and upgrades to downtown buildings. “It’s for the property owners that don’t want to sell their buildings, but that want to stay in town and want to reinvest. I love that,” stresses Cilento. “I encourage somebody who’s been here for years, to reinvest in their property and attract a new business or help the current business improve their commercial space.” There are also efforts to make it easier for new enterprises to come into Dunellen. “We’ve now cut the red tape for them, so they don’t have to wait longer for us to put those ordinances into place. We have an ordinance that allows breweries, distilleries, wineries, microbreweries, to come into town,” Cilento details. As New Jersey gains a reputation as the film industry of the East Coast, and with an ideal location close to larger cities, the borough is ready to roll out the red carpet.“We have some industrial complexes that might make sense if somebody wants to open up a smaller production or film studio,” he relays. “So, while we don’t have certain industries in town right now, we have put the infrastructure in place to 2000s by Dunellen’s former Mayor Robert Seader and has been amended since Mayor Cilento has taken office to meet the current needs of the downtown.“I consider that plan a living document, because there are always things that you learn from, and then you build upon, and you don’t make progress if you’re not willing to make amendments to things,” says Cilento. The focus is on improving the pedestrian and transit experience, while also supporting local businesses, and preserving the small-town charm. Sustainability is also top of mind, and Dunellen was one of the first municipalities in the state to adopt a climate resiliency plan. The emphasis is on stormwater management and green practices in the heart of the community. “So, we help the environment, but also the economy at the same time.They’re not mutually exclusive.” Cilento maintains. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ATTRACTION A five-year tax abatement for small property owners has been put in place, encouraging improvements 47 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 DUNELLEN, NJ
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