Students to take input on revitalization effort

BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG - The Revitalization Coalition is moving forward with plans to improve and invigorate the town with the help of Rutgers students.

The group, along with graduate students from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, will meet Saturday to seek input from residents, business owners and borough officials.

"They've been more than cooperative," Councilman and coalition member John Longo said of the students. "It's sort of like an internship for them, but it's a boon for us."

The students will create a plan for the revitalization after gleaning ideas and input for the project. At Saturday's meeting, they will conduct a visual preference survey with those in attendance, using photographs and other visual media from different towns to discern what aesthetic qualities are most appealing.

About 35 people are expected to attend the meeting, which will be held at borough hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p. m. A complimentary lunch, donated by Sir Ives Catering of Jamesburg, will be served.

Coalition Chairman Elliott Stroul said he and Longo were planning to take to the streets to personally invite some business owners and residents.

The borough attorney and members of the Land Use Board will be there, he said. Several council members will also attend, including Otto Kostbar, Barbara Carpenter, Joe Jennings and Brian Grimes. While their presence is greatly appreciated, Longo said, the most important thing is to have council's support of the overall plan.

"The council members are committed to the project," Longo said. "We want the input from the businesses and the people to go to the council."

A larger meeting will be held March 15 at the Grace M. Breckwedel Middle School. There, the students will conduct a number of workshops, Stroul said. About 300 people are expected to attend.

The student group began its work in January, taking photographs around town. When their work is completed, the students will give a presentation before the council and Land Use Board, then later before a larger group of residents.

"We expect that some time in May at the latest," Stroul said.

The grassroots coalition meets once a month to discuss the efforts. Tim McManus, whose focus is urban planning, heads the student group and attends the meetings. The coalition will meet again on Feb. 22.

Stroul said he is working on a preliminary budget for the project. The coalition is hoping to get funding from the county as well as from private sources. A finance committee will aid in the process of seeking money to execute the plans.

"We're not looking at this as a quick fix," Longo said. "This is a long-term project."

Longo said it is imperative to make a solid plan that warrants the support of the governing bodies in town.

"We're taking small steps. That's what is important, to lay the foundation and the infrastructure so we can get this done in a positive way," Longo said.