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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 10:39:09 GMT -5
PROSPERITY AS A GOAL. Hmmm. You see...I AM on the right track. Matawan and Keyport are taking redevelopment actions based on this kind of thinking. They know exactly what they are doing. Their situations are similar to our own. They understand that, as their downtowns go; so goes their entire communities.
At least, they praise Red Bank and Freehold for having done a better job over the years.
You see, you develop a downtown in ways that encourage more upscale foot traffic (people that spend more money and demand attractiveness) and, in doing so you deny that which is less desirable (the "no-frills").
Fill an empty storefront with an attractive antique "shoppe" and you deny another common dollar store. You create a downtown environment that entices the kind of residents and shoppers you want your town to attract and to retain. When Mayor Guiliani closed down all the smut shops on 42nd Street in NYC, nice families replaced the Hookers and their Johns. Now, everyone likes to walk around that area.
The future of Freehold Borough's Downtown, will lead us to the answers we are looking for in improving our neighborhoods. Illegal immigrants are, mainly, coming here because they want the downtown to service their personal needs - it's convenient.
Fortunately, our business community is still more interested in continue attracting a wealthy clientele that spends more money on high end luxury items and services. These people want their purchases presented to them with panache.
Marc
Is downtown ready for a rebound?
With new stores set to open, some see positive signs in Matawan
BY KAREN E. BOWES
Staff Writer
With a fistful of new businesses ready to open within a year, now just may be the perfect time for downtown Matawan's fiscal comeback.
A 2.3-square-mile town with a population of about 9,000, Matawan is by no means unique in its struggle to re-establish a struggling downtown. Throughout the Bayshore and up and down New Jersey, Main Street America is suffering.
Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce President John Cocozza has a wish list of things he believes would help turn around downtown Matawan. More important, he has a concrete list of storefronts poised to open shop on Main Street sometime in the next few months.
"What will help the existing businesses?" Cocozza asked himself on Friday. "More foot traffic. How do you increase foot traffic?"
More businesses, of course.
Cocozza, who works at Edward Jones Financial, was instrumental in convincing his employer to move their office from Freehold to downtown Matawan. But it's not more office space that he's looking for downtown.
"It kind of breaks my heart to see it this way, but that's one of the reasons why I'm mayor." - Mary Aufseeser Matawan mayor
"A lot of professional offices are opening, but they don't create foot traffic," Cocozza said. "But we all have to eat. We all have to drive to lunch or order in. Instead, just the people who are here can generate the foot traffic."
The top item on Cocozza's wish list is a pizzeria.
"Highlight it, circle it, underline it in red," Cocozza said. He would also like to see an ice cream parlor and/or a coffee shop, although he realizes these types of businesses are "tough to be self-sustaining."
Cocozza may get his wish sooner than he thinks. Just purchased last week, the old Joe Pepp's restaurant, 159 Main St., is slated to become another restaurant, according to the new owner. The same buyer, who wished to remain nameless, also bought the empty lot next door to Joe Pepp's, and has plans to build a two-story building there with retail space on the first floor and offices on the second. Just down the street a few storefronts away, is the almost complete La Riviera restaurant.
According to Cocozza and Mayor Mary Aufseeser, La Riviera is marketing itself as a high-end Italian eatery. A sushi restaurant also has plans to open shop on Main Street, Cocozza said.
But at the center of it all is the controversial C-Town, the grocery store that will take over the old Harris Hardware location.
"C-Town will also be serving hot prepared foods and have a deli counter," Cocozza reported.
The question, of course, is when. According to Fred Carr, borough administrator, the grocery store "is pushing toward being open by this summer."
"C-Town has some other projects, some other supermarkets they're working on that are closer to being open, obviously at the expense of Matawan," Carr said on Friday.
Cocozza works side by side with the mayor, literally, in making his dream a reality. The two work together at Edward Jones.
For the mayor, a comeback has been a long time coming.
"Thirty years ago, in Red Bank there was nothing. In Freehold, you wouldn't want to get out of the car, and Matawan was booming. It kind of breaks my heart to see it this way, but that's one of the reasons why I'm mayor."
