Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership Year in Review 24
589K+
By
the Numbers
Budget Approved:
$355,000
Landscape
INK Creative Strategies was retained by the Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership for Downtown Management Consulting Services. At the time of contract the organization did not have a full-time operations person to run the day to day of the organization, nor did it have the proper protocols on place to ensure the growth of the Special Improvement District. The district itself suffered from a divestment of stakeholders and there was minimal planning in place to drive foot traffic to support a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Working with the BBRP Board, we developed a plan to update operational protocols, hire qualified staff, and pursue unique strategies for engagement with stakeholders, constituents and patrons of the district.
$245,000
SID Assessment
Total Budget $336,870
Total Expenditure
Key Points
Hired a Full Time, Bi-Lingual Employee, and maintance manager
Doubled the attendance to our siganture events
Began hosting quarterly finance meetings with the Excutive Board
Window coverings for vacancies to enhance the visual appeal of storefronts downtown
2024 SID Budget
Performance
The Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership was able to provide significant value to the S.I.D. District. In the last year, the organization hosted a series of events both for the public and for small businesses, contributed funding to beautification initiatives, engaged in paid advertising to promote the district, and public events driving thousands of patrons to the district.
Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership Year in Review 24
Governance & Finance Updates
Produced a clean audit 2022- 2023 bringing audits up to date.
Transitioned form handwritten checks to printed directly form Quickbooks.
Started quarterly finance meetings with Executive Committee to ensure adherance to the projected budget.
Transition to Quickbooks for Bookkeping and bill payments.
Small Business Support Initiatives
Two-Part Marketing Series for businesses
Legal Workshop for businesses
Walking tour with the district in partnership with the Women’s Center of Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration, Fulton Bank, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
Public Events
Makers Festival
Movies at Billian Park: Total attendees: 330+ Attendees
Riverfest - 3K+ Visitors
Fall Festival - 2.5K+ Visitors
Mischief Night Madness Walking tour - 128 Tickets
Holiday Tree Lighting - 3K+Visitors
Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership Year in Review 24
Here is why: Marketing
Efforts and Results
Having two separate strategies for BBRP’s marketing and advertising plan is crucial for ensuring both long-term brand awareness and targeted engagement for specific events and initiatives.
General Awareness Campaign (Year-Round Strategy):
Consistent Brand Identity: This campaign establishes and reinforces Downtown Bound Brook as a destination for shopping, dining, and community engagement.
Ongoing Engagement: Keeping Downtown Bound Brook top-ofmind ensures that residents and visitors see it as a go-to location, fostering continuous interest and support.
Broad Audience Appeal: A year-round campaign reaches a diverse audience, from locals to tourists, encouraging regular visits beyond just event-based attendance.
Foundation for Event Marketing: A strong district-wide brand makes individual events more successful by ensuring that people already recognize and trust the destination.
Event- and Initiative-Specific Marketing (Targeted Campaigns)
Time-Sensitive Promotions: Events and initiatives have a limited window for marketing, requiring focused campaigns that generate immediate interest and drive attendance.
Tailored Messaging: Different events attract different audiences (e.g., a family-friendly holiday market vs. a food and wine festival), necessitating customized messaging and outreach.
Maximized ROI: Strategic event marketing ensures that marketing dollars are spent efficiently, directly targeting those most likely to attend and engage.
Performance Metrics and Adjustments: With event-specific marketing, Downtown Bound Brook can analyze attendance and engagement data to refine future event strategies
Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership Year in Review 24
Marketing Efforts and Results
Implemented marketing campaigns in partnership with: NJ.com/The Star-Ledger, TAPinto, NJ Family, and billboard advertising on Route 287.
Yielding the following results for our events:
N J. Com - Digital Advertising
Makers Festival Insights:
Reporting Dates: May 31, 2024 - June 9, 2024
Impressions: 98,501
Clicks: 207
Click-Through Rate (CTR): 0.21%
Riverfest Insights:
Reporting Dates: September 18, 2024- October 06, 2024 Impressions: 233,788
Clicks: 218
Click-Through Rate (CTR): 0.09%
Holiday Tree Lighting, Mischief Night Madness, Fall Festival Insights:
Reporting Dates: October 21, 2024 - November 30, 2024 Impressions: 162,421
Clicks: 298
Click-Through Rate (CTR): 0.18%
Tap Into - Digital Advertising
Cumulative performance May 2024- November 2024
Total Impressions: 130,292
Total Clicks: 180 AVERAGE CTR: 0.14%
New Jersey Family - Email Campaign
Mischief Night, and Fall Festival Insights:
Key Metrics:
Recipients: 26,208
Open Rate: 49%
(Nearly HALF of the recipients opened the email, significantly outperforming the industry average of 20- 25%)
Total Clicks: 794
Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership Looking Ahead 24
2024 Strategic Initiatives
“Retail Ready” Initiative with Topology (See appendix for full report).
