JACKSON — Television cameras were focused on Jackson as a camera crew from “Today in America” toured the township with municipal officials on July 25.
“[We are] excited the township is going to be showcased on national TV, and now Jackson will be in the market of attracting commercial ratables,” Mayor Michael Reina said.
“Today in America” is a weekly news feature program hosted by NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw. The spot features municipalities from around the nation. The program airs regularly on the Fox Business Network and CNN Headline News.
For about 12 hours, Reina, Business Administrator Jose Torres and other officials stepped in front of the camera to show future viewers the places they believe make Jackson a “great place to live, work and play.”
The production team visited golf courses, adult communities and business centers. Six Flags Great Adventure theme park was filmed to highlight a major attraction in the municipality.
Reina said the filming took place at the same time officials have been working to make Jackson look more appealing to potential investors.
A 2012 study by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Planning Services Unit and the New Jersey Institute of Technology College of Architecture and Design was recently lauded by officials as proof that Jackson could eventually become more than the home of a major theme park.
“People have looked at Jackson in the past and thought ‘Oh, Great Adventure,’ ” Reina said. “Yes, it’s Great Adventure, but there is so much more.
“Everybody has their own identity — Philadelphia has an identity, New York has an identity. Jackson is centrally located in New Jersey and is easily accessible from many toll-free roads.”
The study, which suggests that Jackson can support a 600-room resort/conference center, is just one part of a complete package, Reina said.
“You combine that marketing plan with [a planned commercial and residential development known as Jackson Twenty-One and headed by Mitch Leigh], and you have a recipe for a nice piece of building here as far as commercial development — good, smart growth,” Reina said.
Last year the Township Council rejected a plan to foot half of the $19,800 cost for the “Today in America” segment.
Concerns were raised as to whether the segment would actually help to sell Jackson to potential investors.
According to Torres, the $20,000 or so that was needed to get the segment produced was included in the 2013 municipal budget from economic development and community development funds.
An air date for the Jackson segment of “Today in America” has not been scheduled.
“The township gains tremendously from [the show]. It is an exciting time to be living here,” Reina said.