Coalition: Let's keep shoppers in Jamesburg

BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG - Members of the Revitalization Coalition are moving along with plans to improve the borough's downtown.

The group met last Thursday to discuss its ideas for revitalization, but also called upon the business and residential communities to help in the effort. All are invited to attend a public meeting on the efforts Oct. 2, when state representatives are expected to attend.

A major part of the coalition's goal is to brand Jamesburg and become a destination point by creating diversity among the businesses in town, said Councilman John Longo, a member of the coalition.

"I want Jamesburg to be so economically viable that residents don't have to leave town to shop," Longo said.

In order to draw new businesses, the group is formulating plans to make the town more attractive. The coalition last week presented the results of a public perception survey they had distributed to residents, and opened the floor to the suggestions of all in attendance.

The survey was conducted by having residents rank various aspects of the town on a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the highest rating. The three that ranked the highest by the residents were viability of religious and spiritual communities; significance of Jamesburg history; and the overall friendliness of businesses in the town. The three lowest ratings all were associated with arts and cultural events.

Some of the things that could be done to improve the town's arts and entertainment offerings are weekly or monthly movies in the park, free concerts, and a farm market on weekends, said Elliott Stroul, president of the Jamesburg Civic Association. Events like these would also help promote the borough as a walking community, or one that is more attractive to pedestrians, which is part of the group's goal, he said.

"There are things we could do very inexpensively. We need more of this stuff, we need it desperately," Stroul said.

The group also focused on lighting in town, stating a need for a greater feeling of warmth and security. They discussed placing white string lights in the trees along the railroad, starting at Lincoln Avenue, although a lack of electrical outlets is an issue.

Some voiced concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic control. The pedestrian crossing signs that were donated and put up in the past were ineffective, they said, because they were knocked down by passing cars, even causing accidents. Flashing lights are slated to be installed at crosswalk areas on East and West Railroad Avenues within the next few weeks.

A stricter enforcement policy for speeding is necessary, Longo said, citing Helmetta as a town where drivers adhere to speed limits because of strict enforcement. In furthering the image of the town as a walking community, residents will take part in the annual walk to school on Oct. 4 as part of the statewide "Safe Routes to School" program.

In order to revitalize the town, existing businesses like Mendoker's, Jamesburg Hardware and local banks need to get involved along with more members of the community, Longo said. Brian Blatz, an owner of Fiddleheads restaurant, expressed a need for business owners in town to create greater alliances with one another.

"It's not a one-person show. It's a community effort," Longo said.

Rutgers University graduate students from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy are currently working on a study for revitalization. Tim McManus, one of the students, came to last week's meeting to speak with the coalition. The study will conclude in May, when the students will make a presentation of their findings to the borough's Land Use Board and Borough Council. The presentation can then be used in applying for grants.

The coalition will hold a public meeting at Borough Hall on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. A representative from the state Department of Community Affairs will be there, along with Jef Buehler, the state coordinator for Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ), the state's downtown revitalization and management technical assistance and training program.

Buehler will explain the program in-depth to the coalition so that a decision can be made on whether it will be suited to the needs of Jamesburg.

Those who participate in the MSNJ program fall into one of two levels: partnership or full status. There are criteria to be met for each level. At this stage, it is unclear whether these criteria, or the incentive for meeting them, will be good for the town, Longo said.

"We're in an investigative mode right now," he said.

The revitalization project will take a minimum of three to five years to complete, Longo said.