The borough’s support came at a critical time
By David Kilby, Special Writer
It’s clear that many Allentown residents, and some who live on the outskirts in Upper Freehold, are excited about the Allentown Village Initiative (AVI), a volunteer organization that has been working hard to be accepted by Main Street New Jersey, which would pave the way for downtown revitalization.
The Allentown Borough Council showed its support for AVI at the council meeting on July 8. About a dozen residents were present and applauded the borough’s support, which came at a critical time since the organization is looking to meet a July 31 application deadline for Main Street New Jersey.
Main Street New Jersey is coordinated through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The program has guided revitalization projects in South Orange, New Egypt, Hightstown, Lawrenceville, Westfield and other towns in the state.
The program would give Allentown inter and intra-department state-level advocacy for issues in the Main Street district, telephone and email support, at least one scholarship to each quarterly session of the Downtown Revitalization and Management Institute, and other services as resources may permit.
The application requires a description of the downtown area’s current conditions with photos, the structure of AVI, past revitalization efforts, and future plans for downtown.
AVI, the borough of Allentown and the State of New Jersey are three separate entities that can have a formal relationship to revitalize downtown, said Martha Ploshay, chairwoman of AVI, a volunteer, nonprofit organization.
If the organization’s application is not approved it can re-apply in two years.
”The deadline is the deadline,” said Ann Garrison of High Street, another volunteer for AVI.
”AVI will remain a grassroots, nonpolitical organization,” Ms. Ploshay added.
Councilwoman Madeline Gavin made a motion for the council to formally support AVI, and it was seconded by Councilman Robert Schmitt. The council unanimously approved the motion and plans to place a resolution on the July 23 meeting agenda.
Councilwoman Gowen thanked AVI volunteers for all the work they’ve done to make this happen for Allentown.
”My understanding is that you have been committed, dedicated and relentless in getting this information,” she said.
Councilman Schmitt concurred and said, “The conversation is out there. People are saying, ‘OK, what’s next and what do we have to do to get involved with AVI?’”
”We will work very closely with you to make sure it gets done,” Mayor Stuart Fierstein said regarding the application process.
Kurt Wayton of Church Street said he moved to Allentown from Bordentown two years ago.
”It’s a wonderful place,” he said, “but it’s such a closed community. This AVI is a great way for anyone to get involved.”
”It’s also another check when applying for grants,” Ms. Ploshay added.
”When you see the transformation that the program does, you see how effective it is. South Orange was impressive,” said Anthony Nicoletta of Ellisdale Road, Upper Freehold and a volunteer for AVI who lived on Main Street for four years. “It’s more than just the aesthetics. The city is more organized.”