Downtown Somerville Alliance Launches New Website to Promote Economic Vitality

Somerville, NJ - The Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) is proud to announce the launch of its new website, downtownsomerville.org, the culmination of an organizational rebrand that kicked off in 2020.

The website is a key component of the DSA's strategic planning and marketing, and is designed to promote the small businesses and economic vitality of the special improvement district in Somerville.

The DSA oversees infrastructure and beautification projects, markets the small businesses within the district, and hosts events that contribute to its growth and economic vitality. They work with community partners to maintain and promote the unique charm that characterizes the district.

"The launch of our new website isn't just a milestone that marks the finish of our rebrand, it's also the birth of a new and engaging tool to promote our district and the small businesses who power it," said Natalie Pineiro, Downtown Managing Consultant, Downtown Somerville Alliance. Pineiro notes that as downtowns navigate the post-COVID economy, adding new ways to showcase and promote small businesses is key to their survival and growth.

The DSA's rebranding effort included a refresh of its presentation, including a new logo and updated color palette. The logo was unveiled at the DSA's annual meeting in February and has started to be integrated into the organization's events, materials, and signage.

The new website will feature information about upcoming events, news, and updates on the DSA's projects, as well as a directory of businesses in the special improvement district. Visitors to the site will also be able to learn about the history and culture of the district, as well as the DSA's efforts to promote arts and culture as a driver for tourism and growth.

"We're excited to launch this new website as part of our ongoing efforts to promote economic vitality and support the small businesses in our district," said Pineiro. "We encourage everyone to visit the site, learn about the great things happening in Downtown Somerville, and get involved in our community."

For more information, visit the new website online at DowntownSomerville.org or follow the DSA on social media @DowntownSomerville (Instagram and TikTok) and @DowntownSomervilleAlliance (Facebook).

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE ALLIANCE, INC. 2023 BUDGET February 13, 2023 6:00PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a HEARING on the 2023 BUDGET OF THE DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE ALLIANCE will be held by the Board of Trustees of the Downtown Somerville Alliance on February 13, 2023. The meeting will start at 6:00PM in person at 50 division St, Set 501, Somerville, NJ 08876 OR via Zoom - a web-based video conference application.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89941440813?pwd=Vk9wdFBRdTVRVUVndHRJYnBiM2srQT09

Meeting ID: 899 4144 0813 Passcode: 866011

2023 BUDGET SUMMARY

Income: SID Assessment: $766,000 Projected Sponsorships: $40,000 Grants: $75,000 Fund Development: $20,000

Carry-over: Operating: $50,000 TRUST: $20,000

Total Operating Capital: $971,000

Projected Expenditures: Debt Service: $40,000 Infrastructure Support and Service: $421,000 Events/Event Advertising: $112,000 Advertising, Marketing and Communication: $51,000 Economic Vitality: $56,500 Management: $207,000 Office Support: $63,600 Contingency: $19,000

Total Projected Expenditures: $971,000.00

Following the presentation explaining the 2023 budget, the public will be allowed to make comment. Should members of the public wish to submit questions in advance, they may be sent via email to npineiro@somervillenj.org.

For additional information please contact the Downtown Somerville Alliance at 908-524-0104 or via email at npineiro@somervillenj.org

In an effort to collect public input regarding the future of downtown Somerville’s streetscape, the Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) will be hosting an open house together with Arterial Streets at Alfonso’s Trattoria on Main St., Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.

The DSA contracted with Arterial Streets, an urban design studio, earlier this year to create a capital plan that will lead to a complete overhaul and improvement of the district’s streets, sidewalks, lighting, amenities, and landscaping.

“A plan of this kind has not been created since the early days of the district management corporation,” said Natalie Pineiro, Downtown Manager of the DSA. “We’re excited to be engaging all of our stakeholders in the process of creating a proactive plan that will help us to continue to enhance the downtown Somerville experience.”

Arterial is an award-winning street design studio comprised of designers, planners, and creators. Their mission is to create pedestrian-centric spaces that encourage social interaction, connectivity, and economic vitality.

“With the increase in pedestrian traffic to downtown Somerville, and the movement seen across the country towards more flexible and walkable streets, we recognize the need for our streets to move along the continuum from being more transit or mobility oriented to place and pedestrian oriented,” said Pineiro.

The Capital Plan is the first step in updating the streetscape. Pineiro commented that this is a long-term project that will likely take two or more years until shovels are in the ground, but the DSA hopes to incorporate placemaking and sidewalk safety initiatives that – upon completion – will benefit business owners, property owners, and patron alike.

