Hillside Streetscape Project Continues

The Township of Hillside will continue its streetscape project along Liberty Avenue as preparations begin for a similar undertaking on Maple Avenue, Hillside Urban Enterprise Zone Director Sal Antonelli says.

Speaking before the Hillside Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Antonelli detailed the progress of and the expectations for the Hillside Beautification Project.

So far, the township has completed lining the sidewalk with colored stones, and placing decorative streetlights and trees along the Avenue.

Recently, the intersection of Liberty and Ryan - near the high school and the shopping center - was paved over into a square of maroon colored stones.

All the intersections along Liberty will soon be paved in a similar fashion, Antonelli said.

During the summer, the township will initiate plans to "beautify" Hillside's Maple Avenue using money from Hillside's UEZ fund.

The UEZ is an economic development program maintained by the state of New Jersey. Applicant cities have designated zones in which businesses pay only 3 per cent sales tax instead of the state's 6. The sales tax revenue collected constitutes a fund from which the township may use to promote economic growth.

Uses for the fund include beautification and public safety initiatives. The Hillside UEZ funds have already been used for the streetscape project and to purchase vehicles for the "Clean Team" and Fire Department.