|
|
Post by admin on Jun 2, 2008 14:57:48 GMT -5
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080602/NEWS/806020375/1285/LOCAL09FREEHOLD — Looking to eat at a great restaurant? Then Freehold is your place, local business owners say. But if you're looking for a great place to shop, chances are Freehold won't be at the top of the list. Officials at the Freehold Center Partnership, an organization devoted to the economic development of the borough's downtown, are betting they can change that perception. At its annual meeting last month, the partnership decided to allocate $40,000 for business development, according to chief operating manager Jayne Carr. The partnership also plans to hire a part-time specialist in economic development. These decisions are part of a shift for the partner-ship, which had previously focused on marketing Freehold, Carr said. In the past, people had been afraid to come to Freehold, Carr said. But after years of advertising and the implementation of scores of popular events like Kruise Night, Carr believes officials have successfully convinced nonresidents that Freehold is a place they can visit without fear. "We've certainly gotten past the "I'm afraid to come here' (factor)," Carr said. With that goal behind them, partnership officials say they are ready to focus on developing Freehold into a destination town for more than just events and meals. In recent years, Freehold has done a good job attracting professional offices and restaurants, said Don Smartt, a consultant who works with the partnership and similar organizations to revitalize downtowns. "That's great. But it (Freehold) has got to be more than that," Smartt said. A main focus for Freehold should be bringing in specialty stores that would not be found at the mall, Smartt and local business representatives conclude. "The mall is a great place. But we want people to come downtown and support Freehold," said William Haluska, chairman of the partnership's business development committee. Those businesses could be anything from a little coffee shop to a clothing boutique, partnership representatives said. As an example, Smartt cited a crepe shop with a European flavor. "That's a niche. He (the owner) couldn't ever have gone into the mall," Smartt said. Freehold also needs to find ways to keep visitors in town after eating at the town's restaurants, and should aim to fill vacancies on floors above local businesses, some partnership representatives suggested. To accomplish the partnership's goals, Smartt said the organization needs to use its $40,000 allocation for initiatives such as tapping into new advertising markets. The partnership should expand its reach further north in New Jersey and into the New York City market, to establish itself as a regional presence, as Red Bank has done. For example, the partnership should compile a list of all the properties in town that are for sale or rent, and advertise them in these markets, Smartt said. The economic development expert will also play a role. The expert should be able to provide an understanding of state financing, apply for grants, work with state agencies and bring county and borough policy makers together, Smartt said. The consultant will take on some of the duties Carr has shouldered recently, allowing her to focus on working directly with local businesses, Smartt said. Borough resident Patrick Keeley, 34, had a few ideas of his own recently for what Freehold needs. "They (business officials) need more coffee shops, open mikes," said Keeley, eating downtown at Rita's Italian Ice on West Main Street. "They need to get stuff like Red Bank or Belmar. . . . It (Freehold) has a lot of potential because it's the county seat," Keeley said. That point has been made by Carr, who said during a recent interview that she wants to see Freehold grow like Red Bank has — but, she cautions, Freehold cannot and should not be Red Bank. Red Bank can capitalize on attractions like its riverfront. Freehold should take advantage of its rich history and its cache as the county seat, Carr said. "I firmly believe that Freehold has to know its strengths," said Carr. "To become as successful as Red Bank would be a good aspiration. To become Red Bank, it's just throwing away our natural assets," Carr said. Officials at the partnership remain hopeful that they can accomplish their goals, despite critics. Mike Federici, co-owner of Federici's Pizzeria on East Main Street, sits on the partnership's board of directors. He counts himself among the partnership's supporters as it looks to refocus itself. "The direction that it (the partnership) is going, it's the right direction," Federici said. Kim Predham: (732) 308-7752 or kpredham@app.com
|
|
|
|
Post by admin on Jun 2, 2008 15:23:37 GMT -5
In the past, people had been afraid to come to Freehold, Carr said. But after years of advertising and the implementation of scores of popular events like Kruise Night, Carr believes officials have successfully convinced nonresidents that Freehold is a place they can visit without fear. "We've certainly gotten past the "I'm afraid to come here' (factor)," Carr said.  Is there a borough council meeting tonight? yes, there is. |
|
|
|
Post by novillero on Jun 2, 2008 15:33:24 GMT -5
sorry Brian, I voiced an opinion on the APP site, this morning.