Partnership with the Michael Graves school of Public Architecture to revision Officer Samuel Kriney Memorial Park (See appendix for DRAFT report).
Window Covering Initiative (at the request of Council) covered windows on vacan properties in the district.
Video Promotions/highlights for 9 businesses during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Decorative Banner Campaigns: General Branding & 4th of July Banners (at the request of Council).
Contracted with Main Street Mentors for a website redesign (currently in progress with estmated completion projected for March 2025)
2025 Goals:
Strengthen Business Support and Economic Vitality
Enhance Marketing, Branding, and Public Engagement
Improving Streetscape and Public Space Activation
Expand Community Events and Cultural Programming
2025 Upcoming Events & Programming
1st Quarter (See appendix for full calendar)
February 21: Black History Month Celebration
March: Women’s History Month Banner Campaign
March: St. Patrick’s Day Marketing Promotions
April: Battle of Bound Brook/Battles and Brews
Appendix
Report From Topology
The Michael Graves College School of Public Architecture at Kean University
2025 Calendar of Events
Appendix A : Retail Ready Report by Topology
RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT
Date: February 10, 2025
To: Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership SID
From: Topology
I. OVERVIEW
In recent years, Bound Brook has experienced a flurry of new development, particularly in its downtown core. In light of this growth and the opportunity it presents, Topology was retained by the Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership SID (the “SID”) to assess existing conditions and prepare a series of recommendations that are intended to promote the health of the downtown area and contribute to its continued evolution.
The recommendations contained within this report are intended as policy points for which the SID can advocate in its interactions with the Borough. The recommendations generally address five topics: modifications to permitted uses; approaches to parking; approaches to loading; approaches to signage; and approaches to open space. Each recommendation includes a problem statement, tangible recommendations, and commentary about potential implementation approaches.
II. METHODOLOGY
In developing these recommendations, Topology was guided by several key factors.
First, Topology reviewed the Borough’s existing land use policies and planning documents to gain a clear understanding of both the vision set forth in these documents and the technical apparatus in place for achieving these visions. During this assessment, particular interest was given to the Borough’s existing land use policies and planning documents to assess how these documents are meeting the needs of the downtown and what revisions might be beneficial
Second, Topology conducted outreach to stakeholders within the community to inform the recommendations. Outreach involved discussions with the SID. This consisted of regular discussions with the SID’s Executive Director Natalie Pineiro, and a presentation of preliminary findings to the SID’s Board on December 18, 2024.
Additionally, on October 10th , 2024, the Planning Team conducted door-to-door canvassing of downtown businesses, asking them to discuss their experiences in Bound Brook, what they appreciate most about the Borough, their greatest challenges, and what assistance from the SID would be most valuable to them. During these conversations, the most frequently cited concerns encountered by their clientele were issues while parking in the downtown and a desire for more flexibility in allowable store signage and lighting. Assistance with marketing and promotion was the area in which the most businesses felt they could benefit from SID support.
Finally, Topology reviewed market data to understand the role that downtown Bound Brook plays in the local and regional economy. The finding from this analysis, while perhaps unsurprising, was still instructive: downtown Bound Brook is situated within a regional economy that features above average spending potential across nearly all industrial classes. In the context of this regional economy, the opportunity for the SID to capitalize on this potential in promoting a vibrant downtown is significant.
Figures 1-2: Industries and their respective spending (left) and Bound Brook Borough key spending facts.
Figure 3: Spending Potential Index as calculated within a 15 minute drive of downtown Bound Brook, demonstrating above average demand across industry classes. 100 is an average Spending Potential Index. (Source: ESRI Community Analyst)
III. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Modify permitted uses in the SID to reflect modern demand and promote vibrant ground floors.
i. Overview: The Borough would benefit from permitting a wider variety of active uses in the Business/Residential (B/R) zone1 that will drive people to the Downtown and provide experiences rather than typical quick turnover retail and personal services. Adding to this list of permitted uses will signal to potential business owners that Bound Brook is receptive to these uses, and that they are permitted as-of-right, and not potentially subject to the arduous use variance process.
ii. Recommendations:
• Explicitly permit the following defined and existing Bound Brook uses on the ground floor and upper floors SID-wide:
o Arts Dining which is defined in the Zoning Ordinance as: “General consumer-oriented food retailers such as restaurants, cafes, coffee and tea shops, and delicatessens”
o Coffee Shop which is defined in the Zoning Ordinance as: “A restaurant primarily offering coffee, tea, and other beverages, and where light refreshments and limited menu meals may also be sold.”
o Educational Facilities, Vocational/Arts School which is defined in the Zoning Ordinance as: “A school established to provide for the teaching of industrial, clerical, managerial, culinary, or artistic skills (e.g. dance, painting, sculpting, singing). This definition includes schools that are owned and operated privately for profit and that do not offer a complete educational curriculum (e.g., beauty school, modeling school).”
