About the
Central Avenue
S.I.D. Management Corp.
Message from the District Manager
Welcome to the web site for the Central Avenue Special Improvement District Management Corporation (CASID) and surrounding Jersey City community. It was our intention to create a web site which could communicate ideas, events, and important announcements quickly and efficiently with local residents, shoppers, and of course, members of the CASID.
Most importantly, this web site is a tool for the business community to connect with the neighboring community we do business with. This web site is full of useful information pertaining to Jersey City and one of its premier shopping areas, the Central Avenue Business District.
Visit our news area for business and community updates. See our Business Spotlight articles to learn about some of our legendary businesses and their owners. Check out our business directory and restaurant guide to see what's new on the Avenue. Are you a new resident or new business owner and you don’t know much about the Jersey City? Explore our site and you will be an expert in no time.
Be sure to frequently check back in with us as this web site will continue to evolve as feedback is received from users like you. Enjoy the site!
- David Diaz
- District Manager
Our Mission
The mission of the 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). Read More.Funding
The CASID is a private not-for-profit 501(c)4 corporation representing business and commercial property owners within the Central Avenue Special Improvement District servicing the greater Jersey City area. Having established an ongoing public-private partnership with local government, CASID members levy an annual self-imposed (tax) assessment on the 200 commercial properties within the district to finance the organization (residential properties are exempt). Each individual SID Assessment is determined using the following formula: Retail linear footage on Central Avenue multiplied by the current rate ($15). The average Central Avenue commercial property storefront is 25 linear feet making the average SID Assessment equal to $375 a year.
Additionally, the CASID continues to receive a 1:1 matching fund from the City and State Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program thereby doubling each SID Assessment. The entire operating budget for CASID consists of the SID Assessment, UEZ funds, and other private funding. Each year, the Board of Trustees present a budget to its general membership and the City Council of Jersey City for approval.
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.
Board of Trustees & Staff
Every two years at an Annual Meeting of the Corporation, general members of the CASID elect seven (7) of their own to serve on the Board of Trustees for a two year term. It is the responsibility of the Trustees to govern the CASID organization and its mission to further the economic and social revitalization occurring in Jersey City. Read More.Meeting Schedule
Regular Meetings of the CASID are usually scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month. The regular meeting location is the CASID office (366 Central Avenue Suite 201, Jersey City NJ). Click here for meeting dates.Frequently Asked Questions
- What in the world is an S.I.D.?
- As a business and/or commercial property owner, why would I want an SID?
- As a local resident, how does an SID affect me?
- Are all SIDs the same?
- When was the first SID created in New Jersey? Jersey City?
- What exactly does the word "CASID" mean?
- Is the CASID part of Municipal Government/ City of Jersey City?
- Is the CASID a political organization or affiliated with one?
- Why was an SID created on Central Avenue?
- What area is considered the Central Avenue Special Improvement District?
- Who is a member of the CASID?
- How many members belong to the CASID?
- I own a residential property owner on Central Avenue, am I a member?
- What if my business or office is on Central Avenue but it is located on the second floor (or above) of a commercial building, am I still considered a member of the CASID?
- Are there membership fees?
- If I want to open a new business on Central Avenue, do I have to register it with the CASID office?
- If I have a business outside the district, can I become a full member of the CASID?
- If I own a commercial property or business within the Central Avenue Business District can I choose NOT to be a member of the CASID, NOT pay the SID Assessment, and, you know, still enjoy the benefits of doing business on Central Avenue?