Sea Isle Considers Applying for ‘Main Street’ Designation

SEA ISLE CITY –– Officials and business leaders here met today to discuss joining Main Street New Jersey, a state revitalization program that focuses on downtown districts.
The event was co-sponsored by Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and City Council.
The Main Street program, administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Office of Smart Growth, provides selected communities with technical assistance and training of proven value in revitalizing historic downtowns.
According to the DCA, Main Street helps municipalities improve the economy, appearance and image of their central business districts through the organization of local citizens and resources.
Possible benefits of the program include: strengthening the tax bas, increasing sales, creating a positive image, attracting new businesses and creating new jobs.
With the loss of numerous businesses in recent years, residents here are especially interested in ways of attracting new ones.
Thomas Henry, who coordinated the event, described the reaction of local business leaders as “very enthusiastic.”
In this county, Wildwood and Ocean City have active Main Street programs. Henry also pointed out that the Arts District in Millville as well as downtowns in Collingswood and Haddonfield are good examples.
Henry said no decisions were made at the meeting, but more talks on the subject were scheduled. Several members of the community will also be going to a Main Street workshop in Trenton next month to gather more information.
If they are interested, Sea Isle must act quickly as the deadline for application into the program is Nov. 1 and the DCA only accepts new communities every two years.
“It sounds like a great program for our downtown area,” Council President Mike McHale told the Herald. “We’re going to meet next week to discuss the application.”
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com