The Vision Study Cometh

[admin]

I did not make it to last nights council meeting. From what I understand, at least parts of the long awaited vision study were presented last night. I do know a couple of people who were there and I will make attempts at getting different perspectives on this.

Of course, we will see news paper articles as well. I am sure that many people look forward to hearing what this study entails and what we can look forward to seeing in our town in the near and distant future. I am sure that most will agree that a good, solid plan for our down town is very vital to future success of our town.

Over this past week the wife and I visited several places, many of which have down town areas. We had the pleasure of seeing successful down town areas, some of which have been revitalized. Our town is a nice place, but we have some real work cut out for us if we are to reach our true potential.

[admin]

Surprisingly, no news paper reports on this important issue. I am sure the News Transcript will have a good write up next week.

And still a surprise, no comments on this thread. I know this is an issue that we will all be watching and I fully expect that when the details of this vision study are released, people will opine. This issue will deserve a very fair minded and constructive criticism from all of us. It is too important to our town to remain quiet.

So far, I have only been able to find out the smallest of details. Two of which are the talk of a parking garage ( Very good) and that the study entails more than just Main Street. From what I understand, there is no talk of eminent domain anywhere. ( Also very good)

I am going to wing it and put down a couple of my own thoughts on this subject. I believe we should capitalize on what we already have. The FCP and the down town in general provide a very nice foundation to build on. Starting with the restaurant industry we have here, we should be looking to enhance that and attract businesses that will compliment the restaurants. I am reminded of the Corner Stone Cafe and the rumor that we may see a chain restaurant open up there. That is not what we need. People are already coming to town to eat. We see restaurants come and go. We have the foundation to attract people here for that, now we need to see things that will keep them here a bit longer.

It can be argued that we have an over saturation of eateries. Between that and a lagging economy which is aggravated by high gas prices, I have to wonder how many other restaurants are having difficulty. Of course, we will have the American Hotel opening up, so that will provide a very nice anchor and that much more competition for other places.

I am also a very firm believer in bring out more in the way of arts, music, and entertainment to our town. We have that foundation with the FCP events being a leader on this issue. These things would be a perfect enhancement to the restaurant business. Just here in the borough alone, we have a lot of very talented people. It would be great if the vision study played a role in bringing that out some more.

The retail part is going to be very difficult. We will have to compete with surrounding areas that are doing very well. This issue is one that will entail real careful planning and attracting only those businesses that will do well and bring people here for the right reasons. This is a topic that cannot be ignored, otherwise, we wind up with ugly places. As it is, too many of our current stores are eyes sores and make the town look slummy. That is a trend that has to be reversed. It comes down to one question...

Do we want to enhance the small town image, or go for the urban feel? I would bet that most home owners would prefer the former, that is what attracted so many of us to come here to begin with. When I think urban, I do not do so in a positive light. I think of overcrowding, gangs, graffiti, and a slew of other problems we are already facing too much of. We need to get away from that direction all around.

Of course, there is also the historic aspect of our town. That too has got to be a part of the image and attraction for us. Last week I visited several historic towns and they were all very nice. definitely a good niche for tourists. We need to put that on the front burner. I hope the Historic reservation Commission will be an active part in shaping our town.

The other thing we need to see more of is better relations between the governing body and the FCP. Too many times recently we have seen things transpire that gave off the impression that there is too much of a disconnect. The Kruze Nite debacle and then the law suit are two examples of things that could have been, and should have been, avoided. Both were easy to see from a mile away and should not have occurred as they did. That perception has got to change.

I would also hope that the other aspect of any vision study will take the towns real investors into account- the home owners. This town needs to look at our bursting population and realize that we need to curb the growth of residents. Our town has taken in too much affordable housing money which has led to the population explosion. That trend also has to be reversed. It would not be a bad thing if somehow a couple of the apartment complexes went away. The last thing we need is more affordable housing in this town. Just look at the Drug Mill, that will NEVER be a good place and will forever be a slum and a problem. We need to reverse this trend to ease the burdens on municipal services and the schools. The rental homes alone have caused too much strain.

