Benjamin Moore to Paint Sea Bright Spiffy

By Elaine Van Develde

Call it post-Fourth of July fireworks for Sea Bright.

Benjamin Moore announced Monday morning that the that the Sandy-ravaged peninsula's Main Street — Ocean Avenue — will be getting a makeover as part of its inaugural Main Street Matters campaign.

It was the perfect way to start the week, Mayor Dina Long said in a Facebook post.

"Amazingly awesome Monday news! We won a Main Street Makeover!" she said. "Thank you Benjamin Moore and everyone who voted!"

The paint company held a nationwide contest inviting people to make a plea for the revitalization of their town from nearly 150 nominations. Sea Bright lovers rallied in the six weeks that they were given to make their individual testaments; and the borough ended up being one of 20 chosen nationwide for the makeover.

There were roughly half a million voters, according to Benjamin Moore.
"We’re thrilled to let you know that Sea Bright is a 2013 Benjamin Moore Main Street Matters community," said the letter sent to Sea Bright. "It’s a testament to the passion your community members have shown us over the course of the voting period. All of the 20 towns on the final list got here because of the outpouring of support we heard at a local level, so you should be very proud both of your Main Street area and all of your supporters."

The revitalization begins with the delivery today of a package including more information, the letter explained.

The projects will start this summer with a rollout through the beginning of 2014. Benjamin Moore supplies the paint and stains as well as materials for building exterior features, such as facades and sends in color consultants to help decide on schemes as well.

There are also several area organizations that will work in conjunction with Benjamin Moore through its partner organization Make it Right, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. And Benjamin Moore will assist with color consultation.

The 19 other towns that won the revamp are: Attleboro, Massachusetts; Ellicott City, Maryland; Flint, Michigan; Greeley, Colorado; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Hawley, Pennsylvania; Hilo, Hawaii; Joplin, Missouri; Macon, Georgia; Martinez, California; Nyack, New York; Penticton, British Columbia; Placerville, California; Sanford, North Carolina; Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Stouffville, Ontario; Texarkana, USA; Westerly, Rhode Island; and Xenia, Ohio.

Congrats Sea Bright!