Aufseeser looks to Borough Attorney Pasquale Menna for guidance. Menna, the newly elected mayor of Red Bank, has been a councilman for 19 years, back when Red Bank wasn't the shining example of a downtown comeback that it is today.
When asked if Matawan would follow Red Bank's and nearby Keyport's example in creating a BID, or a taxable downtown Business Improvement District, Aufseeser said she was still unsure.
"I have spoken to the Borough Council," she said. "We've touched on it very lately. Mr. Menna had suggested it to me … . He has a lot of information and he's a great resource for me. I really need some more information. [But] I am interested in it."
For Cocozza, the future of Matawan lies in its assets, such as its underutilized lake and the town's proximity to major highways. He, too, looks to Red Bank and Freehold as examples of successful financial turnarounds, but he also realizes that Matawan is different, lacking a major amenity like a courthouse or a hospital. And while Red Bank has attracted many financial firms and Freehold has the county's Hall of Records and other government buildings, important lessons can still be gleaned from the twin success stories.
Lake Lefferts, which borders the Buttonwood Manor, is currently difficult to access, except to rent a canoe. Are there any plans to promote usage of the lake?
"There was talk about building a boardwalk around the entirety of the lake," Cocozza said. "I don't know anything about the redevelopment of the train station - that's left better to the politicians - but if we were able to ask what we wanted from a developer? To build up the facades downtown, make all the buildings have a nice theme, do the sidewalks over, and a boardwalk around the lake."
These are pricey projects the borough would be hard-pressed to afford otherwise, he noted.
"The money's never there, but for a developer? Come on," Cocozza said.
In the meantime, Matawan made good use of the lake during last summer's first annual SharkFest and Canoe Carnival events, run by the Matawan Alliance, a volunteer civic group.
"What all these events have in common is they were all first annual, all things that hadn't been done before," Cocozza said.
He added, "It's such a beautiful lake and people don't really know it."
As for businesses that already exist but are struggling, Cocozza hopes the prospect of new storefronts will be a welcome relief.
"Don't get discouraged," Cocozza said. "Keep the momentum."
Perhaps the anchor of Main Street's business district is the award-winning Peter Conte Salon & Spa, 128 Main St.
"You would not believe it," Cocozza said of the interior. "He put a tremendous amount of money into the building and the design of the building. It definitely paid off."
Another established downtown business is Wrapture, selling customized gift baskets filled with goodies like chocolate and scented candles. Owner Neelam Khanna has been in business for nine years.
"It's a great town," Cocozza said. "A great community. It just needs a little help."
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 10:43:14 GMT -5
Residents weigh in on proposal to revitalize Keyport's downtown
State DCA must approve designation
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 01/17/07
BY KEVIN PENTON
KEYPORT BUREAU
KEYPORT — Some residents are unhappy with the look of Route 36. Others think the borough doesn't have sufficient recreation options or give people enough reason to visit its downtown over New York City.
Mayor Robert Bergen hopes these and other concerns can be remedied by designating Keyport as an area in need of rehabilitation, similar to an effort Keansburg initiated in 2005.
"This will replace a process we all recognize is not working," Bergen said, referring to reviews of development proposals by the borough's Unified Planning Board, which some see as granting too many variances.
Dozens of residents crowded borough hall Tuesday night to tell the Borough Council what they think of the proposal and ask planning consultants questions about how it would be implemented.
The designation, which requires approval from the state Department of Community Affairs, would allow the council to set new design standards and zoning changes for which no variances could be sought.
It also would allow the borough to offer five-year tax abatements to people who fix up homes or businesses, and set up the process for creating redevelopment plans for specific parts of town, such as Route 36, the waterfront or the downtown area.
Resident Angel Matos, who unsuccessfully ran for council in 2006, took issue with the plan, saying if the planning board is the problem, Keyport should focus on fixing that.
He also said a preliminary list of redevelopment goals prepared by the borough does not reflect a successful, nonbinding referendum from 2006 that said single-family homes should be the only type of new residential development.
