Montclair Group Gets $100K To Protect 'Main Street' Amid COVID

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair recently got a boost from a grant program that aims to protect “main streets” during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Montclair Center Business Improvement District is among 11 awardees who will split $1.6 million in Main Street New Jersey COVID-19 Relief Grants, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced Tuesday.

The Montclair Center Business Improvement District will get $100,000, state officials said. The funds will:

• “Provide equipment and supplies for street closure program”
• “Bring art installations to energize downtown”
• “Improve Montclair Center’s website”
• “Engage firm to plan for district’s post-COVID future”

According to state officials, the relief grants are funded by an allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The $1.6 million in grant funds were awarded to District Management Organizations (DMO) that actively participate in the Main Street New Jersey program. Eleven eligible DMOs completed grant applications and all 11 received grant awards.

All grant-funded activities must occur within the boundaries of the designated Main Street New Jersey district. Eligible uses include:

• Cleaning products, sanitizers, personal protection equipment, and other safety equipment.
• Expenses related to training and to implement necessary and required protocols to continue business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Costs for space and technology upgrades to reopen and conduct business safely, including furniture, barriers, cement planters for pedlets/parklets, outdoor heaters, and technology such as laptops, software, and touch-free credit card payment systems to accommodate social distancing.
• Classes and/or technical assistance, including, but not limited to modifying business models and training for long-term sustainability planning. This includes software platforms to initiate digital marketplaces for businesses; education courses for retailers and restauranteurs to pivot in a COVID-19 environment; and classes to help set up e-commerce website upgrades.
• Amendments to code to permit dining, sales, and consumption in areas not otherwise permitted.
• Payment of rent or fees for the use of vacant or publicly owned space for dining, sales, or outdoor programming.

“Governor Murphy and I recognize that main streets, which are so critical to the economic and social health of our communities, have been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic,” Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver said.

“We want to help these businesses get through the year financially so that they can survive through the winter season and beyond until life returns closer to normal,” added Oliver, who also serves as Department of Community Affairs commissioner.

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