Former mayor praises concept of town center
Guest Column
Noel Raynor
As a lifelong resident of the area, former mayor and president of the Middletown Board of Education, it has been easy to become one of Middletown’s observant and concerned citizens. I have always been devoted to preserving our open space; however, it cannot be at the cost of destroying Middletown’s business and economic base. We need a balance of tax ratables to maintain the attractive bedroom community image we all take for granted. Over the past years, there have been many additions to the Route 35 landscape, most of which were a mish-mash of design and purpose, lending little positives to the aesthetics of our township. The onslaught of so many retailers and businesses has forever changed the character of our town, seemingly with little consideration given to preserving trees, wildlife and residential tranquility.
During the same period of time, I and others have also witnessed the development, redevelopment and creative planning in other towns. Towns like Deptford (large in size and scope) and Red Bank (small but with unique character) have been able to meet the challenges of change and expansion. In a very special way, towns like Red Bank and others have, in a methodical and deliberate way, transformed themselves into sought-after residential havens and thriving economic business destinations.
We, too, in Middletown can continue to preserve open space, revitalize our business highways and improve our residential charm if we move forward with foresight, planning and reasonableness.
The idea of a Middletown town center has been met with varied reaction, from condemnation to praise and even "I don’t cares." To my friends, neighbors and fellow Middletown residents, I say: "Stop, look, listen and participate, for we now have before us a plan which, if handled correctly, can benefit the entire township." The plan represents a town center: a core, a hub, an identity long sought by many. Is there anything wrong with upscale stores and restaurants surrounding a community park in the center of Middletown? I think not. Far better than the Targets and Home Depots and other mega-retailers that dot the Monmouth County landscape. Is the plan perfect? Of course not. Can it be? With hard work and cooperation, I truly believe it can come close.
Middletown is a desirable place to live right now. Can we make it better? You bet. The mayor and Township Committee, along with the Planning and Zoning Board, have a golden opportunity to make it so. Let’s give the town center plan a chance. It is well worth the effort. A partnership including the developer, town officials, Planning Board members, Zoning Board members, environmentalists, concerned citizens and the business community working together with reasonableness and purpose, can ensure a plan that, once completed, will be something we can all be proud of.
Let’s put the "town" back in Middletown.
Noel "Britt" Raynor
Former Middletown mayor