Jayne Carr's comments are... not good. I wonder what the heck the press release looked like?
Let's come up with a motto for the boro!!!
Here's my suggestion - they should be banners across Main Street:
1. Freehold Boro: Don't be afraid. We will not hurt you.
2. Freehold Boro: C'mon guys, we're doing better.
3. Freehold Boro: After 15 years of FCP, we think we might need some retail now.
4. Freehold Boro: not just dollar stores and 99 cent stores.
5. Freehold Boro: Retail ... Schmetail
|
|
|
|
Post by admin on Jun 2, 2008 15:49:22 GMT -5
sorry Brian, I voiced an opinion on the APP site, this morning. Jayne Carr's comments are... not good. I wonder what the heck the press release looked like? Let's come up with a motto for the boro!!! Here's my suggestion - they should be banners across Main Street: 1. Freehold Boro: Don't be afraid. We will not hurt you. 2. Freehold Boro: C'mon guys, we're doing better. 3. Freehold Boro: After 15 years of FCP, we think we might need some retail now. 4. Freehold Boro: not just dollar stores and 99 cent stores. 5. Freehold Boro: Retail ... Schmetail Yes, I saw your comment on the APP among many others from other people. It was an interesting read. The humor in your post aside, I have to agree the comments from JC about the fear factor were odd. I don't know if it was a wise topic to bring up. Beyond that, I thought the article was a really good one. We have complained on this site enough that the FCP does not do enough and it appears to me that there are very good steps in the right direction being taken. The eateries are a very good part of the town. The offices are boring and not what will make this town a real destination. I hope to see more retail and shops of interest. Our down town has tremendous potential and with the right planning could easily thrive and compete with area destinations like route 9 and the mall. |
|
|
|
Post by lisas84 on Jun 2, 2008 16:09:59 GMT -5
Novillero, there was no press release. The reporter was at the board meeting.
|
|
|
|
Post by admin on Jun 2, 2008 16:16:06 GMT -5
Novillero, there was no press release. The reporter was at the board meeting. That explains a lot. One slip of the tonge and the reporter gets to have fun at our expense. I bet Jayne is livid over that one. The rest was still a d**n good article. |
|
|
|
Post by novillero on Jun 2, 2008 18:51:11 GMT -5
Novillero, there was no press release. The reporter was at the board meeting. Apart from mentioning "fear" she made it seem like she/the FCP waited 15 years to start even thinking about getting retail into town. And looking around town, it sure seems/feels that way. I also love how the first thing "planners" and experts do is say that we need X - and that thing we already have. They say, we can finally bring in retail and stop focusing on restaurants, and the they say, "YES! We need a good coffee house." First off, that is a restaurant (not a retail store - at least in my book), and second that is a slap in the face to Cafe 360 and Cornerstone - two places where you can get a decent cup of coffee (or a fancy cup) and just sit there. Both have music, and serve more than coffee. What is wrong with these people (but they are the same people that have Kruise night and fill up the place with ice cream vendors instead of steering people to our local ice cream places). Mr. Smarrt, the expert, says a good niche is a crepery. Is that not the most absurd thing you have ever heard? It's beautiful in Paris where you can buy crepes from vending carts (or in Philly, by the way, there is a wonderful restaurant in Society Hill that focuses just on crepes) but the crepe idea is also a restaurant!!! and really not even a good example for Freehold, or not even a good idea for most place for that matter. What have they been doing all along? "Then we need to make a list of places in town." What the heck is stopping you? It's 2 blocks long and this is an item that couldn't have been done already. In fact, it should be kept as a running item in the partnership HQ! In my opinion, it was a horrible article and only highlighted Nero fiddling while Rome burned. I really couldn't believe what I was reading. I couldn't even stomach reading the whole article in one sitting. p.s. Lisa, I wasn't referencing the CIC regarding the press release. |
|
|
|
Post by stffgpr2003 on Jun 3, 2008 9:48:24 GMT -5
This is a discussion I DO want to weigh in on. First of all, aside from the questionable quote (I'll be polite!) that many of you have often referred to, the article was a good one.
