Mission Statement
“A Tradition Reborn”
The mission of the Central Avenue Special Improvement District Management Corporation (CASID) is to guide and promote the positive social growth and economic revitalization occurring in the City of Jersey City by providing supplemental management, maintenance, and improvements to the Central Avenue business district also known as the “Central Avenue Special Improvement District” (Central Avenue between Manhattan Avenue and North Street).
Today, Hudson County’s own Jersey City is the second largest urban municipality in the State of New Jersey. The Jersey City Heights, once known as Hudson City (1869), is a unique section of the City not only through its diverse demographics but also geographic features. Perched high atop the palisades on the western banks of the Hudson River, local residents and visitors enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the New York City skyline to the east. The Jersey City Heights is characterized as a traditional neighborhood community which has become a scarce attribute in the municipality. Despite its large population (estimated at 60,000 people, U.S. Census 2000), this section of the City appeals to small town values largely due to its ¾ mile main street, Central Avenue. The Central Avenue business district is home to more than 240 storefront businesses which primarily services the consumer market found in the Heights and neighboring communities.
Formed in 1992, the CASID was one of the first Special Improvement Districts in the State and the first of four in Jersey City. Initiated by the efforts of involved business leaders and commercial property owners within the district, the CASID functions as a public/ private partnership between the City of Jersey City and private stakeholders to supplement, not substitute, government services. Such services include (but not limited to) administration, marketing, maintenance, capital improvements, and other operations. An elected board of seven (7) trustees from within the district volunteers their valued time to govern the CASID.
In a traditional neighborhood setting, there is a sensitive relationship between local commerce and the surrounding population. One can not thrive without the other. For this reason, it is imperative for the CASID to be a key player in the community and take a general interest in local matters to better advocate on behalf of the business and neighborhood community. With over 450 united members (defined as business and/or commercial property owners within the district), the CASID is one of the strongest business organizations in the City. The CASID works alongside community leaders, neighborhood associations, and elected officials to guide the growth of Jersey City and its highly valued traditional neighborhood quality in the Heights, hence the phrase “A Tradition Reborn”.
A Successful S.I.D. Program
Since its incorporation, the CASID has administered millions in combined private funding and State aid to the business district by way of increase safety, street maintenance services, streetscape enhancements, holiday decorations, and numerous marketing promotions. In 1997, the Central Avenue Streetscape Enhancement Project won a Downtown New Jersey Excellence Award Honorable Mention. The CASID has aided in identifying reasonable parking solutions and increased the initial 85% store occupancy (1992) to 95% on Central Avenue (2004). Today, the CASID focuses on providing customer care services to our loyal shoppers, respected local neighbors, and organization members.