JP CSMS Committees

JP Centre/South Main Streets has a number of very active committees which allow residents and business owners to participate in the exciting work of helping to create a vibrant business district along Centre and South Streets in Jamaica Plain. Interested in getting involved? Whether you have 2 hours to commit, want to join a committee, or organize a new initiative, please contact us at 617-522-0300 or info@jpcentresouth.org for more information or for a meeting schedule.

Events Committee
The Events Committee creates exciting events that celebrate JP’s unique diversity, bring new people to the neighborhood and promote the local businesses.

Our signature events include the wildly successful First Thursdays art receptions and the Artists Ball.

First Thursdays takes place on the first Thursday of the month in May through September and in December. Over 20 shops, restaurants and organizations open their doors to host free contemporary art openings.  Hundreds have enjoyed the food, the buzz, and the chance to meet local artists.

The Artists Ball is a masked ball complete with dancing, dining, and a silent art auction held at the historic Footlight Club in the heart of JP.  We organize events all year long and can always use volunteers.  Want to join us?

Economic Restructuring (ER) Committee
The ER Committee works to ensure that the district’s business mix serves the needs of shoppers and diners, from types of businesses and restaurants, to longer hours of operation, to customer service.  

We actively recruit new businesses to the district, work with property owners to fill empty retail spaces, host forums to hear from the community, organize businesses breakfasts to share information with our local entrepreneurs and continue to examine and report on resident and shopper needs and trends.

Is there a new business that you want to help bring to JP?  Do you have urban planning experience or interest? Join us!

Design Committee
The Design Committee’s focus is to beautify the district and maintain JP’s funky mix of historic architecture and daring new storefronts.  The committee collaborates with businesses to design and fund attractive signage and storefronts that reflect JP’s character.

Over the last 4 years through our Storefront Improvement Program we have provided 12 businesses with matching funds for exterior improvements, and provided design assistance to many others.  This group also works to improve safety on the street, from removing graffiti and grates, to alerting the city to potential dangers like broken sidewalks.

Committee members come from a mix of backgrounds, some design, some not.  All welcome.