By tackling the housing and population issues, the historic homes will become the attraction and make it much easier to fill a much desired niche in the housing market. People will not want to buy a historic home where there is a slum rental next door and the schools are overcrowded. Take care of this issue and start favoring the home owners, and both quality of life and property values increase. We should be worried about this because Trenton wants nothing more than to create more affordable housing units. We should be adamant about not being a dumping ground for that failed social experiment. We have already taken in far more than our fair share.

I mentioned a lot here. All of the things mentioned need to be a part of any vision for our town. The FCP, the governing body, the home owners, the HPC, the CIC, and so on all play a part of any successful picture. All of these things need to compliment each other, not work against one another.

[admin]

I stand corrected, just found this....

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080917/NEWS01/809170356/1285/LOCAL09

FREEHOLD — A new four- or five-story parking garage would help spur new development in an effort to revitalize the downtown, according to a new report presented this week by a borough-hired planner.

David G. Roberts, of the Manalapan-based engineering and consulting firm CMX, said a new parking garage was key to freeing up acres of land for downtown development.

Roberts' plan, presented to the Borough Council on Monday, targets a Monmouth County government-owned parking lot next to the Hall of Records as the site of the proposed garage. Offices, stores and residences wrapped around the garage's exterior would make it virtually invisible to Main Street pedestrians, he said.

Currently, parking lots sprawl across downtown Freehold, yet fail to meet parking demand, Roberts said.

He showed the council an aerial image of the borough, which looked like a patchwork quilt dominated by asphalt gray, to illustrate his assertion.

A council-approved private developer would build a parking garage for public as well as private use, Roberts said.

The plan to revitalize the downtown seeks "to preserve the small-town, unique character of downtown Freehold," Roberts said. It also encourages the construction of modern buildings and makes the downtown area more "inviting" to pedestrians, he added.

If residential areas are built, new residents likely would help existing businesses and encourage other developers to invest, Roberts said.

Roberts compared his plan to similar projects in Princeton and New Brunswick, which have succeeded.

The plan follows a trend by urban developers to weave residential and retail plans together to create communities where residents eat, shop and sleep within walking distance.

There is no definitive plan for the garage — no timetable or cost estimate. But the report falls just short of calling the garage a necessity.

After creating a parking solution that rids the need for many parking lots, Robert said, the borough could rent or sell the freed acreage to private developers, a move that could radically transform the borough's landscape.

Some of the plan's suggestions include a revamping and redeveloping of historical sites, such as the American Hotel, the Central Rail Station and Square, and the site of the former Belmont Hotel, at the corner of West Main and South streets.

Roberts' hope is that the borough's changes would encourage current owners to redevelop their stores.

The plan calls for the passage of a series of new ordinances that would allow for the new development but let the borough keep control over how new construction would proceed. But the plan does not call for the seizure of property under eminent domain, Roberts said.

In addition to ordinances governing new borough-developer agreements, new rules would govern exterior appearances in the downtown area as well.

The borough commissioned this study over a year ago, Borough Attorney Kerry E. Higgins said. Now that the final report is completed, talks can move forward with land owners, residents and other government entities, she said.

Before the council will vote on the plan, the Zoning Board of Adjustment will review the report.

The borough will present its plan to county officials in the near future, Higgins said.

[admin]

I am going to post one more idea. I do not know if this can be done, but if the parking is being looked at, how about traffic? I have often wondered if it would be possible to turn Main Street into a one way street. Or at least part of it. Traveling westward from 537 and 79 can be a real nightmare. If it was one way until at least South street, it could alleviate quite a bit of congestion.

The other bonus is that Main street could become much more bike and pedestrian friendly. This could help get bikes off the sidewalks.

