About

SAM Logo Text.png

Springfield Avenue is a commercial district nestled within the walking community of Maplewood, while offering a throughway from Newark to Union.  This combination enables a true mix of businesses, activities and energy. You’ll find first-time local merchants alongside specialty destination stores, new developments, national chains and much more.

But wherever you land along the 1.5 mile stretch, you’ll also find that SAM (Springfield Avenue Maplewood) is full of passion and surrounded by the most supportive and invested, diverse communities.  What it comes down to? Well, you’ll find:

Personality for Miles


Springfield Avenue Partnership

The Springfield Avenue Partnership is the district management corporation of the Springfield Avenue Special Improvement District, a self-governed entity that funds itself primarily by a special tax assessment on commercial properties within the improvement district. The Partnership was created by a small group of neighborhood citizens who wanted to revitalize the main shopping corridor in their neighborhood. It has since grown to become 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation governed by a board of trustees comprised of business and property owners, local residents and municipal officials.

 
 

 

Purpose

Mission

Our mission is to improve Springfield Avenue Maplewood while maintaining the district's existing diversity.

This is done through a combination of:

  1. Merchant Support, Resources and Promotion

  2. District Beautification, Maintenance and Regulations

  3. District-Wide Promotions and Events to Drive Traffic and Awareness

  4. Collaborations with Maplewood Township to Attract New Businesses

Responsibilities

The Partnership creates, sponsors and coordinates marketing and promotional events for the Springfield Avenue business district. These efforts promote local businesses  and help create a favorable environment for new businesses to locate. We also perform a variety of supplemental services such as  cleaning sidewalks, maintaining an online business directory and database of available commercial space, and assisting with façade renovation projects.

 

Governance

2024 Board of Trustees


Jamaine Cripe — Township, Deputy Mayor
Vic DeLuca – Township, Councilmember
Dani Geraci* - Resident
Gary Jones* - Business Owner
Kelly Lombardi - Resident
Ken Stanek - Resident
Pauline Lacey* – Business Owner, Property Owner
Irene Langlois – Maplewood Hilton Library Branch
Vincent Manno – Business Owner, Property Owner
Jim Nering* – Property Owner
Oby Otti – Business Owner, Property Owner
Sheila Turner-Cartlidge* – Business Owner, Property Owner

*Executive Committee Member

NICOLE Dooskin WALLACE

Executive Director

PO Box 1294
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-763-6011
Email

 
 

 
 

Impact

The Partnership was founded in 1996. Through these decades, a group of business owners, residents and township representatives have worked together to improve the business district. While The Partnership is most-known for sponsoring and managing annual events, much more of the Partnership’s work happens behind-the-scenes:

  • As a resource to help businesses (adhere to the design ordinance, navigate town permits and regulations, identify properties available for lease/purchase, find reputable service providers, address questions and concerns)

  • As a unifying body to beautify the avenue with both improvements and daily maintenance

  • As an advocate, every day, lobbying for decisions that will protect or improve the avenue, as a business district, within a neighborhood

  • As a visionary for the avenue… building toward long-term objectives, and leveraging immediate opportunities

2024 Efforts Underway:

  • Identify and promote State programs for small businesses

  • Highlight business owners and celebrate business owner diversity

  • Continue facade and signage grant program

  • Hold annual meeting for business owners and the Township

  • Connect with existing businesses with in-person visits

  • Market events in Union and neighboring Essex County towns in addition to SOMA

 
 
 

 
 

2024 Meeting Dates:

Board of Trustee Meetings-6:30 PM

Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Avenue

January 22*
February 26*
March 18 (Moved to Dehart Center)
April 15 (Moved to 1978 Art Center)
May 20 (Moved to 1978 Art Center)
June 17 (Moved to 1978 Art Center)
July 15
August – No Meeting
September 19
October 16
November 21
December 18
* 3rd Monday except where noted due to conflict