• Explicitly permit the following new uses on the ground floor and upper floors SID-wide:
o Retail Flex which should be defined as: “All permitted retail uses shall have the ability to host accessory events and activities within the premises of an associated business, with the condition that the activities are related to the retail use and overall theme of the business in question. Examples may include, a bookstore book club, a knitting room in a craft supply store, etc.”
o Multi-Tenant Retail Markets which should be defined as: “Includes food vendors such as bakeries, meat and fish markets, delicatessens, grocery stores, ice cream parlors, etc. which may have, as an accessory use, on-premises food consumption but not wait service. May also include non-food businesses such as retail sales and services establishments. Multiple food vendors/businesses are permitted within a single retail space.”
1 While downtown Bound Brook is subject to many different redevelopment plans, the plans generally defer to the B/R zone in terms of permitted uses. In order to maximize the efficiency of the zoning amendments, Topology recommends amending the overall B/R zone, rather than the individual redevelopment plans.
o Business Incubator Space which should be defined as: “Space to create growth opportunities for small retail businesses such as pop-up shops and short-term vendors. The facilities shall not include any living-quarters and not be engaged in the provision of medical or day care services for children and/or adults.”
• Modify the definition of Retail Services to explicitly permit experiential retail uses on the ground floor and upper floors SID-wide:
o Retail Services which are currently permitted but should be defined as: “Establishments providing services, as opposed to products, to the general public, including financial services, insurance, real estate, personal services, dry cleaning, and similar uses. Retail Services shall include experiential retail uses including but not limited to yoga studios, “sip and paint” establishments, arcades, and other similar uses. Ancillary sale of goods associated with the service activity is permitted. Includes Commercial Instructional Activities. Does not include sexually-explicit adult entertainment businesses.”
• Modify the definition of Artisanal Workshop to allow for multiple artisans in one space, which should be explicitly permitted on the ground floor and upper floors SID-wide:
o Artisanal Workshop which is currently permitted but should be defined as: “Shops of special trade including the manufacturing, compounding assembly processing, packaging or similar treatment
Figures 4-5: Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia; Market57 in New York City, examples of Multi-Tenant Retail Markets
Figures 6-7: The Village in Washington, Iowa; The Black Box in Portland, Maine, examples of Business Incubator Spaces.
of such products as baked goods, candy, ceramics, pottery, china, weaving and other textile arts, painting, cooperage, woodworking and other artistic endeavors and similar trades. Retail sales of products made on the premises are encouraged and more than one artisan can occupy the space.”
Figures 8-9: Makerspace in Baltimore, MD indicative of artisanal workshop uses.
• Add the following active use to be permitted on the ground floor and upper floors only within the B/R Zone - Arts District Overlay:
o Tattoo Parlor which is defined in the Zoning Ordinance as: “An establishment whose principal business activity, either in terms of operation or as held out to the public, is the practice of one or more of the following: (1) placing of designs, letters, figures, symbols, or other marks upon or under the skin of any person, using ink or other substances that result in the permanent coloration of the skin by means of the use of needles or other instruments designed to contact or puncture the skin; (2) creation of an opening in the body of a person for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration.”
• Consider prohibiting the following permitted uses from the ground floor:
o Government office, bed & breakfast, medical office, professional/business office, and club, lodge, or fraternal organization.
iii. Implementation Approach:
• Amend the Business/Residential (B/R) Zoning Ordinance to remove the above listed uses that are currently permitted on ground floors.
• Amend the Business/Residential (B/R) Zoning Ordinance to permit the above listed uses on all building floors.
• Amend the Business/Residential (B/R) Zoning Ordinance to include all above definitions for all new uses.
• Based on Topology’s analysis, all recommendations above are consistent with the 2018 Master Plan Statement of Goals and Objectives such as:
o “Encourage new community-oriented service uses in designated locations.”
o “Support local entrepreneurs and facilitate the creation of new local employment opportunities in creative industries, arts and culture, hospitality, food and beverage, artisanal manufacturing, recreation, eco- and historic tourism, and other currently under-represented economic activities.”
o “Facilitate the creation of employment incubators, shared workspaces and home-based businesses.”