Of course, the challenge here is, where to divert the traffic?

[admin]

and another thing......

Recreation! That is another element that has got to be considered. Can we preserve or reopen some space? How about planning nice outdoor concert area so the concert series and other entertainment events can get out of parking lots?

How about a real nice place for people on their lunch break to have relax outside for a while? Those pencil pushers appreciate getting out of the office and into fresh air for a while. Give them something better.

There are plenty of other recreation ideas that I can think of and could be a part of the down town revitalization.

It all works together!

[novillero]

I hope the report has more than these generalities, it has been about 2 years since the project got started, and gosh darn it, the devil is always in the details.

Brian, what are the chances that this vision study could be put up on this site?

[admin]

Sept 17, 2008 12:37:10 GMT -5 novillero said:

I
Brian, what are the chances that this vision study could be put up on this site?

I would love to put the entire vision study on this site. AS mentioned earlier, this is too important to our town for it to be out of public eye. This site reaches more eyes per day than any meeting does.

I also think it would have been nice for the town to let people know it was going to be discussed this past meeting. This is also a subject that causes me to miss having Geo and Marc on this site. Their interaction would have been really good. My only fear on that is that they would not have handled disagreement well. Our governing body does take things way too personal sometimes.

[lisas84]

Novillero, in answer to your question, it is an exceedingly lengthy document and can't fit.

[admin]

Sept 17, 2008 13:33:30 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Novillero, in answer to your question, it is an exceedingly lengthy document and can't fit.

Oh don't worry about that, if I can get a copy, cut and pasted it, I will make it fit. ;D

[admin]

Yesterday I had an email exchange with someone on this topic. I used a word that sums up what I believe the vision study should be- holistic That sums up the point I have been trying to make on this, that the vision study cannot just treat a symptom, but look at the body ( town) whole.

The parking garage treats a symptom. I believe this article from the APP is likely a bit misleading. Something tells me there will be plenty more to the vision study and down town revitalization.

[admin]

Sept 18, 2008 7:54:15 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Brian, it is a fully detailed vision study, the parking garage is a suggestion and one factor to pull together fluent parking ability while adding some revenue (retail wraparound). The study takes into account ways and means to redevelop and revitalize the area, while keeping in mind existing buildings and the historic, unique nature. The media can only focus on trying to pull together a summary and focus on the significance of such a structure.

Keep in mind this vision study is aptly titled. It is the very first step in assessment of current resources, competition and history to compose a long-term plan of redevelopment that works for the long-term.

I know you were not there at the meeting when it was presented, but the engineer did indeed touch upon the holistic nature of this project. I didn't take notes, other wise I would share them with you. I"m just giving you the generality.

I certainly have no reason to doubt you and what you saw at the meeting. I am sure there is more than just a parking garage. I am looking forward to the NT article next week. Claire usually does a very good job. I also understand how the media sometimes summarizes. That is why I want to open this sucker up, for a more thorough public review, discussion, and constructive critique.


Remember, most of what I wrote is based on knowing nothing on what the study contains. I am just throwing around ideas. In the end, that doesn't mean much, it is what is in the study and what our town does that counts. I hope we can all watch this topic with great interest.

[adefonzo]

Sept 18, 2008 7:54:15 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Brian, it is a fully detailed vision study, the parking garage is a suggestion and one factor to pull together fluent parking ability while adding some revenue (retail wraparound). The study takes into account ways and means to redevelop and revitalize the area, while keeping in mind existing buildings and the historic, unique nature. The media can only focus on trying to pull together a summary and focus on the significance of such a structure.

Keep in mind this vision study is aptly titled. It is the very first step in assessment of current resources, competition and history to compose a long-term plan of redevelopment that works for the long-term.

I know you were not there at the meeting when it was presented, but the engineer did indeed touch upon the holistic nature of this project. I didn't take notes, other wise I would share them with you. I"m just giving you the generality.