Just about every morning I have breakfast with a group of professional and business people from the local area and they often discuss the Borough with me. By the way, they generally have good things to say about our town. And, let's face it- we have great clay to work with. Other towns are envious that we have a thriving downtown that appeals to residents and visitors.
In any case, a couple of the guys were reading the article, yesterday, when I arrived. They all thought it was a favorable piece. Kim Predham is to be congratulated for infusing reasonable optimism into what was a generally upbeat front page story. After all, its good PR for the town and should lead to positive results for us in the long run.
As for the Partnership's chief operational objectives...
Last night I publicly called for a meeting with the Partnership's leaders to discuss their overall plans. Within the month, there will also be a public meeting to unveil our Vision Study. We need everything to appropriately mesh - in other words, everyone's "words and music" must go together. Overall, we need good intentions, the proper know how, solid execution and desired results to celebrate. Let's see what they have to say. I truly believe they want what is best for our town, but they must be able to deliver it - having the right horses to do so.
It is no secret that I have been an open critic of the business recruitment and retention aspect of the Partnership's operation. I am very much attune to this part of their business, because it is tied to what I do for a living (recruit people who recruit & retain retailers). I clearly understand how it is all supposed to work. I certainly expect better results for the downtown. With the nation's economy headed south, it will be a bit tougher than in recent years (a complicating factor, but not an excuse).
But, we are in this for the long haul and it MUST get done.
Marc
|
|
|
|
Post by novillero on Jun 3, 2008 10:33:15 GMT -5
Jayne Carr gets paid by the boro??? Name CARR, JAYNE L Location FREEHOLD BOROUGH Years of service (today)* 12.33 year(s) Veteran? Salary at location (2007)** $53,684 Total salary, all locations** $53,684 Fund name Public Employees (PERS) php.app.com/NJpublicemployees/details.php?recordID=165325 |
|
|
|
Post by lisas84 on Jun 3, 2008 10:51:09 GMT -5
I am part of the FCP marketing committee and I can completely assert that things are moving in the right forward direction. Learning from the past, addressing issues, and progressing.
We should have faith in a positive outcome and future of the downtown. Although constructive criticism and "devil's advocate" have value -- pure negativity has no place.
|
|
apple
Novice
Just Eat the Apple
Posts: 21 
|
Post by apple on Jun 3, 2008 11:35:40 GMT -5
The new bargain world is now reopened as a dollar store in the heart of main street. Signs in the window display health and beauty aids,as well as goya foods, oh boya. This must be a desperate landlord, or a savvy landlord who's new tenant fills a community need? Lets all wish this new business owner good luck. |
|
apple
Novice
Just Eat the Apple
Posts: 21
|
Post by apple on Jun 3, 2008 11:46:38 GMT -5
We are lucky but I must ask you how you approach marketing the new bargain world that is now reopened as a dollar store in the heart of main street, what is the trend you forecast? I am part of the FCP marketing committee and I can completely assert that things are moving in the right forward direction. Learning from the past, addressing issues, and progressing. We should have faith in a positive outcome and future of the downtown. Although constructive criticism and "devil's advocate" have value -- pure negativity has no place. |
|
|
|
Post by novillero on Jun 3, 2008 11:50:09 GMT -5
no, not savvy, as he is depressing the value of his property and those around him.
|
|
|
|
Post by lisas84 on Jun 3, 2008 12:19:45 GMT -5
Apple to answer your query, there is a lot that needs to be done when the new professional downtown development expert is hired and that will be addressed. Your dollar store/bargain world example has to do with the building owners, who would need to be incentivized. This is not my area of expertise so I cannot enlighten you further from there.