2. Improve the accessibility of parking for businesses and their patrons.
i. Overview: During conversations with businesses, the most prevalent concern raised was the difficulty experienced among their clientele regarding parking in the downtown. Numerous business owners relayed accounts of their customers receiving parking tickets before they were able to make it to a pay station, calling attention to what they consider to be overzealous enforcement of parking regulations that is negatively impacting business. The shift from metered parking to the combination of the online based mPay2Park system and designated pay stations in June of 2023, is a relatively recent change that will require stakeholders of the downtown to acclimate themselves to. However, these growing pains can be alleviated in a few simple ways which should help to convey new regulations and expectations to downtown customers, and make compliance as easy as possible
ii. Recommendations:
• Offer Spanish language signage for the various parking zones.
o Bound Brook and its business community are home to a significant number of primarily Spanishspeaking individuals. Recognizing the importance of this community to the economic vitality and social fabric of the Borough, Spanish language instructions conveying parking payment information should be provided to ensure that Spanish-speakers are not impeded from patronizing businesses in the downtown. While physical signage within the downtown would be most impactful, online guidance posted to the municipal website could be a more cost-effective measure to achieve greater parking compliance. Examples from both the municipal websites of Bound Brook and Perth Amboy, NJ are provided below.
Figure 10: Current guidance from Bound Brook municipal website
Figures 11-12: Examples of Spanish language parking guidance, Perth Amboy, NJ
• Provide Additional Parking Pay Stations Throughout the Downtown
o The public’s frustrations with parking in the downtown are exacerbated by the fact that there are relatively few parking pay stations available. Furthermore, those existing pay stations are mostly concentrated within the two blocks between Maiden Lane and East Street, making it more challenging for patrons to make a payment before a parking violation is issued, especially if they are parking in the northern or western blocks of the downtown. While the mobile payment option available is a tremendous option for patrons of downtown businesses, those who are less technologically adept or who do not have access to a smartphone may struggle to utilize it. It is recommended therefore that additional pay stations be installed throughout the downtown to create easier access to payment options.
• Seek space surface lot of the Bound Brook Community Middle space surface lot of the Christian Center of Somerset could provide additional parking options for downtown patrons during hours when these users do not experience a demand for their off-street parking at reduced rates in the interest of alleviating demand on on-street parking. The Borough should seek agreements with such users that are mutually beneficial. The suggested users discussed here are depicted below.
iii. Implementation Approach
• Develop Spanish language parking guidance for posting to municipal website and explore cost effective measures for physical signage in the downtown.
• Finalize locations for proposed parking pay stations, procure, and install at identified locations.
• Explore ordinance changes to permit shared parking.
• Negotiate with property owners for potential shared parking agreements.
3. Increase the availability of loading zones for downtown businesses
i. Overview: There is presently only one loading zone serving the downtown business community. Such a condition presents the risk of businesses’ loading operations occupying valuable customer parking and creating additional traffic congestion throughout the downtown. It also creates operational hurdles for new businesses considering Bound Brook.
ii. Recommendations:
• Establish additional loading zones throughout the downtown
o Downtown Bound Brook presents unique opportunities to establish loading zones in a manner which can support the needs of businesses, without the loss of on-street parking resources. The entirety of Sausage Alley, which spans two blocks between Maiden Lane and John Street, should be reviewed by the Borough’s engineer for its suitability to be utilized by businesses for loading activity. The addition of two additional loading zones on East Street and Maiden Lane between E. 2nd Street and E High Street should allow for convenient loading operations for all businesses within the downtown. These locations are illustrated below.
• Establish flexible
o areas for downtown businesses without reducing the street parking, the Borough should consider establishing designated loading zones during non-peak business hours, such as between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM
iii. Implementation Approach:
• Finalize locations and establish regulations for additional loading zones, both permanent and flexible.
• Authorize engineering review of Sausage Alley for suitability for loading activities.
4. Develop tools to help business and property owners navigate the Borough’s signage ordinance.
i. Overview: The Borough has an incredibly detailed signage ordinance that is reflective of best practices for downtown urban design. This level of detail, though, can be unwieldy and burdensome for business owners that are not used to reading codes. Indeed, during door-to-door engagement, a common statement was that the Borough’s signage ordinance was too restrictive and the source of confusion and frustration.
ii. Recommendations:
• Create user guides to help business owners navigate the ordinance.
o The Borough or SID should develop signage user guides to help clarify what signs are permitted and where. These guides should be graphic and multilingual. Two examples are included below.
o The signage guides should focus on the signage provisions that impact the SID: those found in Section 21-10.15i.
o The signage guides should include information about the following sign types:
§ Wall Sign (§ 21-10.15i.5)
§ Projecting Sign (§ 21-10.15i.6)
§ Awning Sign (§ 21-10.15i.7)
§ Window Sign (§ 21-10.15i.8)
o For each sign type, the signage guide should specify:
§ Maximum Sign Area
§ Maximum Sign Height
§ Permitted Location
§ Permitted Quantity
§ Permitted Materials
§ Permitted Illumination Type
2 Source: https://www.siouxfalls.gov/business-permits/permits-licenses-inspections/permits/signs. Accessed January 30, 2025.