I can't stay completely quiet about this forever...but for now, let me be brief...

I was not at the meeting, so I did not see or hear the presentation. From what I have read in the papers and on this site, I have high hopes for the potential of this plan to help revitalize Freehold Boro.

But, as I unfortunately always must do, I have to point out one glaring misconception.

Lisa, you say above that this is "the very first step". I can't help myself, I have to mention that this is by no means the first vision study that has been presented to the people of Freehold Boro as a bold new vision of our town. There have been several over the years...let's hope this one actually gets some work done to improve the Boro.

[adefonzo]

Lisa...I understood the context in which you were using that quote...I was merely pointing out that this is not the first time we have seen a vision study.

I will do some digging to try and find the others that have been presented over the years...but I'll need some time.

As I said before, I am hoping this one helps to renew our town.

Out of curiosity...during the presentation the other night...was there any mention of how to increase the capacity of the roads in the town? If Freehold becomes the busier downtown that I hope this plan can deliver, I have a very serious concern about the infrastructure, particularly the roads, which are already very congested.

[admin]

Sept 18, 2008 15:13:20 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Enlighten me then, please, Andrew, about the other ones? I was likely not around or cognizant then!

What I meant about very first step and the context in which I wrote that should be clear, is that for any major process of redevelopment, the first step is a vision study.

I hate to be a bubble burster, but Andrew likely is not far off. Talk of down town revitalization has been going on for a while.

Back a while ago ( Year?), the News Transcript published an old photo of three businessmen, one being Jeff Jones. The photo had a caption under mentioning the pending revitalization of down town. The year of the photo sticks out in my head because it was the year I moved here-1994.

I chose not to post the photo at the time because we know just where that conversation will lead, the great debate over what direction our town has gone in since 1994. While there is some things that have improved, our town has also had to deal with a lot of controversial issues that have hindered down town development. It is that certain bear in the room that people don't want to talk about anymore.....

Ever hear the term block busting? How about town busting? Our town was stagnated due to certain events and we certainly have not reached out potential.

Speaking of the past, tomorrow I will be posting another blast from the past. Not a good one. I apologize ahead of time.

[adefonzo]

Sept 18, 2008 17:51:07 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Andrew, that is a logical and sensible question and a concern that I'm sure will be tackled in a later phase. I do not recall that detail being mentioned, although he very well might have. I didn't' have a tape recorder. Again, the engineer just summarized what is a likely a very lengthy report.

Perhaps it's just a result of the career that I have chosen, but I tend to look past the flowery presentations and delve right into the details, in particular, I am always looking for the bumps in the road that are bound to come up, so they can be identified early on and dealt with before they become an issue.

Another question that jumped into my mind when reading about the parking garage was the issue of the spot they chose. I am not familiar with how the whole county property thing works, but if they choose that parking lot between the Hall of Records and the bank, do we have to get permission from the county? Will there be some sort of trade off if that happens?

Thinking even further...access to that parking lot is essentially through one spot, the entrance off of Lafayette St.

Would a better idea be to put a parking garage in the lot behind the south side of Main St where the Court Jester, American Hotel, and Fed's are? That Parking lot has at least 4 potential entrances and exits...it could help make for less congestion.

Of course, we could also entertain the idea of sticking with the parking garage by the Hall of records...perhaps even extending it to the parking lot across Lafayette St to provide even more parking...and turning the lot behind the Jester into a pedestrian mall with another row of retail and restaurants along the south side of the current parking lot.

Of course, revitalization can not be centered solely on making Main St. look better. There are several other areas in town that need some attention as well. It has been mentioned many times at Council meetings that Throckmorton St should be addressed, as it is a main vein coming into town off of Rt 9.

There is also the lot between Park Ave and Manalapan Ave, behind the Racetrack. I have heard from multiple sources that the Racetrack is open to the possibility of releasing that land (either selling, leasing, or whatever) for someone who would be willing to make it a bit more useful and presentable. That seems like a very good spot for at least some of the recreational spots that Brian was talking about.

