Mapping the future

Jamesburg eyes revitalization

By: Stephanie Brown
   JAMESBURG — Imagine a Jamesburg where you could spend a lazy Saturday afternoon watching a matinee or inside a cozy coffee shop reading the paper. Imagine a downtown peppered with shops ranging in goods from pet supplies to brilliant baubles.
   The Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition wants to make that vision of a "quaint" commercial and entertainment center a reality.
   "We see the potential this town has," said Teddy Ehmann, owner of Family Framers and JRC chairman. "We know what we’re missing, and it’s time to take action."
   The coalition, which includes members from the Borough Council, Jamesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jamesburg Historical and Civic associations, has been meeting since January, researching ways to turn Jamesburg into "the go to place" in Middlesex County and for Monroe Township
   Members will present their ideas for reviving the business district at 7:30 p.m. May 8 at Borough Hall.
   "Now it is time to share what we have learned so far and move on to the next step," Mr. Ehmann said in a press release.
   Some of the ideas that will be presented include a movie theater or shoe or jewelry store.
   After studying the borough’s revitalization plans from 1997 and the processes by which other towns, such as Hightstown, have transformed their downtown areas, the JRC believes having a fully representative coalition and achieving public support are the first steps toward achieving that goal.
   The idea is to create a favorable atmosphere that would attract entrepreneurs and other investors, Mr. Ehmann said.
   The coalition also would like to work with The National Trust Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The organization provides revitalization counseling and possible grant money for improving historic towns.
   Part of why members believe Jamesburg can be very successful is its rich history.
   "Our past is our future," said Mr. Ehmann. "Investors are attracted to towns with revitalized downtown areas that have preserved a fair portion of its history."
   However, Mr. Ehmann said that out of everything the coalition has learned, the most important is to have the backing of the community.
   Upgrading the entire business district of Jamesburg requires what Mr. Ehmann called a broad-based effort.
   "We need to have everyone on board," he said. "Something like this takes not only a vision, but consensus."
   The public meeting will be approximately one hour. For more information call Mr. Ehmann at (732) 605-7900.