Springfield Avenue Partnership Annual Newsletter
2021 Year in Review
Letter from Board President Jim Nering
Dear Friends of Springfield Avenue,
 
Greetings and happy 2022.
 
While 2021 wasn't quite the return to normalcy that we were all hoping for, Springfield Avenue Partnership (SAP) was able to use the time successfully to plan for the future growth and development of Springfield Avenue.
 
Under the leadership of SAP Executive Director, Nicole Dooskin Wallace and in coordination with Maplewood Township, we applied for and were accepted into two prestigious State programs.
 
Main Street New Jersey
SAP was one of only four business districts to receive Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) designation in 2021, and one of 23 Main Street districts Statewide. As a member of MSNJ, SAP can now receive technical assistance, training, and possibly grant money to enhance the commercial district. Being a MSNJ member also gives SAP access to the numerous resources of Main Street America, the national umbrella organization.
 
Neighborhood Preservation Program
SAP, together with the Township, was awarded a five-year Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) grant to invest in Springfield Avenue and the adjacent Hilton Neighborhood. This grant comes with funding of $125,000 per year, for a total investment of $625,000. During the end of 2021, SAP issued a community survey and held focus groups to obtain community feedback on key priorities. A sample of the survey results is shared below.
 
Supporting our Businesses During Covid and Beyond
While the MSNJ and NPP programs will give SAP additional resources to plan for the future, we still invested in 2021 by holding events on the Avenue and supporting our businesses. Whether welcoming new businesses, promoting existing businesses, or providing business aid and advice, SAP recognizes that small businesses remain the key to Springfield Avenue's success.
 
Thank you for your patronage of our local businesses, your feedback via surveys and focus groups, and your attendance at our events. We look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2022 on Springfield Avenue.
 
Warmly,
 
Jim Nering
President, Springfield Avenue Partnership

2021 Business Openings
RETAIL
1865 Springfield Avenue
Medical Marijuana

1875 Springfield Avenue
0% Alcohol Drinks and Mixers

1875 Springfield Avenue
Food Garden Supplies

1875 Springfield Avenue
Dry Pantry Goods

1609 Springfield Avenue
Women's Fashion


DINING
Coffee and Casual Food


SERVICES


Visit the SAM Business Directory for more information on these and all of SAM's businesses.
Community Survey Results
As part of the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) grant, SAP conducted a community survey on the present and future of Springfield Avenue and the adjacent Hilton Neighborhood. Some of the results are shared below.


When asked for a single word to describe the area, the words that showed up most often included traits like diverse, friendly, comfortable, home, and community. Respondents also favored future-looking words like evolving, up and coming, and improving.


In terms of future priorities, there was almost 100% agreement that more variety in the business mix was a priority. Other business-focused priorities included investment in building facades, addition of outdoor dining, and utilization of vacant lots. In terms of the neighborhood look as a whole, priority investments include landscaping, public art, and public seating. SAP will use the NPP Funds over the next 5 years to make these investments in Springfield Avenue.
A Look Back at 2021's Events
While some of Springfield Avenue's annual events weren't able to return in 2021, we made sure to celebrate where and when we were able!

Storefront Window Art
In honor of Black History Month, the Celebration of Black Leaders Education Program featured storefront posters highlighting leaders in politics, the arts, civil rights, science, and sports.

For Women’s History Month, women-owned businesses on Springfield Avenue and across Maplewood invited local women artists to display original art pieces in their storefront windows.
Seasonal Marketplaces at Yale Corner
Yale Corner was busy with a variety of marketplaces in 2021. In the spring, we hosted the Springfield Avenue Open Air Market with a rotating cast of vendors each week. In June, the weekly Farmers Market returned. And in December, WNTR Market, hosted with the General Store Cooperative, was jam packed with vendors, music, performances, and even Mrs. Claus.
Juneteenth Celebration on Springfield Avenue
SAP and Maplewood Arts Council joined together to host a Celebration of Black Poetry, Music, and Art in honor of Juneteenth. Highlights included original poetry by Ras Heru, music with Greg Bufford and Friends, vending, and a special craft project from Express Yourself Studios.
With Thanks

Springfield Avenue Partnership wishes to thank two long-serving Board members who stepped down this year.

Norm Woolley, second generation owner of Woolley Fuel, located at 12 Burnett Avenue

Kim Hammer, founder of Fringe Salon and now partner in the Fringe Collaborative, located at 1874 Springfield Avenue

Norm and Kim were enthusiastic supporters and believers in Springfield Avenue, and we appreciate the time and effort they contributed to SAP.
Springfield Avenue Partnership | Website
973-763-6011 | [email protected]