Main Street
is the heart of a community
- it is the most used and
popular place in town. It
is where business is conducted,
where
neighbors
meet
and
where all walks of
life come together.
Main Street's businesses
reflect the uniqueness
of a town's history
and people. The character
of Main Street contributes
to the community's
sense of place.
In the last fifty
years, many Main
Streets have been
straightened and
widened in an effort
to speed traffic
through town. Regrettably,
this "faster is better"
philosophy has made
many Main Streets
dangerous for pedestrians
and bicyclists and
has discouraged street
life and economic
activity. NJFIT wants
to revitalize Main
Street by looking
beyond speed and
considering the travel
convenience, safety,
economic and social
benefits that can
be achieved by a
better, more balanced
and lively Main Street.
South
Orange Street provides
an
attractive Main
Street experience
for both drivers
and
pedestrians.
Vibrant
Main Streets benefit
community life
Main Streets provide a concentration
of businesses, allowing people to complete
several errands in one trip. A walkable
downtown reduces the need to get in
your car to make longer and more frequent
trips to distant malls and grocery
stores.
Main Streets
with sidewalks and bike
lanes experience an increase
in the number of people
walking or biking and a
decrease in automobile
travel, congestion and
air pollution downtown.
More importantly, pedestrian
and bicycle-friendly streets
create opportunities for
people to meet and interact,
therefore creating community
networks.
A lively
Main Street benefits everyone.
Communities that invest
in better walking conditions
tend to experience an increase
in retail sales and property
values. They are also more
inclusive of people who
cannot or do not wish to
drive. The elderly, children
and people who cannot afford
a car can take part in
community activities, job
opportunities and shopping
on Main Street. Stores
and businesses are also
attracted to a lively Main
Street and will even pay
extra to be in a vibrant
and dynamic downtown.
NJFIT
redesigns and reinvests
in Main Streets,
helping local entrepreneurs
and communities alike
regain their centers.
identity and balance.
The
Tools and Case Studies
best associated with
the
Lively Main
Street FITness goal is
listed below in the drop
down boxes. Achieving
this goal is possible
through the application
of various tools and programs.
