STRATEGIC FRAME WORK FOR COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION
Part II of an Exploratory Study to Establish a Special Improvement
District on Springfield and South Orange Avenues, Newark, NJ
Report to the Corinthian Housing Development Corporation and New Community Corporation
May 11, 1998
Government Sponsored Funding Sources
The survey of existing New Jersey Special Improvement Districts helped to identify the major funding sources they employed over and above the self-assessments. These outside funding sources help the SIDs to develop larger scale physical improvement projects, conduct façade renovation programs, and in general, beautify the commercial corridors. The two major governmental funding sources employed by an overwhelming majority of the existing SIDs surveyed are the Urban Enterprise Zone (previously mentioned) and the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Both programs supply funds to designated areas in order to promote physical development.
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act gives New Jersey residents the opportunity to improve their quality of life through a unique funding program called Transportation Enhancements. A prominent feature of ISTEA is the wealth of new opportunities for the public to contribute directly to enhancing the aesthetic and cultural qualities of their neighborhoods. This federal program administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) makes funds available for streetscape improvements, bus shelters, bike paths, pedestrian walks, and any other project that can be somehow linked to a specific component of a transportation system. ISTEA is designed to fund transportation related projects that are over and above what is considered routine construction and maintenance. The program is broad based so that many communities are eligible to participate.
Any state agency, county or municipal government as well as a non-profit may submit a transportation enhancement application. However, projects must show support from the municipal governing body. ISTEA funded projects in Newark typically concentrate on street reconstruction and some sidewalk repair. Perhaps the West Side Park neighborhood, which is in need of beautification, could apply for funds to complete the restoration of the commercial corridor. The urban design criteria for these improvements can be utilized to create the appropriate ambience for the local community (ISTEA, 1997). This funding classification, Landscaping and other Scenic Beautification, coupled with the classification for Pedestrian and Bike Facilities is applicable to the project area.
Examples of recent ISTEA projects similar to the efforts needed in the project area can be found in the city of Morristown. The Economic Development Department of this municipality has been very aggressive in securing ISTEA funds to further the physical development of their downtown. Multiple projects funded in this district include the Special Improvement District's Railroad Plaza Streetscape Improvement and Beautification Program. The intent of the design is to redefine the pedestrian and vehicular corridors and their inherent connection between the train station, parking areas, existing retail shops, restaurants, and offices in order to provide the downtown retailers with a much needed customer base. New sidewalks and crosswalks, lighting, decorative luminaries, curbing, street trees, signage and benches are all a part of Morristown's plans. A similar project in the Borough of Closter will put ISTEA funds to good use in order to widen sidewalks, create parking areas and add litter receptacles (Harding, 1998).
The ISTEA program is a valuable resource for the target area for several reasons. First of all, it is a source of funds for initial physical improvements that help to get the attention of the area merchants. Secondly, non-profit agencies can apply to the program with the approval of City Council. This option would take much of the responsibility out of Newark's bureaucratic hands. The ISTEA program has been utilized in many communities to defray public investments in needed infrastructure and get it done in a timely manner. Most importantly, ISTEA is structured in such a way that a diverse list of projects is eligible.