3 Source: https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2021-03/2021_02_04_Advertising%20and%20Sign%20User%20Guide.pdf. Accessed January 30, 2025.
4 Source: https://www.bostonplans.org/getattachment/3c271a37-9b58-464f-98ff-bb71cf4845f5. Page 15. Accessed January 30, 2025.
Figures 16-17: Example of signage guide documents used in the City of Sioux Falls (left)2 and Detroit (right)3 , 4
o Depending on the layout of the guide, additional information may be included, however the guides should be clear. They are intended as a quick reference guide rather than a detailed description of all regulations.
• Create opportunities for business owners to get technical assistance to help them navigate the signage process.
o The Borough could hold office hours where business or property owners are able to work with Borough or SID staff to discuss their envisioned signage and how it complies with the Borough’s ordinance. Early intervention of this type can allow for modifications to signage plans before materials are ordered and installed. This will limit the likelihood that business or property owners spend money on new signs, only to find out that variances are required.
o While the signage guide detailed above would be extremely useful in this context, the office hours approach also would allow for a more detailed review of other code provisions not captured in the signage guide. This opportunity for informal discussion can be helpful in minimizing frustration and creating a smoother review process.
iii. Implementation Approach:
• Create the signage guide detailed above. Distribute to SID business and property owners.
• Schedule technical assistance office hours.
5. Develop a network of public spaces that s upport a wide range of different activities.
i. Overview: Well-designed public spaces are a critical ingredient of a thriving downtown. These are spaces that can bring people together and create opportunities for economic development. Based on conversations with the SID, there is a need to better understand how to best utilize existing public spaces within the downtown, as well as to identify potential improvements. As noted in the 2017 Master Plan Reexamination, “The Borough also needs more, and better, relatively small-scale civic spaces in the downtown. An upgraded Van Horne Plaza and a pedestrian only block in front of Brook Theater can be transformational projects. As part of new redevelopment projects, the Borough should pursue opportunities to create additional quality public spaces in the downtown.” By advocating for the creation of new open spaces while also leveraging existing spaces, the SID can help create a more successful downtown.
ii. Recommendations:
• Inventory public spaces and current programming to identify gaps and underutilized spaces.
o The Borough and SID should assess the currently existing public spaces and programming. When considering public spaces in this effort, the SID should think broadly: a public space does not need to be a large park, it can also be a road that is temporarily closed for events, a small courtyard, or any other number of different forms.
o This initial inventory should include two parts. First, as it relates to public spaces, the SID should inventory the activities that take place in the space, as well as general logistical information (size, access to utilities, parking availability, etc.). Second, as it relates to programming, the SID should inventory its existing programs, as well as any additional events that it would like to conduct in the future
o The SID should use this inventory to assess future need and to identify opportunities. What programs would benefit the downtown but cannot be held because the “right” public space does
not exist? What public spaces are not being utilized to their full potential? Can existing spaces be better used to complement existing businesses in the downtown?
• Based on findings from inventory, match programs with existing public spaces. Advocate for capital improvements based on demonstrated need.
o Based on Topology’s understanding, SID events currently take place in one of three areas. First, the SID periodically closes portions of Main Street to host events. Second, the SID can use Billian Legion Park for larger events. Third, the SID has access to Officer Sam Kriney Memorial Park for smaller events.
o Based on the findings of the inventory, it may be that some spaces are underutilized. Rather than immediately pursue the creation of new public spaces, the SID should make sure that these three existing assets are properly utilized by assessing what improvements may be required to make them more functional. Do spaces have access to electricity? Do they have access to water? Is there adequate seating? Are spaces well lit? Are there attractive amenities in the public spaces? Is there storage for pop-up events?
o When considering potential improvements, the SID should also assess what improvements could be made to better connect public spaces to the balance of the SID. Are there clear pedestrian pathways? Is there adequate signage? This assessment of connectivity between the public space and the downtown will be particularly relevant for Billian Legion Park.
o To the extent that capital improvements are needed to make these spaces more functional or outlined in the as depicted in prior
o There have been at least two significant planning efforts related to creating public spaces in and around downtown Bound Brook. These plans should be revisited after completion of the inventory
to identify priority components which should be implemented. Completing the inventory prior to advocating for these capital improvements will be an important step in confirming that the recommendations they contain remain relevant.
o The first, entitled Bound Brook Plaza: A Vision for a Revitalized Station Square and Hamilton Street, 5 envisions converting Hamilton Street into a pedestrian plaza and creating a new open space in front of the Train Station. This creates the potential for a landmark open space at the center of the downtown.
