Dunellen Launches Initiative for a Special Improvement District,Stakeholder Meeting Set for October 30

Dunellen, NJ – The Borough of Dunellen is launching an initiative toward the establishment of a Special Improvement District (SID). An act designed to foster economic growth, revitalize the downtown area, and improve the quality of life for residents and business owners. 

A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for 6:30pm on October 30th at the Arts Annex on N. Washington Ave to engage business and property owners who would be a part of the proposed district.

“The establishment of a Special Improvement District in Dunellen is a crucial step toward ensuring the vitality of our downtown and surrounding areas,” said Jason Cilento, Mayor of Dunellen. “We are committed to working with local businesses and property owners to create a plan that reflects our collective goals for economic development and community growth. I encourage all stakeholders to attend the meeting on October 30 to have their voices heard.”

Following an initial kickoff meeting in June with municipal officials, Dunellen is now inviting business owners, property owners, and other stakeholders within the proposed district boundaries to learn more at the upcoming meeting. 

The Special Improvement District, once established, aims to enhance services, increase property values, create jobs, and boost tourism and destination attraction through targeted initiatives. The upcoming stakeholder meeting will provide an opportunity for those impacted to engage in discussions regarding the SID, learn more about its proposed boundaries, and provide input into the next phases of the initiative. 

The district boundaries currently being considered include North Avenue between Jefferson Ave and Smalley Ave, including portions of South and North Washington Ave. 

This effort builds on extensive research and planning, including the 2022 Dunellen Master Plan Survey and a series of community outreach efforts conducted in recent years.

The proposed SID boundaries and assessment methodologies, along with the benefits of forming the SID, will be discussed at the meeting. 

Stakeholders are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share feedback. Attendees are asked to RSVP for the meeting at https://bit.ly/DunellenSID2024. 

Downtown consultants INK Creative Strategies are working with the Borough of Dunellen on the initiative. 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.