The open house is open to all members of the public. Participants do not need to plan on attending for the entire two-hour duration. The event will feature several hands-on exercises and data collection prompts and will happen on a rolling basis. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact the Downtown Somerville Alliance at 908-524-1014 or via email at downtownsomervillealliance @gmail.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE ALLIANCE, INC. 2022 BUDGET February 15, 2022 6:00PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a HEARING on the 2022 BUDGET OF THE DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE ALLIANCE will be held by the Board of Trustees of the Downtown Somerville Alliance on February 15, 2022. The meeting will start at 6:00PM via Zoom - a web-based video conference application. Members of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may join via video conference:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89941440813?pwd=Vk9wdFBRdTVRVUVndHRJYnBiM2srQT09

Meeting ID: 899 4144 0813 Passcode: 866011

One tap mobile +13017158592,,89941440813#,,,,866011# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,89941440813#,,,,866011# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 899 4144 0813 Passcode: 866011 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcBk31EfH8

2022 BUDGET SUMMARY

S.I.D Tax Revenue $620,000 Total Carry-over from 2021 (unfinished projects/COVID disruption): $20,000 Sponsorships: $40,000 Capital Improvement Fund: $92,786 Grant Funding: $75,000 Fund Development: $15,000 Total Operating Capital: $864,808

Projected Expenditures: Debt Service: $85,000 Infrastructure Support and Service: $277,450 Events/Event Advertising: $67,000 Advertising, Marketing and Communication: $62,000 Economic Vitality: $92,500 Management: $187,000 Office Support: $54,320 Contingency: $10,000

Following the presentation explaining the 2022 budget, the public will be allowed to make comment. Should members of the public wish to submit questions in advance, they may be sent via email to info@downtownsomerville.com.

A copy of the Budget Presentation can be found online at https://vimeo.com/666084019 For additional information please contact the Downtown Somerville Alliance at 908-524-0104 or via email at downtownsomerville@gmail.com

The Downtown Somerville Alliance Creates Hurricane IDA Relief Program

The DSA knows the damages sustained from Hurricane Ida have been immense, and it is the responsibility of district management corporations like the Downtown Somerville Alliance, to ensure that we are doing everything we can to put our small businesses back on the track to financial success.

As such, we are creating the Downtown Somerville Alliance Ida Relief Grant Program.

Program Overview: Applicants will have to meet eligibility criteria that proving property damage occurred because of Hurricane IDA.

After the designated deadline the applications will be evaluated by a committee who will select the grant recipients.

Following the disbursement of grants, businesses may be asked to make available to the Downtown Somerville Alliance records of how the funds were allocated to confirm appropriate use as laid out by the program guidelines.

Please click the button below to access the application. The application can also be found on our website (www.downtownsosmerville.com).

All applications are due on January 10, 2022 by 5:00pm and should be sent to Natalie Pineiro, Executive Director, at npineiro@somervillenj.org

Somerville, NJ – The Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) is bringing back that pre-covid energy this season, recently announcing that their classic summer staple events will return, live and in person, this season starting Memorial Day weekend.

These fan favorites include their Friday night Cruise Nights, their Saturday night Summer Stage Concert Series, and the Starlit Cinema movie series which takes place on Thursdays in July and August.

“We’re excited to see our downtown full of life again,” said Natalie Pineiro, Executive Director of the DSA, “we have some great programming planned for this summer that really includes something for everyone.”

Their season kicks off on Friday, May 28th when Cruise Nights return to the streets of downtown Somerville. This free event – which brings hundreds of classic and show cars to Main Street – takes place every Friday night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through September 3rd. The event went on hiatus last year due to COVID-19 after more than 30 years.

The weekend entertainment continues with the Summer Stage concert series on Saturday nights where, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy an eclectic variety of live music on Division Street.

This year’s lineup includes fan favorites like Tyrone Stackhouse and the Broadcasters, as well as new acts like Mike Holland, an Elvis impersonator. The series runs through Saturday, October 2nd.

The full schedule includes:

5/29 - The Outcrops

6/5 - Tyrone Stackhouse

6/12 - Sweet Fanny Adams - New

6/19 - The Frost Kings

6/26 - Mail Order Bride

7/3 - Bob Lanza

7/10 - Nick Ryan and The Mess - New

7/17 - John Busse

7/24 - The Bryan Hansen Band

7/31 - The Broadcasters

8/7 - Zaire - New

8/14 - The School of Rock

8/21 - Venture to Zen

8/28 - Rainbow Fresh - New

9/4 - Sun Dog - New

9/11 - Was supposed to be Art All Day - The Outcrops 12-3 and Bob Lanza 4-7

9/18 - Terrance Haupt

9/25 - Ready Set Go - New

10/2 - Mike Holland as "Elvis"- New

“These events are more than just entertainment,” Pineiro said, “they’re joyful experiences that bring our community together to create lasting memories.”

The DSA also plans on bringing back their Starlit Cinema Movie Series Thursdays in July and August. This year’s movie lineup hasn’t been released yet, but in years past they have shown fan favorites like the Goonies, Aquaman, and E.T.: the Extra-terrestrial. The organization is expected to announce the full schedule next month.

Pineiro notes that new events are on the horizon as well.

“We’re looking at adding events like artisan markets, restaurant weekends, and picnic events; as well as open mic nights and performance art on Division Street.”

More information on these events can be found online at DowntownSomerville.com or on social media: @DowntownSomerville on Instagram and @DowntownSomervilleAlliance on Facebook.

