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Roselle Park students present downtown revitalization plan to borough council
Summary
Students from Roselle Park High School presented a cross‑curricular proposal for downtown revitalization — murals, upgraded storefronts, an art space and green areas — and council members offered logistical support, potential funding sources and follow‑up meetings.
Carolyn Dioro, the digital photography teacher at Roselle Park High School, brought students to the borough council to present a cross‑curricular project proposing downtown improvements aimed at giving students real‑world experience. Dioro said the project’s goals are “real world experience for our students” and to show how youth are engaged in improving the town.
The students’ proposals included painting murals on underpasses and public walls, creating an art/performance space in the downtown movie theater, adding a gazebo and green spaces, and pursuing tenant businesses such as a bookstore, a pastry shop and a café. Dioro and the teachers said students could earn National Honor Society service hours by participating.
Council members praised the presentation. Councilwoman Lions said she welcomed the idea to paint underpasses and offered to help connect the students with community affairs and the borough arts committee. Councilman Castellins, who said he chairs a Special Improvement District in a neighboring area, suggested a student photo contest and an online gallery to highlight student work and noted that SID funding has in the past supported murals. He told the students he could arrange site tours and introductions to local businesses and the SID’s executive director.
Architecture teacher Casey (who accompanied the students) suggested contests and small placemaking efforts timed with borough anniversaries. Council members asked the students to stay engaged and invited follow‑up meetings with the mayor’s office and department staff.
The council offered several possible next steps: coordinating with the borough’s arts committee, exploring a photo contest/gallery on the borough website, investigating permission processes for murals and underpass painting (including NJ Transit for railroad property), and exploring SID funding or business partnerships for private‑wall mural displays. The mayor and council encouraged the students to share contact information to begin planning and indicated staff would help identify permitting and funding paths.
The presentation concluded with applause and an invitation for the students to return with more detailed site proposals.