"Your version doesn't have anything tangible that has to do with the referendum," Matos told Councilwoman Christian Bolte, who prepared the list.
Bolte believes creating the designation will give residents more of a voice in future developments by creating the parameters the plans would need to meet.
"We're not going to stop development," Bolte said. "We have an opportunity to create a process that will include as much public participation as possible."
Stan Slachetka, of the planning firm T&M Associates, Middletown, said a municipality only gains additional powers to condemn properties through a redevelopment designation, not a rehabilitation designation.
Slachetka differentiated between various state planning jargon, noting that a redevelopment "plan" — the planning outline for a rehabilitation designation — is different from a redevelopment "designation" which gives a municipality the power to condemn properties for redevelopment purposes.
Before voting on whether to seek the designation from the state, the council must ask the Planning Board to make a recommendation on whether to do so.
Cerelle White, Fulton Street, told the council she hopes the rehabilitation designation will help Keyport create more recreation options for the children.
"We really need to redevelop this town," White said. "I can tell you there are some homes on my street that really need some fixing."
list of redevelopment goals prepared by the borough does not reflect a successful, nonbinding referendum from 2006 that said single-family homes should be the only type of new residential development.
"Your version doesn't have anything tangible that has to do with the referendum," Matos told Councilwoman Christian Bolte, who prepared the list.
Bolte believes creating the designation will give residents more of a voice in future developments by creating the parameters the plans would need to meet.
"We're not going to stop development," Bolte said. "We have an opportunity to create a process that will include as much public participation as possible."
Stan Slachetka, of the planning firm T&M Associates, Middletown, said a municipality only gains additional powers to condemn properties through a redevelopment designation, not a rehabilitation designation.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 11:13:43 GMT -5
Calliope:
Really...in the end...it' their board of directors and, yes, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL. We can "revoke their charter," so to speak. The public, more now than ever before, MUST SPEAK OUT, get in their faces and begin demanding more from them. I'M BEGGING YOU ALL.
For far too long the residents of Freehold Borough have discounted the overall importance of the downtown and its relevance in their daily lives. Our neighbors need to take a trip to East Front Street in Plainfield; Smith Street in Perth Amboy; French Street in New Brunswick; and Main Street in Passaic to see what Freehold can become if we cede it to the illegals.
After all, you don't need a fancy store-front to sell a can of "Dutch..chases dirt." And one functional, non descript convenience store breeds similar non-descript neighbors. These type of businesses hold little interest for most of us (who have cars an can shop outside of town) and they, certainly, do not attract the kind of people that dine in our upscale restaurants and demand a better look from us.
WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN!
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 12:13:32 GMT -5
You are not being obtuse, at all. We just didn't delve that deep in our prior discussions.
Certainly, there is accountability to the governing body. Not only do we have a council liaison to the FCP, but we require financial audits in the form of annual reports from the executive director.
The council also, often, calls for special meetings with FCP officials to discuss issues of concern. In fact, we had one such meeting with Rob Cash, last year, to discuss the business recruitment issue. We wanted to better understand what the process is and how things (e.g. Savings World) may have slipped through the cracks.
Of course, it's called a "Partnership," because it is meant that municipal government, the business community and our residents all work together in a positive manner for the betterment of Freehold Borough. No one wants threats hanging over their heads, especially when they involve possibly reducing support to FCP.
As you know, when I write here I do not speak for the the entire council. So, it is in my own opinion that the Executive Director of FCP needs to focus more on business recruitment and retention and less on event planning to accomplish everyone's desired goals in town.
In addition to the former Freehold Pharmacy Building being up for sale, I am advised that Casa Latina (the former Dunkin Donuts [Charney's Building]) may also be going out, as there is a For Rent sign outside. These are both prime locations in our downtown and require attractive, viable businesses to replace them. It is with sincere hope that FCP is on top of both future vacancies.
Marc
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Post by richardkelsey on Jan 17, 2007 12:13:37 GMT -5
The Borough might want to consider an Office of Economic Development dedicated to both economic development and the development of a master plan for any substantive re-development.