The trend I forecast is that eventually, the good retail will eventually displace the humdrum shabby, flyby nighters. I say this because I believe in the people who have the vision and the tenacity and the passion to make it happen.
|
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 3, 2008 13:51:13 GMT -5
The new falafel restaurant opened where the Bread Box was located. Shared the
Shawarma and Falafel with the Mrs, as well as a Spinach pie.
Prices are reasonable, and it is a tasty break from the usual fair thats been opening up around here lately. Busy lunch crowd from the Hall of records. Looks like they will do well.
Shawarma and Falafels alone will not bring shoppers downtown.
|
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 3, 2008 13:51:33 GMT -5
www.freeholdcenter.com/board_minutes.2008htmDon Smartt was hired as a temporary consultant to the Executive Board at the rate of $3,000.00 per month. Bernice Garfield asked how long Don Smartt had been hired to work. Mike reported that their goals will be structured by the end of the year and so Don will be only here until the end of the year. The Executive Committee recommended and received Board approval to hire Jayne an assistant and that is in process. The committee has been working with Shorr-DePalma and the Borough on the ten-year plan that was funded through the $25,000 State grant. The accomplishments of the plan so far are the establishment and adoption of a rehabilitation zone, which encompasses the entire SID and the some small additional contiguous properties. They are also working on the parking study and recommendations for a parking garage. The initial proposal from Shorr-DePalma promised a packaged plan for engaging a developer and enticing selected businesses to town. The rehabilitation zoning will also allow and disallow identified business types to the most productive layout and market plan...., ...,Wasn't Mr Smartthired on to consult for the Partnership a few years back?
|
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 3, 2008 14:09:17 GMT -5
Guess what year this appeared in the Transcript?  Partnership urges borough to pursue improvement loan Fund established to help communities create districts By Dick Metzgar F R E E H O L D—Members of the Freehold Center Partnership will urge the county seat to seek funds through a new state program to help create a Special Improvement District. The new fund, totaling $100,000 to be given initially to 10 qualifying communities in maximum matching loans of $10,000, was announced Friday at the Downtown New Jersey technical assistance Seminar at the American Hotel on East Main Street. “I think this is an excellent opportunity for the borough to get money to do something positive for its downtown area that will benefit all residents,” said Barry Fisher, a member of the Partnership, which was formed one year ago. The maximum loan would match a local contribution of at least $5,000 to aid in preparing plans and programs leading to the establishment of an SID......, |
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 3, 2008 14:18:50 GMT -5
This was from the APP, care to guess the year?...
Replace Enzo with Quiznos, the 99 cent store with Main Street Bagels, and you have the just about same story. So what going to be the next catalyst for change?
FREEHOLD — Within the past few months, the downtown has lost three businesses,
two of which stayed open less than six months. Main Street Bagels posted
going out-of-businesses signs on Feb. 8. Blooming Rose shut its doors just
before that.
Enzo Pizzeria closed down in December after about a year at Main and
Throckmorton streets.
But officials of
the Freehold Center
Partnership—a nonprofit
org a n i z a t i o n
that fosters the
downtown economic
development, historic
preservation
and revitalization—
have not let the
recent turnovers
deter them.
“ We have been
working very hard to attract businesses in town,” said partnership Chairman Ron
Reich, who said the partnership offers low-interest loans, tax abatements and technical
design assistance to help lure potential business owners.
The partnership’s efforts in attracting new businesses downtown will become
even more apparent in
the next few months.
Coming attractions
include Stanley &
Mishkin, a gourmet deli,
set to open by March 18.
Cornerstone Caffe, a
c o ffee and dessert bar,
will open in mid-April.
