Main
Street Communities
What is a Main Street Community?
To find out more
about Main Street Communities click on the following links:
Main Street New Jersey
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
Downtown
Westfield Corporation Nationally Recognized for Performance
The efforts of
the Downtown Westfield Corporation have earned it recognition for excellence in
the field of downtown revitalization by meeting high standards for performance
set by Main Street New Jersey and the National Trust for Historic
Preservation’s National Main Street Center. Downtown Westfield
Corporation nationally joins 402 other Main Street revitalization programs
designated as National Main Street Communities.
The national
designation program annually evaluates downtown revitalization programs based
on strict criteria such as: broad based public support, historic preservation
ethic, active board of directors, adequate funding, a paid professional manager
and reporting of economic progress by providing statistical information. The
program’s performance was evaluated by Main Street New Jersey, which is the statewide coordinating organization for Main Street programs in New Jersey.
"A
successful, well-run Main Street program creates a
vibrant downtown of many uses, where people come not only to shop but to meet
or even live. By increasing economic vitality and focusing on reusing historic
buildings, it creates a place that defines the community," says Kennedy
Smith, director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center. "The designation
for Downtown Westfield Corporation reflects a well-run downtown revitalization
initiative, and the citizens of Westfield should be proud of their
efforts, and maintain their commitment to revitalizing the downtown area.
The Main Street program has been
successful due in part to a partnership between Main Street New Jersey and the
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center. The Downtown Westfield
Corporation is one of 17 New Jersey Main Street organizations in the
state. Since the program began in 1989, every two years Main Street New Jersey
accepts applications and designates selected communities to join the Main Street program. "It is an
honor for Westfield to receive the National
Main Street Community designation. The fact that Westfield has received this honor
each year since the inception of the national program reflects the long-term
commitment Westfield has made to its
downtown." stated Sherry Cronin, Executive Director.
The Downtown Westfield Corporation is located at 105 Elm Street.
It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who include: Alan DeRose, Chairman, Resident; Dave Martone,
Vice-Chairman, Business Operator; Dave Capodanno,
Treasurer, Resident; Joseph Spector, Secretary,
Property Owner; Beverly Caldora, Business Operator;
Robert DeStefanis, Property Owner; Jim Gildea, Town Administrator; Larry Goldman, Town Council
Liaison; Chris Panagos, Mayor’s Representative. Volunteer opportunities
are available to serve on the design, promotions, economic development and
organization committees. See the DWC listing for more information on the
committees and its members--or contact Sherry Cronin or Courtney Nemec, Downtown Westfield Corporation at 908-789-9444