Verona has started a new initiative aimed at improving and renovating Verona’s Downtown Streetscape in order to create a more accessible and functional space while bringing forth a design that reflects Verona unique character while embracing updated elements. This initiative underscores Verona’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, while fostering economic and sustainable development.

In collaboration with project partners, Strans Engineering and LiRo-Hill, the Bloomfield Ave improvements will modernize the main corridor by bolstering pedestrian safety and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the area.

Improvement and Renovation Goals Include:

•    Create a unified look and feel for Bloomfield Avenue with a consistent, aesthetically pleasing design

•    Ensure ADA compliance with improvements accessible for people of all abilities

•    Introduce traffic-calming features to encourage safer driving and make crossing easier for pedestrians

•    Add more pedestrian-friendly with elements such safer sidewalks, crosswalks, and spaces for walking

•    Incorporate trees and landscaping to make the downtown area more inviting

•    Improve stormwater management to help reduce flooding

The design phase started with analyzing existing conditions and pinpointing any issues or deficiencies which will be followed by engaging with residents, visitors and business owners to ensure all explored aspects work in harmony with the surrounding natural, social, economic and cultural environments. Phase One will focus on the section of Bloomfield Ave between Fairview Ave and Park Ave. 

Verona is proud to work with Strans Engineering, known for their innovative transportation solutions and LiRo-Hill, recognized for their excellence in project management and construction. Together, these partners bring a wealth of experience and expertise ensuring this project is executed with the highest of standards of quality and efficiency.

“We are excited to begin the design phase for improvements to Verona’s Bloomfield Ave corridor,” said Mayor Christopher Tamburro “which will position our downtown to be an even more vibrant and desirable destination for residents, visitors, and business owners alike. We look forward to feedback from our stakeholders about how to make the design representative of the community’s vision for Verona’s future.”

To assist with funding, the Township has applied for the New Jersey Department of Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) Grant for the construction phase of the streetscape project. The TASA program provides federal funds for community based "non-traditional" surface transportation projects designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of transportation systems. In 2023 this program awarded over thirty-five million dollars in grants to northern New Jersey Municipalities. A determination on the application is expected Q1 2026.

For ongoing updates and further information about the Bloomfield Ave improvements visit VeronaNJ.org/BloomfieldAveImprovements

About Strans Engineering

STRANS Engineering is a landscape architecture, engineering, and urban design firm based in the New York area. Led by Vice President and licensed landscape architect Jim Lau, RLA, the firm focuses on creating sustainable, community-oriented public spaces and infrastructure improvements that combine design excellence with environmental responsibility.

About LiRo-Hill

LiRo-Hill was formed through the merger of The LiRo Group and Hill International’s Northeast operations. With about 1,200 employees and offices in New York, Boston, and throughout the region, LiRo-Hill is one of the leading AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction management) firms in the Northeast. The company provides comprehensive design, engineering, construction management, and environmental services, with a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and diversity in contracting