R i t a ’s Italian Ice will
take the place of the former
Enzo Pizzeria. It’s
scheduled to open A p r i l
1. Center Players, a theater
focusing on comedy
and stage productions, will open in May next door to Murry’s Office Supply.
In addition, Revco, a national drugstore chain, will move into the former A & P
building on Throckmorton and Broad streets sometime this year, according to A l f r e d
E. Sanders, partnership advocate.
Revco was bought in December by Rite-Aid Corp., the nation’s biggest drugstore
chain. The Revco store is seen by partnership officials as a major boost to the area.
The venture will be successful because of its proximity to senior citizens and parking,
Reich said.
|
|
|
|
Post by novillero on Jun 3, 2008 14:25:27 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 3, 2008 14:36:32 GMT -5
I must conclude with this ..,"IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN. Don't give up too easily; persistence pays off in the end. The proverb has been traced back to 'Teacher's Manual' (1840) by American educator Thomas H. Palmer and 'The Children of the New Forest' (1847) by English novelist Frederick Maryat (1792-1848).
|
|
|
|
Post by novillero on Jun 3, 2008 14:38:33 GMT -5
Why is there Don Smartt hired by the FCP and Schorr Depalma hired by the borough?
Don Smartt: "a consultant who works with the partnership and similar organizations to revitalize downtowns"
Schorr Depalma: performing a vision study.
Is there some overlap/conflict here?
|
|
|
|
Post by stffgpr2003 on Jun 3, 2008 14:56:19 GMT -5
Ahhh... but look (just in that same article) how well the Cornerstone Cafe, Rita's and the Center Players have done in their present locations. Second Time Around, CVS, Ballew Jewelers, Silverts Furniture, Especially For You Florists, Main Street Antiques, the chocolate store, Freehold Liqours, Esquire News Stand, County Seat Tobacco, the Custom tailor on Main, the beauty supply store and several others have hung in here for years. Go store by store and there are many success stories tucked in among others less fortunate. I'm not even mentioning a number of successful restaurants I deliberately left off. More than 50% of all new businesses fail and only those with a good ownership, strong financing, effective marketing and a well thought out business plan survive. And..of course, they need to be selling things that people want to buy and at fair price while offering good customer service. Yes, many of our stronger businesses have thrived here for years, while the weak sisters have faded. That's just America. The Partnership must focus their efforts on recruiting established and/or unique retailers with staying power and not just let "happenstance" dictate the changes. And, then effective retention measures are applied as a critical piece in helping new our businesses survive. The catalyst for change is a better and well thought out plan. Yesterday is already in the past and we set our sites on tomorrow! It will take time to get the best mixture and over time there will be a group of businesses with much greater staying power. But, lets face it - every town and mall have vacancies. Even the powerful Freehold Raceway Mall loses retailers in good number (but they are ready to replace them with new stores - that's what WE NEED TO DO!). And, the beautiful Mount Corner Shopping Center opposite Moore's Inn has plenty of empty stores, while next door neighbor Raintree Shopping Center is nearly full. It's hard. It takes time. But, it can be done! We're far better off than the smaller town in the following article: www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080515/LIFE/805150546I just hope that the Councilwoman involved in the progress for that town (in the article) and who is now only partially responsible for business recruitment and retention success in FB (since someone else, who is better experienced, will be handling our own economic development) can help get us some good results. Marc |
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jun 3, 2008 15:16:18 GMT -5
Ahhh... but look (just in that same article) how well the Cornerstone Cafe, Rita's and the Center Players have done in their present locations. Marc Many well though out point, your glass is half full.  |
|
|
|
Post by admin on Jun 3, 2008 15:46:43 GMT -5
This has turned into an interesting thread with good contributions from all. I see a combination of the glass is half empty/full. That is healthy. I consider myself middle road on that one. I still think the article in question was a decent one over all, and with the exeption of one quote, it put our town in a better light.
I cannot dismiss those who have a pessimist view point. Peoples opinions on what makes a good down town will vary and no matter what happens. Some will say something else should have been done.
