Welcome to Downtown Millburn
Downtown Millburn is a welcoming, charming, and sophisticated town with a distinctive blend of shops, boutiques, and fine restaurants. We are also the home of the Paper Mill Playhouse, a nationally recognized theater and playhouse that dates back to 1938.
Millburn/Short Hills is easily accessible by various modes of transportation including the midtown direct line of New Jersey Transit Morris & Essex rail line, bus lines, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike as well as Routes 24 and 78.
Downtown Millburn, a 501 © (3) non-profit organization, was established by the Millburn Township Committee as a Special Improvement District in 1992. The mission of Downtown Millburn is to enhance the economic vitality and to improve the visual appearance of our downtown.
There are approximately 500 retail, office, and commercial properties located in downtown Millburn. The boundaries of the SID district are: from south to north, Main Street from Willow Street to the Paper Mill Playhouse; from east to west, along Millburn Avenue from Douglas Street to Locust Street; along Essex Street from Millburn Avenue to Douglas Street; and Spring Street, Lackawanna Place, and Holmes Street between Millburn Avenue and Essex Street.
There is a fifteen member Board of Directors elected by organization members for three year overlapping terms. The Board sets the overall policy of the organization, and consists of retail business owners, property owners, residents, and representatives of financial/professional/service businesses. In addition, there is an Executive Committee, consisting of the four Board officers and the chairpersons of the various standing committees, which meets monthly and oversees the administrative operation of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing the Committee's policies, administering the daily operations, assisting existing businesses and attracting new ones, and serving as a liaison with the Township government. The Assistant Director is responsible for the preparation, planning, and organization of the special events.
Four Committees have been established to help Downtown Millburn achieve its goals as follows:
The Design Review Committee seeks to promote the use of appropriate design and architectural elements in the downtown district that are consistently of high quality and are visually appealing. All businesses planning to make exterior improvements to their properties are encouraged to submit plans, photos of the current and proposed work, and any information necessary for the Committee to adequately evaluate the proposed plan. The Committee reviews plans for facade improvements, signage, and awnings and makes a formal recommendation to the Township Construction Official or the Planning Board.
The Marketing Committee seeks to promote downtown Millburn as a classic suburban downtown that is vibrant, gracious, safe, accessible, and family-focused. These are characteristics that make our downtown appealing to a large range of customer segments. The Committee's slogan is "Shop, Dine & Enjoy Downtown Millburn" to target new customers, integrate business opportunities, positively advertise the advantages of shopping in downtown Millburn, and attracting new businesses.
The Special Events Committee plans events throughout the year which are designed to bring residents and visitors to our downtown to increase public awareness of our business and retail community. These events include: the Classic Car Show, Sidewalk Sales Days, Farmer's Market, Pre-school Trick or Treating, and the annual Snowflake Parade. The Farmer's Market is held once a week from June through October for the promotion and sale of New Jersey farm products.
The purpose of the Visual Improvements Committee is to enhance the appearance of downtown Millburn by providing an attractive shopping environment. The Committee seeks to develop continuity and cohesiveness of the downtown through visual effects including signs, plantings, benches, and other amenities.
Downtown Millburn has been and will continue to make your shopping and dining experience in our town the best that it can be. We hope you will come down and experience the fine restaurants and service friendly stores available to you, your friends, and family. Shop, Dine, and Enjoy Downtown Millburn!
