Experience
Pleasantville's
Neighborhood Preservation Program
Who We Are
The Neighborhood Preservation Program is a 5-year grant program offered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs in order to invest in communities within a town or city. The City of Pleasantville was awarded this competitive grant for the Downtown District. ​ These funds are being used to support improvements in the neighborhood for residents, property owners and businesses alike within the district.
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The Pleasantville Downtown District Team was formed to provide valuable input to the City of Pleasantville on how to best utilize the NPP grant inside the community. Volunteers in the group serve as steering team members and focus group participants to further the success of the program.
The Downtown District
Gateway to Pleasantville
The Neighborhood Preservation Program Planning Area is located at the gateway to Downtown Pleasantville. Route 40/322 (the Black Horse Pike) connects Philadelphia and points west to Atlantic City. Many commuters and visitors traverse this highway and pass through Downtown Pleasantville. The goal is to enhance the aesthetic appeal and assortment of shoppes in Downtown Pleasantville to make this area a destination.
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There are many attributes that make Downtown Pleasantville prime for enhancement. The area was designated as a Transit Village by the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 1999, the first year of the program and a portion of the Downtown is in a federally designated Opportunity Zone. The City has been actively nurturing and developing this area as a Transit Village with the support of NJDOT.
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The Pleasantville Bus Terminal is located at the corner of West Jersey Avenue and Main Street. It is served by seven NJ Transit bus routes that run well into the evening hours. Pedestrian improvements in close proximity of the Terminal will improve access to these transit investments. The City of Pleasantville has committed to growing the area surrounding the Bus Terminal. This is clearly demonstrated by development of the City Center, a new supermarket, restaurants, and commercial establishments in close proximity of the Terminal.
Farmers Market
A revived Downtown Farmer’s Market will be hosted in the City’s Downtown parking lot on Washington Avenue.  The Farmer’s Market will provide access to fresh fruits and vegetable to local residents and shoppers as well as access to other locally made items.  Artists and live music will be added to make this regularly schedule event most attractive.  Farmer’s Markets are one of many ways to bring activity to the Downtown.  The City has engaged the help of C.R.O.P. S. a local non-profit to assist in running the Farmer’s Market.  The Farmer’s Market is open every Wednesday from now to August 19th from 4 to 7 pm.
Murals
The Stakeholder Team and the City will work with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation to add mural art on North Main Street. Â The plan is to add vibrancy and life to this wall and other similar blank canvasses to create a visually compelling and beautifying mural in this underutilized, highly visible gateway to the Downtown. Â The Stakeholder Team and the experienced Atlantic City Arts Foundation will work with property owners and experts in the field of the arts to develop a competitive process to select artists for the design and implementation of these projects.
Facade Improvements
The Downtown Pleasantville Stakeholder Team are creating a business improvement grant program to help subsidize the cost of critical façade improvements to qualifying businesses in the NPP area. Grants of 50% of the total project costs, up to $5,000 per business will be awarded for improvements such as paint, signage, lighting, glass, brick repair and awnings.
Vision Statement
Downtown Pleasantville will become an activity center and shopping/dining/service destination. Downtown Pleasantville will have its own vibe that will set it apart from other centers. Additionally, this area will be a fully enhanced gateway to Pleasantville where residents and visitors can live, shop, dine and recreate.
Contact the Pleasantville Neighborhood Preservation Program
Jacqueline Amado-Belton
NPP Coordinator
609.677.4925