How about helping the Freehold Boro Little League really fix up the area around their fields? I know there have been a number of people who have donated a lot of time and money to the Little League over the years, but there is still plenty of room for growth over there...perhaps even adding a couple of all purpose type fields and making that area a center for not just little league, but soccer leagues, perhaps a pee-wee football league...all sorts of options.

My point in all this rambling is simple...there are a number of possibilities for Freehold Boro...and when we get a chance to really delve into this vision study and the details behind it, hopefully we can start to make our hometown a better place.

Let me be clear though. We can not look at this through rose colored glasses. There are a number of other issues that are going to pop up, and when someone points them out, they can not be labeled as a "hater" who's just trying to hurt the morale of residents. Having an open dialog means listening to those who disagree with you and honestly putting forth an effort to address their questions and concerns.

For the betterment of the boro...I really hope this happens.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

Sept 19, 2008 16:36:00 GMT -5 adefonzo said:

Sept 18, 2008 17:51:07 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Andrew, that is a logical and sensible question and a concern that I'm sure will be tackled in a later phase. I do not recall that detail being mentioned, although he very well might have. I didn't' have a tape recorder. Again, the engineer just summarized what is a likely a very lengthy report.

Perhaps it's just a result of the career that I have chosen, but I tend to look past the flowery presentations and delve right into the details, in particular, I am always looking for the bumps in the road that are bound to come up, so they can be identified early on and dealt with before they become an issue.

Another question that jumped into my mind when reading about the parking garage was the issue of the spot they chose. I am not familiar with how the whole county property thing works, but if they choose that parking lot between the Hall of Records and the bank, do we have to get permission from the county? Will there be some sort of trade off if that happens?

Thinking even further...access to that parking lot is essentially through one spot, the entrance off of Lafayette St.

Would a better idea be to put a parking garage in the lot behind the south side of Main St where the Court Jester, American Hotel, and Fed's are? That Parking lot has at least 4 potential entrances and exits...it could help make for less congestion.

Of course, we could also entertain the idea of sticking with the parking garage by the Hall of records...perhaps even extending it to the parking lot across Lafayette St to provide even more parking...and turning the lot behind the Jester into a pedestrian mall with another row of retail and restaurants along the south side of the current parking lot.

Of course, revitalization can not be centered solely on making Main St. look better. There are several other areas in town that need some attention as well. It has been mentioned many times at Council meetings that Throckmorton St should be addressed, as it is a main vein coming into town off of Rt 9.

There is also the lot between Park Ave and Manalapan Ave, behind the Racetrack. I have heard from multiple sources that the Racetrack is open to the possibility of releasing that land (either selling, leasing, or whatever) for someone who would be willing to make it a bit more useful and presentable. That seems like a very good spot for at least some of the recreational spots that Brian was talking about.

How about helping the Freehold Boro Little League really fix up the area around their fields? I know there have been a number of people who have donated a lot of time and money to the Little League over the years, but there is still plenty of room for growth over there...perhaps even adding a couple of all purpose type fields and making that area a center for not just little league, but soccer leagues, perhaps a pee-wee football league...all sorts of options.

My point in all this rambling is simple...there are a number of possibilities for Freehold Boro...and when we get a chance to really delve into this vision study and the details behind it, hopefully we can start to make our hometown a better place.

Let me be clear though. We can not look at this through rose colored glasses. There are a number of other issues that are going to pop up, and when someone points them out, they can not be labeled as a "hater" who's just trying to hurt the morale of residents. Having an open dialog means listening to those who disagree with you and honestly putting forth an effort to address their questions and concerns.

For the betterment of the boro...I really hope this happens.

There is a vision study, and a Municipal Master Plan (as well as a county Master Plan too).

