FANWOOD, NJ — Fanwood’s Downtown Redevelopment consultant Liz Jeffery met with small business owners at Railside Cafe on November 28 to update them on the most recent business developments in the borough and to collaborate on enhancing business support.
Jeffery reported that one of the most prominent vacant spots in town may soon see some activity. The owners of the former A&P building and lot have purchased the available liquor license that once belonged to the Sun Tavern in the Borough. According to Jeffery, the owners plan to build residential project with a retail component (likely a restaurant) at the former grocery store, although a formal site plan has not yet been submitted to the Planning Board.
A major topic of discussion was parking. A number of the business owners expressed concerns there are not enough spots in town in the municipal lot behind the stores on South Ave. and Martine Ave., and they expect parking to become tighter once the apartments at Station Square are filled. Jeffery responded that significant parking is available during prime business hours like evening and weekends in many downtown locations including the Fanwood Train station.
“We are trying to better promote the availability of free parking downtown and the town is reviewing the parking to see if there are ways to improve things such as regulations changes, zones and signage,” Jeffery said.
Jeffery also reported that Fanwood is in the planning stages to use the $800,000 grant it received to from the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. The funds are intended improve safety and to create “a more aesthetically pleasing” corridor along South Ave. from the train station to Terrill Road. The enhancements will include new sidewalks, lamp posts and general streetscape improvement all along South Ave.
“Connecting all of South Avenue from a mobility perspective and a beautification perspective is a priority for the Borough,” Jeffery said.
One of Jeffery’s disappointments has been the lack of fair share, one-seat ride allocations by NJ Transit for the Raritan Valley Line. Towns like Fanwood that have practiced smart growth and transit oriented growth have relied on the successful and adequate operation of the rail service. The ridership on the Raritan Valley line is very significant and growing. Service needs should be a priority for NJ Transit.
“The construction of tunnels and/or capacity expanding measures hasn’t happened,” Jeffery said. “Our transit infrastructure is deficient. It impacts livability and impacts our property values. Our infrastructure is challenged and this continues to result in more cars on the roads.”
However, Jeffery, who has spent her career in urban planning and redevelopment, says Fanwood has a lot going for it.
“We have an identity– a beautiful look and a community feel here in Fanwood,” Jeffery explained. “Other towns along the (Raritan Valley Line) corridor are envious of what this small town has achieved as far as creating new business and living opportunities while keeping the small town feel.”
“Many people compliment our town saying, ‘You know you’re in Fanwood’ in a positive way,” Jeffery told the business owners.
Also hosted here on TAPInto. (Photo and Content Credits to John Mooney)
