IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING the MAIN STREET CLOSURE

If you enjoy the live music, outdoor dining, and community-oriented games and events that take place in the “Main Street Pedestrian Mall” each summer, you need to speak up.

At the March 19 meeting of the Township Committee, residents spoke about the impact of the Mall on emergency response times and spoke vehemently  against the closing of Main Street this summer. The members of the Township Committee seemed to agree and even proposed not closing Main Street at all. This would be the first time since 2020 that we do not have a Main Street Pedestrian Mall;  this would be a huge blow to our community – both in terms of outdoor recreation, community engagement and participation and economic development. It is one of the best programming initiatives in our community.

State law requires that if a street is closed for more than 48 hours, an ordinance needs to be approved by the Township Committee. Given the discussion on March 19, it looks more and more likely that  there will be no Pedestrian Mall this summer. This means NO live music, NO outdoor dining and NO community events like yoga, chess classes and chalk art. 

While public safety is always a concern, it needs to be balanced with the overall good that the Pedestrian Mall brings to Millburn. Data sourced by the Special Improvement District shows that 52,000 people used the Mall from July 1 to August 31 in 2023. This is a 26% increase from the same period in 2021 – which was during the height of the Pandemic when people were virtually forced to be outside. When given the choice – people want to be outdoors in Downtown Millburn!

In July and August 2023, the Mall hosted 30 live music performances and 15 “Open Streets” programs which included fitness and yoga classes and a children’s chalk event (all by local businesses). When users were surveyed, it was determined that 70% reported that they visit other businesses in town when they use the space, that they spend on average $88 per visit and 30% of respondents are from the surrounding communities such as Maplewood, Summit and Springfield. It is a great sign that a third of users are choosing to spend money in our town. Additionally, Summit has decided not to close their streets this summer which means a HUGE advantage for Millburn businesses to capture all that foot traffic.  Think of ALL the people who could come and enjoy the outdoor experience in Millburn.

Please sign the petition and circulate to your friends. Join us on April 2nd at 7 PM at the Township Committee meeting or attend by zoom.