Andrew all downtown parking "Foot prints" and been examined as potential Multipurpose/Mixed usage parking deck for this vision study.

I see this happen slowly, and one parking deck structure at a time at first.

[cloris]

Andrew, Your thoughts on the subject are well thought out and balanced. If the vision study has the type of thinking that you do, we will see progress.

[richardkelsey]

Sept 18, 2008 7:54:15 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Brian, it is a fully detailed vision study, the parking garage is a suggestion and one factor to pull together fluent parking ability while adding some revenue (retail wraparound).

A vison study released in September as the centerpiece of a Council meeting. I am shocked.

And wait -- it suggests a parking garage? How visionary. For those under 30, that suggestion is older than you.

[novillero]

there is nothing new under the sun...

[lisas84]

And yet, Novillero, marine scientists have discovered hundreds of new animal species on reefs in Australian waters, including brilliant soft corals and tiny crustaceans, according to findings released Thursday, September 18th, 2008.

[adefonzo]

Sept 20, 2008 8:11:34 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Hi, Andrew!

A vision study, by its very nature, is one anchored by a positive outlook, to rehab and pull together the existing resources of the area. I think it's exciting, bursting with possibilities and opportunities. Who could be opposed to that?

I hope I was not misunderstood...I am in no way opposed to a positive prospectus for the future of Freehold Boro. If I am a bit untrusting of the deliverers of that message, you'll have to forgive me...but despite what some may think, my distrust is something that has developed through years of watching and listening, it didn't just pop up overnight.

I will bring my questions forward, but I may hold off until I am able to get a better look at the Vision Study (I would hope that it would be made available to the public if we were interested in going through it), and see if some of my questions are already addressed. By all accounts, what was presented the other night - after some 18 months of work - was a very broad, rather simple generalization of some of the ideas that are in the study. I'm more interested in the details that I would hope have already been developed or are soon to be released.

Either way...I will do what I can to seek out my answers and see what help I can lend to the process.

Sept 22, 2008 11:14:27 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

And yet, Novillero, marine scientists have discovered hundreds of new animal species on reefs in Australian waters, including brilliant soft corals and tiny crustaceans, according to findings released Thursday, September 18th, 2008.

ah...but does that make those soft corals and tiny crustaceans new ?? Just because they have managed to avoid human discovery doesn't mean they are new

[admin]

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/1001/Front_page/027.html

Plan lays out ideas for town's revitalization
Suggestion for parking garage is on the table
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer



CLARE MARIE CELANO The new American Hotel is taking shape on Main Street, Freehold Borough, as renovations continue on the rebuilt local landmark. Plans call for the hotel to once again rent rooms to travelers.

FREEHOLD — A vision study plan, if eventually implemented, could change the streetscape of downtown Freehold Borough.

The vision study plan focuses on including additional parking, preserving the historic housing stock and creating a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere in town.

David G. Roberts, a licensed planner with CMX, Manalapan, presented the vision study at a recent meeting of the Borough Council.

Dubbed the Freehold Center Core Revitalization Plan, Roberts said the statutory basis for the core revitalization plan is based on the designation by the borough of the land at the intersection of Main Street, South Street and Throckmorton Street, and bounded by Throckmorton Street to the west, Spring Street to the east, Broad Street/Lafayette Street on the north and Mechanic /Hudson Street to the south, as an area in need of rehabilitation.

The resolution for that designation took place on May 21, 2007.

Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins said the vision study began with a parking assessment in the borough.

"From the parking study, a conversation came up about the downtown area. We tried to envision the future of the borough in 10 or 15 years," Higgins said.

She said Monmouth County, Freehold

Borough and the Freehold Center Partnership were all part of the effort.

The borough is the county seat and home to many county offices. The Freehold Center Partnership oversees activities and events in the town's business district.

