Downtown Somerville Alliance
June 8, 2026 Meeting Minutes
6:00 PM – In-Person, DSA Conference Room
The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:00 PM on May 13, 2026. Roll call was conducted and the following Board Members were present:
Board Members Present: Natalia Kleyman, Kevin Sluka, Tania Althoff, Conlyn Chan, Allison Reilly Snyder, Theresa Bonner, Lynsdey Rickards
Professional Staff Present: Dana Kessel, Becky Pollard
CHAIRPERSON REMARKS
Chair Natalia Kleyman welcomed everyone and reflected on the success of several recent Downtown Somerville events, including Girls Night Out, Summer Stage performances, the Lloyd Silverman Entrepreneur of the Year Award ceremony, and the International Street Fair. She thanked DSA staff, interns, volunteers, and Board members for their efforts in making the events successful.
The Chair noted that as DSA programming continues to expand, additional volunteers will be needed to assist with event setup and operations and encouraged Board members to volunteer whenever possible.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the May 2026 Board Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Finance
Financial statements were distributed to the Board prior to the meeting.
Dana Kessel reported that revenues continue to perform well and highlighted the positive impact of transferring reserve funds into a money market account, which has generated approximately $3,000 in interest income year-to-date.
No additional financial concerns were reported.
b. Design/Infrastructure
Holiday Banner Sponsorship Program
The Design & Infrastructure Committee reviewed and approved the final concept for the new Holiday Banner Sponsorship Program.
The Board discussed sponsorship pricing and banner longevity. Sponsorship rates were confirmed as:
$150 for Downtown Somerville Alliance (SID) businesses
$200 for residents and families
$300 for businesses located outside the SID
The personalized banners will remain in service for approximately five years before replacement.
Streetscape Furniture
Dana Kessel reported that the new downtown furniture has been delivered and installation was scheduled to begin during the week. The furnishings include modular seating and planter units funded through the Main Street New Jersey Transformation Grant.
The Board discussed placement of the furniture and installation logistics.
Main Street Transformation Grant
An update was provided regarding the current Main Street Transformation Grant. Final reimbursement from the State remains pending before the grant can officially be closed, allowing DSA to move forward with future grant opportunities.
c. Promotions
Marketing & Social Media Report
Leah Horowitz presented May marketing and digital performance highlights.
Key metrics included:
More than 31,000 Instagram accounts reached
Over 438,000 Instagram views
More than 527,000 Facebook views
More than 38,000 Facebook interactions
Continued Mailchimp performance above industry averages
Increased visitor frequency and average dwell time according to Placer.ai analytics
The Board discussed strategies to increase weekday and lunchtime visitation, including collaboration with local restaurants, student meal promotions, and potential parking incentives.
Dana Kessel introduced the new Dog Days of Summer campaign scheduled for the month of August.
The campaign will include:
Passport program encouraging repeat visits
Sunday sidewalk sales
Weekly live music on Sundays from 12-3pm
Promotional contests and prizes
Continued promotion of Downtown Somerville’s Dog-Friendly Initiative
Businesses have responded positively to the campaign, and sponsorship discussions are underway.
Upcoming Events
Staff reviewed upcoming programming, including:
Pride Festival
Juneteenth community participation
Starlit Cinema Series
Downtown Somerville Day with the Somerset Patriots
Artisan Market
Continued Cruise Nights and Summer Stage programming
Staff also reported ongoing outreach to encourage additional participation in the Pride storefront decorating contest.
d. Economic Vitality
Dana Kessel reported that the Downtown Somerville Alliance recently launched a new online Community Job Board to assist businesses with employee recruitment.
The Board discussed continued outreach to businesses regarding downtown marketing initiatives, participation in promotional campaigns, and strategies to support business engagement throughout the summer season.
e. Director’s Report
Dana Kessel provided an overview of recent downtown activity and organizational initiatives.
Highlights included:
Strong attendance at recent downtown events.
Positive community feedback following the International Street Fair.
Continued marketing efforts designed to position Downtown Somerville as a regional destination.
Ongoing evaluation of advertising strategies and return on investment.
Continued collaboration with Borough staff regarding beautification initiatives, including streetscape improvements, public trash receptacles, and tree pit enhancements.
The Executive Director also reviewed ongoing planning efforts for future downtown programming and sponsorship development.
NEW BUSINESS
Downtown Beautification
Kevin Sluka updated the Board regarding Borough initiatives, including installation of permeable tree pit surfacing, replacement of hazardous trees, and continued streetscape improvements.
The Board discussed evaluating the pilot installation before expanding the project throughout downtown.
Public Trash Receptacles
The Board discussed possible improvements to downtown trash receptacles, including liner systems, lids, and maintenance practices to improve cleanliness while balancing operational and security considerations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Brittany, owner of Revive Consignment, announced the successful grand opening of her business and thanked the Downtown Somerville Alliance for its support. She expressed her continued commitment to volunteering and participating in DSA events despite relocating her business outside the Special Improvement District.
Ryan Ozzlins, owner of Good Donut Shop, introduced himself and discussed plans to open a permanent location on Division Street. He shared concerns regarding permitting and event vending regulations that prevented participation during National Donut Day and described the impact on his business planning and staff.
Kevin Sluka informed the Board that a multi-department meeting had been scheduled with Borough staff to review permitting requirements, identify an appropriate path forward, and assist the business in opening successfully.
Additional discussion addressed temporary window artwork and signage regulations, with Borough staff explaining current ordinance requirements and the process for reviewing future amendments if needed.
ACTION ITEMS
Launch the Holiday Banner Sponsorship Program.
Continue implementation of the Dog Days of Summer campaign.
Finalize installation of downtown streetscape furniture.
Continue outreach to businesses regarding Pride participation.
Monitor implementation of the Community Job Board.
Continue coordination with the Borough on tree pit improvements and downtown beautification initiatives.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM.