Levin wins glittering award for its Commons touch.

Members of the Clean Business Association in South Plainfield, N.J., agreed that something had changed at the Oak Park Commons shopping center located at the intersection of Oak Tree Avenue and Park Avenue. The 137,000 s/f retail property just looked better, according to Joe Diegnan, the group's president.

The Clean Business Association also agreed that the improvements--including pristine litter control, neater landscaping and an overall well-kept image--warranted the group's Glitter Award for property maintenance. And when representatives from the Clean Business Association visited the property to find out who should receive the honor, they learned that Levin Management Corporation recently had taken over its property management.

"The Glitter Award generally recognizes long-term maintenance excellence or recent renovations," Diegnan said.

"While Oak Park Commons didn't truly fit either category, the changes there have been so significant that they deserved recognition. The business community has a social responsibility to uphold and improve its surroundings. Obviously, Levin Management embraces this responsibility. We hope that others will emulate the example that this firm and others have set in South Plainfield."

Earlier this year, Levin was appointed to provide complete property management and leasing services for the A&P-anchored center. Other tenants include Sears Appliance and Hardware, CVS, Goodyear Tire, Hollywood Tans, Hollywood Video, Radio Shack, McDonald's, 1-800-Flowers, Rockaway Bedding, Subway, Nextel, and Wachovia Bank.

South Plainfield's Clean Business Association was founded in 1990 with the assistance of a State of New Jersey grant that supports municipalities in operating litter control programs. The Clean Business Association's more than 100 volunteer members all have pledged to help keep their properties clean and support the association's many programs.

"Oak Park Commons benefits from being part of the South Plainfield community," stated Matthew Harding, Levin's president and chief operating officer. "The active involvement of the Clean Business Association is a testament to an extraordinary enthusiasm for upholding quality of life. Oak Park Commons has thrived in this environment, attracting a strong tenant mix and evolving into the leading center in the trade area. We are honored by this award and pleased to contribute to the local business community by providing the attention and care that will keep Oak Park Commons at the top of its market."

The award was accepted by Rose Evans, Levin's vice president of property management, and Sheri Fevelo, manager for Oak Park Commons.