Description
In March 2002, Fairview Main Street was launched as a subsidiary of the Fairview Historical Society and the voice of the community during the drafting of the Fairview Redevelopment Plan. Since its inception, Fairview Main Street has been dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of the existing businesses in Fairview, as well as working to bring new business opportunities to Fairview.
Fairview Main Street received the designation of "Partners in Main Street" in November 2004 by the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) program. Main Street New Jersey is a comprehensive revitalization program that promotes the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in New Jersey, based upon the model of the National Historic Trust Main Street Center in Washington, DC. As a Main Street New Jersey Program, Fairview Main Street works to restore the commercial corridors in Fairview as centers of community and economic activity through concentrated efforts of design, economic development, promotion, and organization.
Today, Fairview Main Street stands as an independent community and economic development nonprofit organization and a fully designated "Main Street" community. Fairview Main Street is governed by a Board of Trustees and has four resident-driven committees that develop workplans to address Fairview's often daunting issues. FMS also works closely with other community organizations, such as Fairview Weed and Seed, and the Fairview Neighborhood Watch, whose primary functions are to address crime and public safety. The organization has continued to grow as the community has become more and more involved with this program.
For the past several years, FMS has successfully attracted over $2 million dollars of investment into the Fairview neighborhood. With programs and projects such as the Fairview Farmer's Market, Yorkship Square Streetscape Improvements Project, Yorkship Square Façade Improvement Project, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, numerous community events, and public safety initiatives, Fairview Main Street has become the organization that will see Fairview through its redevelopment, and provide residents with a role in developing their downtown for many years to come.