5 Source: https://boundbrook-nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PLAZA-INFORMATION1.pdf. Accessed January 30, 2025.
Figure 19: Bound Brook Plaza: A Vision for a Revitalized Station Square and Hamilton Street.
o The second, entitled Riverfront Access for Pedestrians and Bicyclists6 , presents a strategy for connecting the community with the Raritan River. This plan includes a detailed implementation plan, and a series of interventions. Implementing incomplete sections of this plan presents an opportunity to enhance public space access within the SID.
o Both plans will require significant resources to implement. In addition to money, they will require extensive stakeholder coordination and staff time. The SID should identify the improvement they believe to be most important in light of the inventory and pursue that specific improvement. Given the scale of the projects, advocating for either one without a strong basis for the decision and a commitment to a long-term effort is unlikely to result in success.
iii. Implementation Approach
a. Conduct the public space and programming inventory.
b. Based on findings of inventory, identify priority capital improvements.
c. Resist the urge to do everything – implementing public space projects takes time. The SID should identify its most important improvements and remain steadfast in pursuing them. Policy whiplash and oscillating between priorities is not likely to be fruitful.
6 Source: https://boundbrook-nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2015-Riverfront-Access-Final.pdf. Accessed January 30, 2025.
Figure 20: Bound Brook Urban Design Plan Implementation Project
d. To the extent that there are significant redevelopment projects within the SID in the future, the SID should advocate for the Borough Council to require developers to contribute to public space improvements. These contributions could come in a variety of forms, including monetary contributions, development of design documents, funding for public art, or land contributions. Furthermore, when contributions are required of developments within the SID, these contributions should be used within the SID boundaries. Capturing value from development will be critical to accomplishing the SID’s public space objectives.
Appendix B: Design Recommendations for Officer Samuel Kriney
Memorial
Park by the
Michael Graves School of Public Architecture at Kean University
Schematic Design Proposal
208 E Main Street, Bound Brook, NJ
Presented By:
02 01 03 04 05
Background
Who are we?
What do we do?
Current Conditions
Project Summary
Run through of project Process
Community Survey Feedback Takeaways
Demographics
Conceptual Design
Community Participation Observations Recommendations
Action
Anticipated Costs Timeline
Background
Who Are We?
The Center for Urban Industry (CUI) includes a team of students and professionals. Cofounders include Nina Rappaport of Vertical Urban Factory and the School of Public Architecture of Kean University, and Alex Rivera, Director of the Center for Economic and Workforce Development of the Watson Institute of Kean University. Researcher and urban planner Alexander Lange, Kean University Academic Specialist Elise Dusenshine, and Emily Soden conducted site and community research to prepare this conceptual design package for 208 E. Main Street, Bound Brook, NJ as a revitalized public space with the community. Our ideas and recommendations intend to bring more people to the commercial main street by supporting local businesses, and to align with the goal of reconnecting downtown.
What Do we do?
The Center for Urban Industry provides research, design, use, and pre-development assistance to public entities to provide economic and commercial regeneration assistance for multi-purpose community assets in New Jersey. The CUI seeks to be the eminent entity in the state for supporting communities seeking to regenerate local economies and their eco-system to suit uses that raise a community’s economic, social, and environmental standards in a just and equitable way and to encourage multipurpose community assets.
Current Conditions
As it sits now, Officer Sam Kriney Memorial Park is a 80’ x 37’ park oriented toward E. Main Street which is the north side of the park. The park is partially covered with bricks and concrete, and lined with cobblestone on the northern side. The southern side of the park has one brick path that moves toward the southern parking lot with two large patches of grass on either side. On the concrete slab there are two chess tables and two sets of standard park benches facing each other. Several planters are placed around the park and two large lamp posts provide some evening lighting. The main feature of this park are the two large trees on either side of the path acting as a natural entrance as you move to or from E. Main Street. Notable is the park’s close relationship to the NJ Transit Bound Brook station, which functions primarily for transportation to New York City and sees an average of 571 riders according to a 2018 study conducted by Eric Kiefer with patch.com. Taking two trains, one on the Raritan Valley Line and a transfer on to the Northeast Corridor Line, will take you to and from New York City in 1 hour and 18 minutes.
