By David Kilby, Managing Editor
JAMESBURG — The borough has been able to maintain a successful balance between the quaintness of its businesses as well as their convenience, says the new liaison to the Jamesburg Civic Association.
Councilwoman Daria Ludas, liaison to the association, has visited all of the businesses on East and West Railroad Avenue to learn what business is like in the borough.
She said this is the first year the council has had a liaison to the association.
”I’m trying to promote Jamesburg,” she said. “Whatever they need from the council, I’ll take care of that.”
She added, “It’s good to have communication between businesses and the council to see what they’re doing and what’s needed.
”I have to say most of the business owners do keep up their businesses nicely. I’m hoping people will see the quaintness of (Jamesburg) and bring new businesses in. Mom and pop and national chains seem to blend well together here.”
She said that blend makes Jamesburg unique since most small towns choose quaintness over convenience, but Jamesburg has found a successful balance.
”Because it is a walking town, it is important for people to have these convenience type stores to go to. We do have quite a variety of stores,” she said, adding there are pizzerias, a bakery, a dollar store, barber shops, beauty parlors, an antique shop, a day school, a florist and three national banks in town.
”Besides mom and pop stores, there are some chain stores,” she said. “They all seem to do well. We’re kind of a friendly place to come.”
She said the Jamesburg Planning Board makes sure all new businesses coming into town conform to the turn-of-the-century Victorian architectural feel of the town.
For example, chain stores such as Domino’s and Subway moved into preexisting buildings.
”The buildings have been adequate to accommodate mom and pop businesses as well as national chains,” Ms. Ludas said.
But she said she primarily wants to show how Jamesburg is a very receptive place for mom and pop businesses.
”Jamesburg is a lakeside village,” she said. “A lot of people come from different parts of New Jersey to visit the park and the lake, which makes the town very pedestrian friendly.”
She said Jamesburg grew up as a manufacturing town.
”Because of its location at the (Manalapan) lake, and since the railroad tracks cut right through the center of town, it developed a great downtown area,” she added.
The light freight line still passes through twice a day, one time during the night and one time in the afternoon, Ms. Ludas said.
She said that today, the commercial district succeeds because of nearby highways.
”It’s very accessible to the Turnpike and Route 130,” she pointed out. “A lot of traffic passes through town so many people other than those from Jamesburg stop and shop at our stores.”
She added, “Some businesses have moved out, but there are very few vacant buildings. The owners are pleased with their locations; they’re happy to be in Jamesburg.”