Calling the core of the downtown area the "heart and soul" of the plan, Roberts said that during the study it became apparent that a better way to use what he called "excessive surface parking and sprawling areas of asphalt" in certain areas of the downtown area had to be in the forefront of the effort.

He mentioned the possibility of building a parking garage in Freehold Borough similar to a plan that was used in New Brunswick and Princeton for the construction of parking garages.

"There is the potential here for that type of development," Roberts told the mayor and council.

The planner said he met with representatives of the Freehold Center Partnership, Freehold Borough officials and members of the borough's Planning Board.

According to Roberts, Monmouth County owns much of the parking lot areas in town and he said the Monmouth County freeholders were open-minded to the vision plan which would seek to redevelop the area.

The plan, which also seeks to "build on the old," according to Roberts, references the historic character and design of the older homes in the borough and seeks to retain the historic character through rehabilitation, "to "get back to the original" look of the borough.

Roberts said a multilevel parking garage would not be seen from the street and would have retail shops, offices and residences surrounding the perimeter of the structure.

He said the ongoing rehabilitation of the American Hotel, East Main Street, works in tandem with this plan, which he said "recognizes the unique heritage and historic character of development that has evolved in Freehold and seeks to preserve the historic character of the properties located jointly in the core downtown area and the historic district."

"This is a perfect time to get this plan out there. It will also encourage other property owners to invest in their properties," he said.

Also included in the vision plan is a section that addresses a pedestrian plaza — a centrally located public plaza consisting of a pedestrian-only courtyard.

The plan will have its own set of permit- ted uses and design standards, according to Roberts, which he said allows borough officials to "control the infield that comes into the town."

The revitalization plan calls for council members to prepare an ordinance, which would be an amendment to the town's master plan, according to Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina.

After that occurs, the plan will go to the Planning Board for review and then back to the council for review and possible adoption.

After the plan is reviewed by these entities and ordinances are adopted, then comes the task of attracting developers to take part in the revitalization plan of downtown Freehold Borough.

Higgins said she, Bellina and resident Jean Holtz, an original member of the town's parking committee, will go to New Brunswick to view the improvements that have been made in that Middlesex County city.

"Once we get the ball rolling, we will then meet with core group owners and go over what the Freehold Center Partnership envisions with them and how it will help them," Higgins said.

Contact Clare Marie Celano

at [e-mail].

[admin]

Oct 1, 2008 13:56:56 GMT -5 admin said:

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/1001/Front_page/027.html

Plan lays out ideas for town's revitalization
Suggestion for parking garage is on the table
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer



CLARE MARIE CELANO The new American Hotel is taking shape on Main Street, Freehold Borough, as renovations continue on the rebuilt local landmark. Plans call for the hotel to once again rent rooms to travelers.

FREEHOLD — A vision study plan, if eventually implemented, could change the streetscape of downtown Freehold Borough.

The vision study plan focuses on including additional parking, preserving the historic housing stock and creating a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere in town.

David G. Roberts, a licensed planner with CMX, Manalapan, presented the vision study at a recent meeting of the Borough Council.

Dubbed the Freehold Center Core Revitalization Plan, Roberts said the statutory basis for the core revitalization plan is based on the designation by the borough of the land at the intersection of Main Street, South Street and Throckmorton Street, and bounded by Throckmorton Street to the west, Spring Street to the east, Broad Street/Lafayette Street on the north and Mechanic /Hudson Street to the south, as an area in need of rehabilitation.

The resolution for that designation took place on May 21, 2007.

Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins said the vision study began with a parking assessment in the borough.

"From the parking study, a conversation came up about the downtown area. We tried to envision the future of the borough in 10 or 15 years," Higgins said.

She said Monmouth County, Freehold

Borough and the Freehold Center Partnership were all part of the effort.

The borough is the county seat and home to many county offices. The Freehold Center Partnership oversees activities and events in the town's business district.

