THE PROJECT
The Midland Avenue Streetscape Project is a major investment in the future of Kearny’s Midland Avenue commercial district. Fully funded through a $2.86 million State Urban Enterprise Zone grant, the project will improve Midland Avenue from Kearny Avenue to Davis Avenue with new street lighting, sidewalks, trees and landscaping, rain gardens, bike racks, benches, waste receptacles, cross-street banner poles and other improvements.
The goal is to make Midland Avenue safer, more walkable and more welcoming while keeping it a working commercial corridor. The improvements are designed to support existing businesses, make the area more inviting for residents and visitors, and create room for community, arts and cultural activity.
As part of that vision, the corridor will be designated the Midland Avenue Arts District, recognizing the avenue’s cultural history, including the historic Freeman Building and the legacy of the Half Penny Playhouse. The streetscape improvements will lay the groundwork for future activity in the district while preserving the character that makes Midland Avenue unique.
Project Updates
Last updated: September 11, 2026
The Mayor and Council and the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone are committed to keeping the community informed throughout construction. Updates will be posted here regularly. You may also subscribe above to receive email notifications when new information is added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Midland Avenue stay open during construction?
Construction will happen in two phases. During streetscape and utility work, Midland Avenue remains open to traffic. The work is phased block by block, so at any given time you’ll see short-term lane shifts, temporary parking restrictions and sidewalk detours in the active work zone. Pedestrian access to every business and residence will be maintained at all times, with temporary walkways and signed crossings where sidewalk work is underway. Parking restrictions will be posted in advance, and the contractor will coordinate directly with affected businesses on deliveries and access.
PSE&G is performing the utility upgrades along the corridor and will repave the roadway once that work is complete. During repaving there will be daytime road closures with posted detours. Streets reopen outside of work hours. Dates and detour routes will be posted on this page and sent to email subscribers in advance.
What are the work hours?
Municipal construction hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work hours and traffic maintenance follow municipal ordinances and NJDOT standards.
How will I know when work is coming to my block?
Schedules for each phase will be posted on this page and sent directly to residents and businesses who subscribe to email updates.
Will I still be able to get to businesses on Midland Avenue?
Yes. Pedestrian access to every business and residence is maintained throughout construction, including during repaving closures. The contractor will coordinate directly with businesses on deliveries and access.
What is the Midland Avenue Arts District?
In recognition of the corridor’s cultural history, anchored by the historic Freeman Building and the legacy of the Half Penny Playhouse, Midland Avenue will be designated the Midland Avenue Arts District. The streetscape project builds the foundation for it: wider, accessible sidewalks and improved lighting make outdoor performances, sidewalk exhibitions and evening events possible in a way they aren’t today, the cross-street banner poles give us a permanent way to promote cultural programming along the corridor, and Arlington Depot Park becomes a natural gathering and event space.
Is this project only about infrastructure, or is there a larger vision for the corridor?
Both. Midland Avenue has always been a working commercial street, and it should stay one. But it should also be a street people want to spend time on. Better lighting, places to sit, trees and a park at the end of the corridor mean people linger, and the businesses that depend on that can succeed there: restaurants, shops, galleries and the like. The Arts District designation is how we make that intention explicit.
When does construction start and how long will it take?
Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2026 and continue through June 2027.
Downloads
View and download project overviews, design plans, and related documents.
Midland Avenue Streetscape Plans
