Effort aims to maintain old-time charm mixed with new business
By: Stephanie Brown
JAMESBURG Where to begin?
That was the question members of the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition posed to a few borough merchants during a focus group meeting Sept. 14 at Borough Hall.
The JRC is a grass roots movement of borough business owners, political figures, residents and anyone else who has a stake in the borough’s future. The group’s purpose is to turn the borough’s downtown into a thriving business district while maintaining the area’s historic character.
Coalition members Councilman John Longo, Jamesburg Civic Association President Elliot Stroul, and Family Framers owner, Teddy Ehman, asked the focus group what should be the first step in making Jamesburg the primary destination for area shoppers.
The group, made up of seven business owners, said improved lighting, pedestrian safety, and more entertainment are three items that should be a priority.
"At night it’s too dark," said Fiddleheads co-owner Dan Davis. "We need comfortable lighting. I would start at Lincoln Avenue and go all the way down (to Forsgate Drive). I think in order to get people here in the first place, it’s got to look good. I mean, everybody eats with their eyes. We’ve got to get them to do the same with Jamesburg."
Not only should the town be aesthetically pleasing to pedestrians, but the group said it also should be safer for them. They suggested more crosswalks and enforced traffic control.
The coalition reviewed surveys that asked Jamesburg residents and visitors to rate the town on several categories, such as overall appearance, friendliness, quality of schools, and satisfaction with stores, services, and restaurants. The surveys were handed out during the JRC’s first public meeting in May and have been circulating throughout town until recently.
Jamesburg received high marks for viability of religious and spiritual communities, significance of Jamesburg history, and business friendliness, according to the survey.
However, the viability of arts and entertainment, specifically the number of art groups, performances and exhibits, received the lowest survey rating.
Mr. Stroul recommended using Thompson Park to hold events, such as showing movies.
"We need more of this stuff. We need it desperately," said Mr. Stroul. "We’re challenging people to think outside the box. They’re out there the solutions are out there."
The coalition is still in its infancy, and members will be reaching out to the community for support during another public town meeting on Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m., at Borough Hall.
Jef [bwo: or Jeff?: ]Buehler of the state Department of Community Affairs, will speak at the meeting about Main Street USA. Main Street USA is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, that "combines historic preservation with economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts," according to its wWeb site.
The coalition also will discuss a commitment from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, to perform a downtown study this winter.
Graduate students who attend Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy will analyze the borough’s downtown area and make recommendations for possible improvements based on the people of Jamesburg’s vision of what the town should be, Mr. Longo said.
"I’d like to see more people come forward that can see the potential of the town and that care about the economic viability of our town," said Amy Practico, owner of Sweet William & Thyme florist. "The more people become committed to the project in their own small way the better."

