to transform their public spaces from the ground up
to transform their public spaces from the ground up
to transform their public spaces from the ground up
to transform their public spaces from the ground up
We Transform Communities
About the District
At CDS, we empower people with the tools, knowledge, and boots-on-the-ground support to create lasting change. We are downtown property owners, small business champions, BID board members, and community volunteers—united by a shared goal: to build thriving, vibrant places.
What began as a two-person team revitalizing main streets has grown into a 100+ person operation leading public space management, outdoor cleaning, and public safety across business districts and municipalities.
We are practitioners, listeners, and doers—walking the blocks, talking to shopkeepers, and finding solutions that stick. With CDS, your vision gets the hustle it deserves and the partnership it needs.
What began as a two-person team revitalizing main streets has grown into a 100+ person operation leading public space management, outdoor cleaning, and public safety across business districts and municipalities.
We are practitioners, listeners, and doers—walking the blocks, talking to shopkeepers, and finding solutions that stick. With CDS, your vision gets the hustle it deserves and the partnership it needs.
Our Work

Business Improvement Districts:
Journal Square
Restoration Corporation,
Jersey City, NJ
Journal Square is both a mixed-used commercial district and a major transportation hub within Jersey City.

Parks & Public Spaces:
Mulberry Commons Park,
Newark, NJ
Opened in 2019, Mulberry Commons Park is a signifier of Newark’s downtown revitalization progress over the last decade.

Clean & Safe Services:
Ironbound Business
Improvement District, Inc.
Newark, NJ
The IBID oversees the marketing and operations for one of northern New Jersey’s premier dining and entertainment destinations,...
Meet Our Team
We get things done. We’re a determined group of public space managers—we lead the districts we serve by holding ourselves to a higher standard of care than most. We get it… in addition to being public space managers, our company’s principals also maintain the same sensibilities as the business and community interests we serve.
What Our Clients Say
“We’ve partnered with Commercial District Services (CDS) for our Clean & Safe program for the past decade and it has been the best decision we’ve ever made. CDS is truly special—they are seasoned public space managers that apply a community development sensibility to each element of their work..”
Seth Grossman
Executive Director, Ironbound Business Improvement District and international consultant and author on place management and partnership governance Newark, NJ
“I’ve worked alongside Chris and CDS for many years. I’ve observed their dedication to Journal Square first hand. From keeping the area clean and safe, to introducing the very successful artisan and farmers markets, they have improved the quality of life for everyone who passes through Journal Square.”
Jordan Galatz
Chairman, Journal Square Restoration Corporation Jersey City, NJ
“Commercial District Services (CDS) has gone above and beyond….It is hard to imagine managing the district without their service. When you call for assistance with any area, they address it as quickly as they can and do an excellent job. The supervisors and management staff are top-notch! They have been great partners in the success of our district.”
Michele Massey
Executive Director, Jackson Hill Main Street Special Improvement District Jersey City, NJ
“Chris and the team at CDS are the first call I make when I need a quality turnkey solution for public space management. CDS not only does the basics better than any other contractor I’ve used, but they also understand the principles of placemaking and how to make parks and neighborhoods more attractive to residents and visitors. That’s pretty rare in property and BID management companies.”
Ben Donsky
Principal, Agora Partners and national placemaking consultant New York, NY
“The CDS crew is awesome! The maintenance team is professional and hard working. What I love most about CDS, is that they are always just a phone call away and always willing and able to adapt to any changes. I would recommend CDS to all Special Improvement Districts no matter the size.”
Orlando Cruz
Executive Director, Downtown Paterson Special Improvement District Paterson, NJ



