attracts both residents and visitors, offering a memorable and authentic experience.
The initiative will prioritize improving public amenities, establishing sustainable green spaces, and supporting a range of cultural and community events that highlight the unique character of Dunellen. Through the SID’s cohesive management, "Discover Downtown Dunellen" will facilitate collaborative efforts that drive economic growth, enrich community life, and position downtown Dunellen as a vibrant, welcoming destination for all.
The initiative is being lead by INK Creative Strategies, a consulting firm with a strong presence in the downtown space. INK focuses on supporting Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across New Jersey. The firm’s expertise includes downtown consulting, management services, and revitalization planning, all aimed at fostering redevelopment and economic vitality for communities.
All Roads Lead to a Special Improvement District
The studies informing the "Discover Downtown Dunellen" initiative date back over a decade, reflecting a long-standing commitment to enhancing Dunellen’s downtown area. Early community surveys and revitalization plans, such as those from 2018, underscore a consistent focus on addressing the needs of small businesses, improving public spaces, and fostering economic vitality in the borough.
The idea of a Special Improvement District (SID) was highlighted as a formal recommendation in the DMR Master Plan Survey from 2022, which documented over 50% community support for establishing a SID to provide centralized management and coordinated development efforts. These historical insights demonstrate that the concept of a SID has been a gradually evolving response to community feedback, with a focus on creating a cohesive downtown experience that aligns with Dunellen’s economic and cultural goals.
These studies and more are linked below!
HOW DOES A SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WORK?
A Special Improvement District (SID) is a defined area within a municipality where property owners pay an additional assessment to fund improvements and services that enhance the business environment and overall quality of life within that area. SIDs are typically used to support commercial districts and are managed by district management corporations or partnerships with local municipalities.
The creation of a SID typically requires a feasibility study and support from property owners and stakeholders, followed by approval from local government.
Here’s a general breakdown of how a SID works:
01
Funding through Assessments
Property owners within the SID boundaries pay an extra tax or assessment, often calculated based on property value or frontage. These funds go directly to the SID and are used for services and improvements beyond what the municipality provides.
02
Management and Operations
A district management corporation (DMC) or similar entity manages the SID. This organization, plans and executes initiatives to boost economic vitality, public safety, and cleanliness within the district. Similar organizations can be found in Somerville, Bound Brook, Cranford, and Westfield among others.
03
Enhanced Services & Improvements
Funds collected are used to improve the appearance, safety, and vibrancy of the area. Typical services include:
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Maintenance and Cleanliness: Employing maintenance workers to keep the area clean and attractive. For instance, a SID might have dedicated cleaning staff.
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Beautification: Adding plants, banners, street furniture, or public art to create a welcoming atmosphere.
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Marketing and Events: Organizing promotional activities, events, and advertising campaigns to attract visitors and support local businesses, such as Somerville's Central Jersey Jazz Festival or Girls' Night Out.
04
Advocacy and Collaboration
SIDs often work closely with municipal governments, advocating for policies that support the area’s businesses and addressing local concerns, as seen in efforts by partnerships like Downtown New Jersey with state-level outreach.
05
Economic Development:
Through improvements and strategic programs, SIDs aim to attract new businesses, encourage property investment, and increase customer foot traffic, contributing to the district's economic growth.
BENEFITS TO BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN A SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Business and property owners in a Special Improvement District (SID) benefit from targeted improvements, increased foot traffic, and enhanced support that can significantly boost property values and business success.
Here’s how SIDs create value for businesses and property owners:
01
Enhanced Property Value and Business Appeal
SIDs invest in clean, well-maintained public spaces, beautification, and safety measures, making the area more attractive to both tenants and customers. This appeal can lead to increased property values and higher demand for commercial spaces.
03
Targeted Marketing and Promotion
SIDs often coordinate area-wide advertising campaigns to raise the profile of the district and its businesses. For example, SIDs might use digital ads, print media, or social media spotlights on individual businesses, boosting visibility and bringing in potential customers who might not otherwise discover the area.
05
Unified Advocacy and Resources
SIDs give businesses a collective voice to advocate for district needs and access to municipal or state-level support. The district management corporation collaborates with local government and agencies to address infrastructure, zoning, or regulatory issues, ensuring that business and property owners’ interests are represented.
07
Networking and Business Support:
SIDs often provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among businesses, fostering a stronger local business community. Some SIDs offer technical support, training, or small business workshops.
02
Increased Foot Traffic and Customer Attraction
Through events, marketing, and promotional efforts, SIDs help drive foot traffic and attract new customers. Festivals, like and seasonal events can draw large crowds, directly benefiting local businesses and fostering a lively atmosphere.
04
Improved Safety and Cleanliness
With dedicated staff, SIDs enhance the safety and cleanliness of the area, which can reassure both visitors and residents. Clean streets, prompt graffiti removal, and additional security measures create a safer, more pleasant experience, encouraging people to visit and stay longer.
06
Access to Grants and Financial Resources
Some SIDs may also pursue grants or work with organizations like the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, or the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to bring additional funding or resources to the area. This can translate into more capital for business support, infrastructure upgrades, or community projects.
08
Shared Marketing and Advertising Resources
Through collective marketing efforts, SIDs allow individual businesses to leverage advertising resources they might not afford independently. SIDs pool resources for district-wide campaigns, from social media and website listings to print ads and promotional events, amplifying the reach of each business within the district. This shared approach enhances visibility and saves individual businesses money on marketing while attracting a broader audience to the district as a whole.
