| Author |
Message |
    
Dave
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 5, 2001 - 9:51 am: |     |
What is your position on the proposed revitalization of Springfield Avenue? What do you think could be done short term to improve the Avenue? What long range programs would you propose? |
Admin
| | Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2001 - 7:08 am: | |
SCOTT KISCH:
My heart and my head tell me that I wholeheartedly support the effort to revitalize the avenue. This project, as long as we proceed thoughtfully (not allowing ourselves to think we know the answer to everything) is full of opportunities that will help the community as a whole. Not just the neighborhoods around the avenue, but the entire town.
I commend the TC for what they've done already, and empathize with them over some of the roadblocks (no pun intended) and speed bumps they've encountered along the way. Some of this has been exploratory surgery.
For the most part, I think that most of the short-term steps have already been taken slow down the traffic, add two-sided parking, grow the Improvement District, and negotiate w/the appropriate outside agencies over jurisdiction and control of the avenue's destiny.
For long-range planning and business recruitment, I would strive to ensure not only that new settlers have viable business plans and/or major franchise backing, but that they also reflect the shopping/eating/cultural/professional service interests of our diverse community. For major franchises, I would scrutinize their records on diversity, community service and overall reputation and offer viable incentives to those who display an eagerness to become integral players in the community.
I support the notion (suggested some time ago by Mayor DeLuca, I believe), that the avenue has the potential to become a vibrant, diverse, multicultural center for shopping, eating etc. comparable to the vibrant Ironbound neighborhoods in Newark.
An idea that I would enter into discussion (for preliminary discussion only), is for the township to issue one, maybe two, additional liquor licenses specifically zoned for restaurant purposes. The town might open the bid on this as a way of generating revenue ($ to be reinvested on the avenue or turned over to the SID) or it could be issued at a cut-rate as an incentive for settling on Springfield Ave. Touchy subject, but one I believe warrants discussion. |
Admin
| | Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2001 - 7:10 am: | |
DAVID HUEMER:
I support the proposed revitalization of Springfield Avenue.
Springfield Avenue is an asset with great potential. It already supplies our town with an important segment of its tax base. Its revitalization will increase that tax base, and enhance our entire town.
Developing its potential is one of our most important challenges. The Township Committee has already taken the important first step in having New Jersey agree to reclassify Springfield Avenue from a state highway to a local destination road.
Any short term programs should include repaving, beautification, and proposals that would increase pedestrian traffic. I support the recent creation of a Special Improvement District (SID) for the entire length of Springfield Avenue in Maplewood. The SID actively recruits new businesses, promotes existing ones.
My campaign office is at 1878 Springfield Avenue. |
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