Project Summary
Natalie Pineiro of Downtown Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership and Ink Creative Strategies asked the CUI to help propose design recommendations for 208 E. Main Street. The focus for this park was to find ways to reactivate it as a third space, to be a place for social connectivity that had a few built improvements with an emphasis on modular and moveable elements such as new benches, tables, and a stage, among other items. This park can be an improved social hub for the community, uniting new and long-time residents, small businesses, and those passing by to the train station. The CUI has conducted four main project phases that started with research of the current conditions of Downtown Bound Brook, its history, and the demographics of the city to anticipate who would be using the space. We took that information and made several site visits observing the space and conducting community outreach to get some ideas for what the community is interested in for potential revitalization and improvement for a renewed public space. Using the residents’ engaged ideas and pairing it with the Downtown Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership’s vision, we synthesized our information to develop with different design recommendations and strategies for the park renovation. This renovation project will address different elements of design that mostly focuses on landscaping, but has other components like park furniture, pedestrian walk pavers, public art projects, edging materials like street furniture, trees and tree pits, and small constructed parts.
Community Engagement
The CUI conducted multiple phases of research to inform the design potential for this public project, with the most crucial phase as gathering community feedback. We attended downtown Bound Brook events like the Rhythm on the Rails concert series, talked to some of the residents, and observed the park’s current pedestrian use. For wider outreach, we created posters with a QR code survey in English and Spanish that was shared in the park on a poster, as well as through the town’s social media channels. We asked residents questions about how often they currently visit the park, what they use it for, and what suggestions they have for potential uses that would encourage their engagement with the commercial area and bring more people to town so that they can use the public
Takeaways
Through our community outreach we found that almost 70% of people who answered said they rarely or never use the park due to it not feeling inviting or safe at night due to poor lighting, lack of cleanliness, and feeling awkward and temporary. However, residents loved the unique location of the park and that it was an easily accessible green space downtown on the commercial main street. Residents were also excited at the possibility of having activities in the space such as a yoga and meditation space, more family events, gardener talks, and space for live music, outdoor movies, or even an outdoor play. There was an overwhelming interest in improved lighting and security, and to have an environment that was more relaxing and peaceful.
Demographics
Of the 11,906 residents in Bound Brook, a majority of them are Hispanic or Latino. There are also young professionals, empty nesters, and many new residents who are moving there because of a few new housing projects on E. Main Street, aimed at capturing the large NYC commuter culture in New Jersey.
Conceptual Design
Community Participation 1: Landscaping
Concern: Based on our community feedback the residents really liked the greenery in the park but we feel it is not being utilized properly.
OBSERVATION: The park only has two main patches of grass with no benches or public amenities placed in it. There are many large planters scattered around the site and miscellaneous shrubs lining the park’s 4 benches. The focal point for the park are the two large trees which could be accentuated with additional landscaping.
Recommendations
Creating An oasis: There are opportunities to be more thoughtful with landscaping, by creating an oasis through varying heights of landscaping. Including large foliage can create an enclosure and visually separate green space with the busy main street. This could potentially be a quiet yoga and meditation space and could even be a moveable part utilizing the existing large planters in the site.
Tree lined perimeter: There is the potential to line the walls of the park with large trees or a lattice with climbing plants so the focal point becomes the greenery. It creates the illusion of an oasis, maximizing coziness of the space as the walls essentially disappear and you step into a space much different than the busy street. We believe this would create a more cohesive park-like feel, even if it is in the middle of downtown.
Project: Greenacre Park, New York City.
Source: Urbanexplorer.com
Community Participation 2: out of place
Concern: Residents were concerned with the park feeling awkward or out of place.
OBSERVATION: We noticed that the park might feel out of place because it is unclear what the space is intended to be used for. There is only one focal point with chess tables in the middle, which residents described as unusable as they do not own pieces to play with. You also can enter the park from anywhere, whether it is walking on surfaces that are cobblestone, brick, or grass. We feel that the space of the park can be utilized more effectively and for a broader public.
Recommendations
Intentional use of Buffers: Physical buffers on either side of the entrance of the park could create a more inviting space. This could be standard park benches, or a modular moveable combination of wood planters with seating. This was important to residents as a few were interested in having benches facing the main street. We feel that a clear place to enter off E. Main Street will enhance the feeling of an oasis, and invite more pedestrians to explore the park. There are opportunities to create buffers with landscaping and other constructed elements that separate different potential uses.
