Montclair Center is classic and edgy, urban and urbane, great business and great fun. Montclair Center is a First Suburb and a modern Transit Village. Most of all, Montclair Center is a great place to shop, dine, work, live and play. These exciting dichotomies and more are summed up in our tagline – Montclair Center: Where the Suburb Meets the City.
Montclair Center Business Improvement District (the BID) celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2022 and continues to proudly serve the businesses, property owners, residents and customers of the district. The BID was founded by merchants and property owners who were concerned about on-street aesthetics, safety, code enforcement, customer attraction and district marketing.
Montclair Center Corporation started operations in the summer of 2002. Since then, It has become known for its vibrant street life, fabulous restaurants, award-winning retail, great art scene, and pedestrian-friendly office setting.
In 2012, 2013-14, and 2018 this ribbon of commercial zoning was recognized as New Jersey’s Favorite Downtown Arts District. In 2015, Downtown Montclair won the Great American Main Street Award for the best Downtown in the US. And no wonder! The district is New Jersey’s restaurant row; an arts and entertainment destination; home to some of the best independent, national, and international retailers; and a magnet for creative businesses. If you are already familiar with Montclair Center, you know and appreciate our unique offerings.
Learn more about Main Street America
economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in New Jersey and is a dedicated supporter of the Montclair Center BID. Learn more about Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ)
Montclair Center is proud to collaborate with New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism to attract visitors from across the state an beyond to our downtown! The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (NJTT) creates awareness of all that New Jersey has to offer as a destination. NJTT is the only organization in New Jersey providing marketing strategy and industry leadership for tourism sector.
This strategic partnership merges expertise of Montclair Center BID with the resources of NJTT and VisitNJ, creating opportunities to spotlight the rich tapestry of our community.
What We Do
The Montclair Center BID works to keep Montclair Center great, make it even better, and let the world know about shopping, dining, working and living in Montclair Center. We focus on vibrant streets, economic development and quality of life. We follow the National Main Street model and bring value to the district in four fundamental ways:
Enhance Economic Value Create Marketing Value Promote Civic Value Build Physical Value Enhance Economic Value
- Identify and recruit new businesses to Montclair Center
- Connect property owners and their agents with potential tenants
- Work with existing businesses to make their ventures more successful
- Help new businesses learn the local ropes
Create Marketing Value
- Encourage, create, and promote events that draw customers and focus to the district
- Brand and market the district through public relations, social media, and advertising
Promote Civic Value
- Advocate for business-friendly ordinances and practices in municipal agencies
- Serve as an “honest broker” between local businesses and governmental agencies
Build Physical Value
- Encourage and contribute to public placemaking within Montclair Center
- Promote and encourage the artistic and historic eclecticism of the district
- Supplement municipal amenities, maintenance and sanitation efforts
If you are thinking about doing business in Montclair Center, contact us at 973.509.3820 or visit our resources page to get your welcome packet and learn about our convenient location, great quality of life, and desirable demographics.
Who We Are
Montclair Center Corporation Board of Directors has 21 members, comprised of seven district property owners, seven business owners, two town councilpersons, one resident and four at-large members. The full Board meets nine times a year. Program, administrative and executive committees meet and work as needed. The By-Laws of the organization can be found here.
Board of Directors
Executive Board
Jaji Packard, President
Ernst Goldman, Vice President
Matt Horrigan, Treasurer
Kristen Zachares, Secretary
Matt Silverman, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
Te’Niijah Bussey
Mary Cumella
Emer Featherstone
Stacey Filé
Daniel Garcia-Pedrosa
Neil Grabowsky
Rachael Grochowski
Natalie Haddad
Jill Montague
Jacob Nieman
David Placek
Liz Rich
Brian Silver
Matt Silverman
Nat Testa
Aminah Toler, 4th Ward Councilor
Rahum Williams, 3rd Ward Councilor
Staff
Abhishake Shah, Interim Executive Director & Program Manager
Jackie Apicella, Marketing Director and Director of Experience Montclair
Lauren Barnas, Communications Coordinator
Aysa Gordon, Administrative Assistant & Community Liaison
Jerry Rafalovich, CDS Operations Manager
Jimmy Volpi, CDS Supervisor
Terrence Acevedo, Ambassador
Ricky Commander, Ambassador
Johnathan Graham, Ambassador
Dillon McQuaid, Ambassador
Malkeet Singh, Ambassadorr
John Smith, Ambassador
If you are a Montclair Center business owner interested in volunteering for the BID, contact:
Montclair Center at 973.509.3820.