For the Trenton Downtown Association, the new year meant a new message — and a new board.
Bryan Evans, the newly elected board chair, said progress is made when we work together to achieve common goals and a shared vision.
Evans recently addressed the community in a new year message that affirmed TDA’s commitment to its community, staff, clean and safe team, and stakeholders, including downtown business and property owners, the city of Trenton and other partner organizations.
The board
Bryan Evans was elected to serve as the board chair for the Trenton Downtown Association board. Here’s a look at other members, including the newly established Executive Committee:
- Butch Osterman, vice chair;
- Anne LaBate, treasurer;
- Cassie Sanchez, secretary;
- Board members: Kamal Bathla, Liad Onitiri, Wayne Downing and Raoul Mom.
“In 2022, TDA sharpened its focus on clean and safe, beautification and creative placemaking, while investing in capital improvements and collaborating with partners to create impactful events downtown,” Evans said. “While local economic challenges remain formidable, we see signs of a positive recovery from the aftershocks of COVID-19 as foot traffic begins to trend upward.”
Evans said TDA’s emphasis on its clean and safe team, supplemental police and beautification programs in 2022 is a clear signal of the organization’s mission.
“Downtown Trenton is a significant historic district, with wonderful cultural attractions, great food, a lively arts scene and, of course, our state capital,” he said. “We understand that a cleaner, safer and more attractive downtown district is key to attracting and retaining businesses, residents and visitors. This has to be our focus.”
In 2022, the city added 100 self-watering planters, new garbage cans, decorative street pole banners and holiday lighting and decor, as well as various capital improvements, Evans said.
About TDA
The Trenton Downtown Association, located at 16 E. Hanover St., is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen and support the business district of New Jersey’s state capital with programs that promote its economic growth and investment. Its staff is involved in business recruitment and retention, public relations, advocacy, marketing support, referrals, partnership development and job creation.
“In 2023, we aim to further enhance these and other programs with expanded crews, enhanced equipment and more comprehensive data collection to better inform our planning of services,” he said.
TDA is also planning new plantings, as well as additional public art and decorations, wayfinding signage and sculptures — all to beautify and create a more inviting downtown area, Evans said.
“We plan to increase our off-duty police program, provide support to at-need populations, add more lighting, promote facade enhancement programs, and expand our pole banner and holiday decor, including possible art contests,” he said.
Evans said TDA also will play an important role in supporting popular events, such as the Capital City Farmers’ Market, the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series, Patriots Week, First Fridays and more.
“Working together, we established a solid foundation for a reimagined downtown with new initiatives and enhancements to existing programs and opportunities for investment,” he said. “We are excited and optimistic about the year ahead.”
