By: centraljersey.com
On Sept. 22, I had the opportunity to attend the opening night of the Big Apple Circus in Manville. I know the circus has been in the area for a few years, but since it was in my hometown, I had to go and see it. I was glad I did; what a fantastic show!
I was amazed at the synchronicity of the whole event. The staff was a bunch of true professionals. The cars were directed in by signs from Somerset County and the Manville police force (any additional police presence and expenses are being paid for by the circus). We also had safety and security with Manville’s volunteer First Aid and Rescue Squad on-hand, though they were never needed.
Is the circus the best thing that could have happened to the Borough of Manville? Financially speaking: no. The town is not getting any additional monies from taxes.
As for representation and morale: yes. It’s great to see the enthusiasm and smiles on the faces of so many people in town – residents and visitors. It has definitely given the town of Manville a positive appearance.
Some the businesses in town are happily reaping the benefits of the circus staff. Restaurants are seeing an increase of patronage, due to circus spectators grabbing a bite to eat before the show. I have also been told that the circus employees enjoyed the close proximity of the assorted places to eat, drink and shop.
As a councilman in Manville I got the chance to vote to give permission to the owners of the Rustic Mall property for temporary use for the circus. Some of the other council members may have been a little reluctant to give the go-ahead to the circus, but after a few discussions with the owners of the mall and circus, we did come to an agreement. With what seems to be a successful event, I am glad to say "I told you so!"
Looking toward the future I hope the owners of the Rustic Mall will realize that if you have something that is unique and special the people will come. The patrons of the circus have come from not only New Jersey but Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York.
A deterrent for the owners of the mall has been the economy; they say that no business wants to expand now. The also say the site location is not the best, it’s neither on a highway, nor does it have ample road frontage.
They can’t deny it is nice to see something positive going on at this site. It’s been too many months to count that we’ve all seen that property just sitting there desolate. I do understand the owners have to fill out mounds of paperwork with the federal and state governments (to my understanding this has just been completed). I hope now the owners will have that extra push to use this property to its greatest potential.
This year, I am running with a friend of mine and another dedicated Manville resident, Frank Jurewicz. He served on the Planning Board and Borough Council through the negotiations to the construction of the Marketplace at Manville – a successful redevelopment of property in the borough. One of our campaign issues is to have permanent structures built on the Rustic Mall site to increase the tax revenue for the Borough of Manville. At the circus I saw a glimpse of the success Manville could have. I look forward to the possibility of making it a lasting success.
Ed Komoroski Manville
The writer is a member of the Manville Borough Council, seeking re-election on the Democratic ticket.