One reason why I respect the pessimism of some is because I am reminded of a picture with a caption the News Transcript put in its paper not that long ago . That picture and caption never made its way here to this site. It was a picture of three men who were dealing with a better down town and planning a better future here. What struck a chord with me was the year of the picture. I believe it was 1994, the year I moved here. I have opined before and will again, I think the quality of the stores in our down town has declined since I moved here. In other words, we did not see the promised progress that was mentioned below that picture. Others who share that opinion will hold a pessimist view point and it is fair.
Make no mistake, I like our down down. It is a great place to walk around and I find much of it pleasing to the eye. With the exeption of Exxon and the liquor store. And the empty stores.
I believe most people will agree on one point. Our down town has a great deal of potential. We have not reached that potential and we have to push forward.
Last night at the council meeting, I referenced this article and asked if what is in it ties in with the vision study. I was told The vision study for down town is not complete, so I assume the answer is no. I feel this is an important point because the FCP and the governing body really need to work together in planning and bettering our down town. I think the FCP should take a step back and wait for the vision study and then move forward with the governing body.
|
|
|
|
Post by concerned on Jun 3, 2008 19:41:01 GMT -5
Wow, some of you need to stop drinking the kool aid and realize that the majority of the downtown area is a dump. Empty stores, trash evrywhere, drunk "immigrants" and an overall sense that it is never coming back will contribute to the unfortunate demise of the new American Hotel once built. It won't last 2 years...The FCP and it's studies (funded by the boro)are an absolute waste of money for a town that apparently has a hard time paying it's police..see budget article.
|
|
|
|
Post by stffgpr2003 on Jun 4, 2008 8:49:05 GMT -5
Tell that to the people working very hard and who are currently turning the corner in towns like Long Branch and Asbury Park in bringing them back. And Freehold Borough is nowhere near the depth those towns had sunken to. In fact, our downtown thrives! We're not looking to rescue it -we're looking to improve it!
No one needs any doom and gloom, nay-saying pessimists to incorrectly predict our demise. Not good for anyone's mental health! Those of us in the thick of things are going to surround ourselves with optimists and people willing to get up off their duffs, dirty their hands and contribute to our success! We'll identify our challenges and overcome them.
Even in my own personal life, I am not shutting down my headhunting company just because the news says people are laying off. I don't panic - I work harder, smarter, adjust and continue to earn a living! What other choice do I have when failure is not an option?
Laugh and everyone laughs with you - cry and you do so alone!
|
|
apple
Novice
Just Eat the Apple
Posts: 21
|
Post by apple on Jun 4, 2008 10:27:37 GMT -5
What amazing enthusiasm from the councilperson. I am reminded of when my Pop-Pop and Ohma would say, "You know Apple misery loves company". Their wise words constantly make me think positive about who and what I am surrounded by. My sharp awareness of channeling sources of good motivational, positive energy is their gift to me. Pop-Pop and Ohma always uplift me when my spirits where low. Why are you people so down on Downtown? I liken the councilpersons posted commentary to a movie Jim and I watch when we need inspirational elevation. Quote “ And the last thing he said to me, "Rock," he said, "sometime when the team is up against it and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to go out there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper.” Tell that to the people working very hard and who are currently turning the corner in towns like Long Branch and Asbury Park in bringing them back. And Freehold Borough is nowhere near the depth those towns had sunken to. In fact, our downtown thrives! We're not looking to rescue it -we're looking to improve it! No one needs any doom and gloom, nay-saying pessimists to incorrectly predict our demise. Not good for anyone's mental health! Those of us in the thick of things are going to surround ourselves with optimists and people willing to get up off their duffs, dirty their hands and contribute to our success! We'll identify our challenges and overcome them. Even in my own personal life, I am not shutting down my headhunting company just because the news says people are laying off. I don't panic - I work harder, smarter, adjust and continue to earn a living! What other choice do I have when failure is not an option? Laugh and everyone laughs with you - cry and you do so alone! |
|
