Caldwell Seeks Funds for a Facelift

Mayor Ann Dassing has a vision for a shiny, new downtown Caldwell. 

The mayor submitted a $2.3 million grant application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) last month.

The grant, Dassing said, would be used to implement a streetscape initiative in the borough’s business district, from the to Lane Avenue.

New sidewalks and decorative touches are part of the proposed design, as is unifying the lampposts and pulling down the Cobra head lights. The proposed plan also includes trimming trees to be more uniform, installing raised crosswalks across the avenue and sprucing up the bus shelters.

"Plus, if we could install two sets of tall poles—one by the green and another at the west end of town—for hanging banners, that would be great," she explained.

Although Dassing said getting the grant is somewhat of a “longshot,” she's hopeful the money will come through to give the downtown a facelift.

“It would be tremendous if they would consider us,” she said at a recent council meeting.

She said a response from NJDOT should come sometime in the fall.

What improvements would you like to see in downtown Caldwell? What is your vision for the business district? Tell us in the comments.