Calling the core of the downtown area the "heart and soul" of the plan, Roberts said that during the study it became apparent that a better way to use what he called "excessive surface parking and sprawling areas of asphalt" in certain areas of the downtown area had to be in the forefront of the effort.

He mentioned the possibility of building a parking garage in Freehold Borough similar to a plan that was used in New Brunswick and Princeton for the construction of parking garages.

"There is the potential here for that type of development," Roberts told the mayor and council.

The planner said he met with representatives of the Freehold Center Partnership, Freehold Borough officials and members of the borough's Planning Board.

According to Roberts, Monmouth County owns much of the parking lot areas in town and he said the Monmouth County freeholders were open-minded to the vision plan which would seek to redevelop the area.

The plan, which also seeks to "build on the old," according to Roberts, references the historic character and design of the older homes in the borough and seeks to retain the historic character through rehabilitation, "to "get back to the original" look of the borough.

Roberts said a multilevel parking garage would not be seen from the street and would have retail shops, offices and residences surrounding the perimeter of the structure.

He said the ongoing rehabilitation of the American Hotel, East Main Street, works in tandem with this plan, which he said "recognizes the unique heritage and historic character of development that has evolved in Freehold and seeks to preserve the historic character of the properties located jointly in the core downtown area and the historic district."

"This is a perfect time to get this plan out there. It will also encourage other property owners to invest in their properties," he said.

Also included in the vision plan is a section that addresses a pedestrian plaza — a centrally located public plaza consisting of a pedestrian-only courtyard.

The plan will have its own set of permit- ted uses and design standards, according to Roberts, which he said allows borough officials to "control the infield that comes into the town."

The revitalization plan calls for council members to prepare an ordinance, which would be an amendment to the town's master plan, according to Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina.

After that occurs, the plan will go to the Planning Board for review and then back to the council for review and possible adoption.

After the plan is reviewed by these entities and ordinances are adopted, then comes the task of attracting developers to take part in the revitalization plan of downtown Freehold Borough.

Higgins said she, Bellina and resident Jean Holtz, an original member of the town's parking committee, will go to New Brunswick to view the improvements that have been made in that Middlesex County city.

"Once we get the ball rolling, we will then meet with core group owners and go over what the Freehold Center Partnership envisions with them and how it will help them," Higgins said.

Contact Clare Marie Celano

at [e-mail].

Wow! I looked very forward to this article all week. I have to admit, I read this article with great disappointment. That is no fault of Claire. I always look forward to her articles about the borough. I really believe she does a very good job.

I expected to see a lot more meat on this topic. Admittedly, I am no town planner. But, we again see emphasis on a parking garage and parking as a whole. ( Please tell me parking meters are NOT in our future)

There was brief mention of the pedestrian friendly common area, which I alluded to in my first rant on this topic.

There was mention of preserving the historic charm of the town. That is a no brainer, and shouldn't that have been done to begin with?

Those three things aside, there was little else. I guess i expected more for the public arena. Maybe there is. I will try to hold out hope that there will be more to come.

Recently the wife and I have visited a number of places with down towns. Asbury Park was one of them. We went to the Oyster Festival a couple of weeks ago. I new AP was doing well. I see it every time I drive through. Actually being on that Cookman Ave area was great. It brought back many memories from before the massive decline it went through. What has happened in AP is magnificent.

When ever I visit places like that, I think of Freehold and ask where's ours? Our town isn't awful, and certainly nothing like Cookman Ave ten years ago, but we have so much potential.

Where is the talk of really and aggressively attracting good businesses? Working with what have, besides the county? Just look at the turn around at the mall. It is great and it went upscale. Too many other areas are cleaning our clocks. Again, where's ours?

I don't mean to be a downer. I am simply responding to what little is in the article. IF we do not see more, we may as well put Franks bike racks in that garage because it will only have bicycles inside of it. At least they will be dry when it rains.

Somebody please tell me there is more and that I am wrong in my impression. I really want to be wrong.