On April 12th, Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia and BCA Director Ollyn J. Lettman participated in a roundtable discussion with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. The meeting, also attended by officials from the townships of Orange and Montclair, provided the opportunity for Governor Murphy to announce the reinstatement of the Main Street New Jersey Program, which was eliminated in 2017 by the previous administration. First established in 1989, this program was a valuable resource for organizations like the BCA who manage business improvement districts - promoting the downtown areas and supporting local businesses. Joining the Mayor and Director at the table was Mary Murdoch, owner of J. T. Murdoch Shoes. A family-owned business since 1888, J. T. Murdoch's has been part of Bloomfield's business community since 1975. The Governor and Lt. Governor listened intently as she shared how her store benefited from the past work of the Main Street New Jersey Program. She expressed how important it is for the state to once again support New Jersey's downtown districts and the businesses serving these communities.
Click here to read more about the Main Street New Jersey Program and other resources being brought back by the state and how Bloomfield Center will be helped.
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