The Town of Boonton Approves Plan for Main Street Neighborhood Program

THE TOWN OF BOONTON will receive up to $150,000 a year in state and local funds to rejuvenate Boonton’s Historic Downtown District.

The program, administered by the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) of the NJ Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), is for up to five years, with the town providing up to $25,000 from the municipal budget each year. Public participation was a major component in determining the desires of the community. The program will be managed by the local non-profit, Boonton Main Street, Inc.

Projects will include a façade grant program where Main Street business owners can receive up to $10,000 in funds toward rejuvenating their storefronts; requests over $5,000 require matching funds. A maintenance program for the district will include snow clearing, additional trash pickups during the summer months, routine debris and garbage removal, and 3-season flower urns. The Music on Main event, already beloved by residents, will be transformed into a summer concert series occurring on the first Fridays of June, July, and August. Main Street will be closed to vehicles to allow for outdoor dining and shopping while enjoying the many talented musical performances.

The Town Council unanimously approved the detailed NPP implementation plan at the April 4th public meeting.

Among other work already completed was initial consultation with major stakeholders and a survey of residents and business owners in the project area with nearly 500 responses. The annual budget also included funds for district-wide improvements. Examples of these projects are alleyway enhancements for passageways between Main Street and Plane Street with increased lighting, and replacing weathered banners along the light poles throughout the district. Each year’s budget must be approved by the town as well as NJDCA and NPP, provided the state continues its contributions to the program.

Boonton qualified for the program because of federal census income designations and was awarded the designation after a competitive grant application.

“We are looking for tangible improvements that affect how people feel about the area,” Steve Kampschmidt, Executive Director of Boonton Main Street, Inc. stated. “We are hoping to engage the community, support our businesses, entice new businesses, and create a vibrant downtown,” Steve added. “We want Boonton to be a destination that showcases its natural resources and honors its history.”