The Downtown Somerville Alliance is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. They are the District Management Corporation for Downtown Somerville, NJ - one of New Jersey's premiere downtowns. The district has become known for its colorful dining scene, flourishing retail, and up and coming arts and culture scene. They promote balanced and progressive economic development and leverage the art of creating experiences that continue to bring a new and diverse population to Somerville. The DSA oversees infrastructure and beautification projects and work with historians and environmentalists alike to maintain and promote the historic charm that is unique to the district.

Somerville – The Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) is continuing their advocacy for downtown Somerville businesses with the launch of the DSA Small Business Rebound Fund. Applications for the program will be available for download on their website, DowntownSomerville.com beginning on Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

The program will distribute $50,000 in grant dollars to businesses located within the Special Improvement District who have suffered economic injury due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“We know the economic impact of COVID-19 has been immense,” said Natalie Pineiro, Executive Director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. “It is the responsibility of district management corporations like the DSA to ensure that we are doing everything we can to put our small businesses back on the road to success.”

Throughout the pandemic, the DSA has worked tirelessly to connect businesses in their district with grant and loan programs, has increased advertising and marketing for the district, and created a dedicated website, somervilleathome.com, to keep patrons up to date with the latest happenings in the burgeoning downtown. The alliance has paid for Parklets to expand outdoor dining for restaurants and even brought on a retail consultant to support recovery efforts, and to get ahead of possible vacancies.

But despite all of the efforts, Pineiro says that there is still a need for direct financial relief.

“Even with the successful reopening of our Main Street, the losses that many of our businesses have suffered have been difficult to recover from,” said Pineiro. “We’re proud to be able to offer a lifeline to a number of businesses and look forward to working together to display Downtown Somerville’s resiliency.”

A packet of information, including parameters, guidelines and submission requirements can be downloaded at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W2SbmxFhA1_QuqvBeXaHVDJ-qHAbYM99/view?usp=sharing or can be emailed/mailed to interested business owners by contacting Pineiro at 908-524-0104 or via email at info@downtownsomerville.com. The deadline to turn in applications is 5:00 p.m. on 11/13/2020.

The Downtown Somerville Alliance is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. They are the District Management Corporation for Downtown Somerville, NJ - one of New Jersey's premiere downtowns. The district has become known for its colorful dining scene, flourishing retail, and up and coming arts and culture scene. They promote balanced and progressive economic development and leverage the art of creating experiences that continue to bring a new and diverse population to Somerville. The DSA oversees infrastructure and beautification projects and work with historians and environmentalists alike to maintain and promote the historic charm that is unique to the district.

Visit them online at DowntownSomerville.com or follow them on social media @DowntownSomerville (instagram) and @DowntownSomervilleAlliance (Facebook).

LINK TO APPLICATION: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W2SbmxFhA1_QuqvBeXaHVDJ-qHAbYM99/view?usp=sharing

Downtown Somerville Alliance seeks to fill vacancies on Board of Trustees

Somerville, NJ – The Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) is seeking to fill two vacancies on their Board of Trustees and will be accepting resumes from qualified parties through November 2, 2020.

The DSA is the District Management Corporation for downtown Somerville, NJ - one of New Jersey's premiere downtowns. The designated “special improvement district” has become known for its colorful dining scene, flourishing retail, and up and coming arts and culture scene.

They promote balanced and progressive economic development and leverage the art of creating experiences that continue to bring a new and diverse population to Somerville.

The DSA oversees infrastructure and beautification projects and works with historians and environmentalists alike to maintain and promote the historic charm that is unique to the district.

Formerly an extension of the Borough of Somerville, the organization restructured in 2018 to become an independent 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.

Prerequisites for seat one require that the candidate must be a Somerville resident. Prerequisites for seat two require that the candidate must be a business owner/property owner/resident within the special improvement district as outlined in Somerville Brough Ordinance # #2472-15-0706.

Candidates should be available to attend the DSA board meetings which take place the second Monday of every month at 6:00PM. Further, candidates should possess knowledge of the downtown as well as skills that would contribute to the growth and success of the bourgeoning special improvement district.

Qualified and interested parties should submit a letter of intent and resume for consideration. Submissions are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2020 and should be sent to:

Email: info@downtownsomerville.com

-OR-

Standard Mail:

Downtown Somerville Alliance

C/o: Natalie Pineiro, Executive Director

50 Division St. Ste 501

Somerville, NJ 08876

Those who would like to assist the organization but do not wish to serve as a Board Member can also send a resume and letter of intent to serve on one of the organization’s committees which focus on areas like events, infrastructure/beautification, and marketing.

Resumes will be screened by the Downtown Somerville Alliance Nomination Committee who reserve the right to request that candidates present themselves for an interview. Should the interview be needed, it will be scheduled in an accessible location or via GoToMeeting/Zoom. Candidates will be noticed accordingly.

For more information on the Downtown Somerville Alliance, please visit them online at DowntownSomerville.com or via social media @DowntwonSomervilleAlliance on Facebook and @DowntownSomerville on Instagram.

Industry Magazine has released a definitive insider's guide to Downtown Somerville that's so beautiful that you have to see it to believe it. Go directly to the spread here!

Hang out in Downtown Somerville as long as you'd like! Free holiday parking is in effect from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day in all municipal lots except lot 7. Metered parking on the street remains as normal.