Garbage Cans: Since there are many restaurants on E. Main Street that are grab and go, we recommend at least two easily accessible and clearly labeled garbage cans be placed within the park. This would invite residents to eat their lunch in the space, and encourage those using the park to maintain a clean space.
collage of material: We can create different paving conditions to display a collage of material that encourages visitors to utilize the park’s various adaptable uses.
A soft, natural ground like maintained grass could be used for reading, children’s play, or potential community events like movie screenings.
A harder surface, like wood, would be practical for events like musical perfor mances.
Concrete, pavement or colored stone and tile could indicate a path of travel from E. Main Street toward the train and vice versa, which highlights the train station as an asset to Bound Brook.
These variations in paving conditions could extend outside the boundaries of the park. Starting on the northern E. Main Street sidewalk, then moving through the park, and finishing on the southern parking lot.
Hopscotch pavers for kids to use.
Stage: There is strong interest to have one main constructed stage that could be a multipurpose space to facilitate plays or public musical acts. Hamilton Street Theater is right around the corner and could be utilized by those interested in giving public performances. It can also act as a backdrop for a movie night, or for kids’ supervised exploration.
Above: is a sample space planning concept representing a collection of CUI design recommendations. This is not a finalized proposal, but instead a tool to visualize potential uses in the space.
Constructed Stage
Picnic Area
Viewing Space
Soft material Space
Grove of Trees
Ramp from Sidewalk
Community Participation 3: Safety
Concern: There is a concern for safety and residents would like better lighting for security.
OBSERVATION: The park currently only has two lamp posts and one was broken for some time. As an ambient source of light, the lamp posts function more as a decorative element than functional illumination. We believe that providing additional lighting will create a more cohesive design and provide residents who visit at night with more security. We also noticed that the bands who performed at the Rhythm on the Rails concert series brought their own lighting. We think it will encourage more events to occur at night by including more built-in light sources.
Recommendations
Safety Lighting: Path lights or bollards could provide general illumination, as well as suggest navigation through the space. Flood lights could be provided to respond to the residents desired safety features, and the light levels could be adjusted so they are not too contrasted with Main Street’s illumination levels.
Art Lighting: Any art featured in the space should be highlighted. This can be achieved through a linear grazer for a mural or aimed spotlights that will indicate the art as a focal point in the renovated park.
Landscape Lighting: There are many small lighting details that can improve the view of the greenery or planter boxes, but we feel strongly about uplighting the two feature trees in the park, as we were able to see a practical mock up during the concert series.
Community Participation 4: Artistic expression
Concern: Lack of artistic creativity on the site now.
OBSERVATION: We think that including some artistic elements within the renovation of this park is essential to giving the residents a sense of pride in the community they live in.
Recommendations
Mural
Pairing with a local artist would be beneficial to the community and are great for telling the history of a place, to spark visits and conversation, and are expressive forms of representation.
sculpture/Art Sourcing
Tile
Tile with a glazing that tells a story is a great way to bring visual interest to a space with pops of color.
PARTICIPATORY
Public participation in the art of the park could invite locals to think differently about the program of a park project.
There is potential to include a space for a sculpture. The Bound Brook Cultural Arts Committee that was established in 2017 could help source or create a sculpture. The park can participate in a future walking art tour that was previously held in 2021.
Action
Anticipated Budgeting
Refurbishment
Landscape
Lighting Extras
• Site Cleaning
• Repaving
• Painting
• Labor
• Local Vegetation
• Materials
• Safety lighting and replacing street light bulbs
• Landscape Lighting
• Mural Lighting
• Seating
• Art
• Sculptures
Potential Reuse Rendering
E. Main Street
Timeline
1 2 3 4 5
Schematic design development Action Design Build Project Grand opening
We are encouraging any and all feedback that will be re ected in future drawings.
Finalizing the “complete picture”. We will want to have all of our goals and features nalized and in a detailed budget.
We will begin working with the city to source all materials to make this happen, including professional labor, materials and specialists like a landscaper or artists.
Potential for a Design Build Project with the School of Public Architecture.
e renovation of the park should feel like an event for the town. Visibility and energy would encourage engagement in the future.
Appendix C: 2025 BBRP Events Calendar
2 0 2 5 B B R
April 12th: Battle of Bound Brook Spring Public Art Campaign
Black History Month
Women’s History Month- Banner Campaign
Movies in the Park
Fourth of July- Event or campaign (supporting)
Memorial Day Campaign Makers festival
First Fridays Car Show Pride Month Campaign Rhythm on the Rails concert series
Artisan Market/Showcase Riverfest
Hispanic Heritage Month Fall Festival/ Halloween: Trunk or treat, costume contest dogs included
Native American Heritage Month (Tentative)
Small Business Saturday
Holiday tree lightingWinter Village