News

BLOOMFIELD, NJ [February 6, 2026] - The Bloomfield Center Alliance (BCA) has been awarded received word that it was awarded a $150,000 Transformation Grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Main Street New Jersey Office. The MSNJ Program helps municipalities improve the economy, appearance, and image of their central business districts. This significant funding, the largest grant award the BCA has ever received, will accelerate key initiatives  to  enhance the economic vitality, aesthetic appeal, and overall experience of Bloomfield Center.

Much of the funding is designated to complete three major planning studies, which are critical to the future growth and success of the Bloomfield Center business improvement district. They are: 

• Bloomfield Center Arts and Culture Concept Plan - a strategy that will identify ways the BCA and partner stakeholders can promote the arts and cultural activities, with the goal of increasing visitors and supporting local businesses;
• Bloomfield Center Parking Study - a study focused strictly on the business improvement district that will provide a more complete understanding of the real challenges and opportunities facing visitors and employers within Bloomfield Center and suggest strategies that can be employed to address these issues; and
• Bloomfield Center Re-branding Initiative - Given the significant changes that have taken place over the last ten years, this study will address the Center's current identity and recommend changes on the area's new "brand," as well as how the Center can best market itself to ensure effective communications and appropriate programming.

Progressive Urban Management Associates (Arts and Culture Concept Plan), THA Consulting (Parking Plan), and Bright Brothers (Re-branding Initiative) were awarded contracts by the BCA board to complete these three transformation studies.   

Additionally, grant funding was used to purchase  new holiday decorations, trash receptacles, subsidize cost for event security, and design improvements to the current website.   

BCA Executive Director Ollyn J. Lettman, MPA expressed gratitude for the award stating, 'This substantial grant award represents a powerful investment in the future of Bloomfield Center. It enables our organization to execute key projects that will ultimately strengthen our local economy and make the Center an even more vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to sharing the ideas and recommendations from these studies with the township, critical partners, and other stakeholders.  The overarching goal of course is to move Bloomfield Center forward in the coming years to its full potential.