This would align the interests of the business community with the accountability of over-sight from the elected leaders. In addition, it would insure that all oars are in the water and rowing in the same direction.
Business cooperatives and chambers of Commerce play significant roles in communities, but most forward looking municipalities and counties are looking for professional planning, urban development, and economic development as part of a long term strategy.
Investing is such an office -- and triangulating its creation through public-private partnerships and cooperation, might lay the ground work for a better, faster, smarter, economic development plan.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 12:25:58 GMT -5
And.. the short answer is, no.
FCP has no authority to restrict businesses that meet all FB code guidelines. However, they (FCP) are a planning mechanism for our downtown. They should be involved in "guiding" the business district towards a "soft landing" with respect to the effect that all new businesses have on the impression others have of Freehold Borough as a whole.
In other words, how many crappy businesses does it take for a town to be branded as a non destination? Let's not "do nothing" to find out!
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 12:39:23 GMT -5
Rich:
You are definitely on the right track with this recommendation. As you know, for many years, the Borough had an Economic Development Committee that many prominent residents volunteered for, including the late Don DeSanto, Walter Denise and John Rupner as well as other real estate and retail types like Ralph Mesce, Larry Sorcher, George Mack and Dave Metz. This committee was instrumental in bringing the Mechanic Street redevelopment project to the council table.
Seems as if, with the advent and maturation of the FCP, the committee dissolved. It was still active when I left council in 1997.
I'm hoping that a new enthusiasm about our downtown will emerge as we receive the recommendation from the upcoming Vision Study, we paid for through a grant. I already know that everyone on council is very concerned about the future of the downtown and our business mix.
Let's see what springs from the Vision study and see where its authors recommend we should head, as a town. I hate establishing more bureaucracies with limited scope, but this one may have necessary merit. Don't think I haven't already considered this. Great minds think alike.
Marc
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Post by fedup on Jan 17, 2007 12:44:24 GMT -5
And that meeting apparently had such a profound impact on the FCP that now there's a 99¢ store downtown, too! Oh, but there is nothing more fun than planning really big parties with someone else's money!!!!! "Business recruitment and retention"  Sounds like such icky hard work, doesn't it? Especially when another thrift shop, or taquiera, or bodega, or Latino travel agency, or Spanish-language video rental, or (if we are really lucky) another dollar store or bail bonds operation will come along and fill that space (or the now-vacant Studio Photographers location, or the ever vacant McKelvey Building, etc., etc., ad nauseum) without any effort being expended at all.  |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 12:52:40 GMT -5
There is always that on a board made up of people that use illegal labor. Remember, our restaurants drive our business community, for better or worse.
They need to realize that the Freehold most of is want still includes plenty of affordable labor for them to run their businesses. However, we don't need to provide all of the cheap labor required in our region.
If we can guide Freehold Borough, after immigration reform, towards being a town that is, roughly, 1/3 white, 1/3 black and 1/3 Latino (of course, we also have Asians), we will have a well balanced and impressively diverse town. We want to be a town with Latinos (and others), rather than a Latino town. Nothing wrong with that kind of thinking.
At the heart of our struggle, we just want someone to take the virtual road sign down that says, "All Mexican illegals: head to Freehold Borough." I'd rather there be, in its place, a "No Vacancy Sign."
Marc
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 13:06:35 GMT -5
Actually, Savings World is not a dollar store, it is more of a Liquidator of name brand goods. It's not really a bad store, inside. It's that darn pedestrian name and tacky signage that cheapens it. My wife and I bought few decent things in there. Actually, it is cleaner and better organized than Deja Vu, which it replaced.
Dollar stores are not necessarily bad things. There is a great one over at the brand new Mounts Corner strip center, right next to the now empty Acme that never should have been built. Good luck renting that space out. But, that's a story for another day.
We can keep the dollar store - BUT WE DON'T NEED ANY MORE. Here is where towns go wrong. On Smith Street in P.A. and in Main Street in Passaic, there are these same stores, one after another.
Sure, I would have liked the brightly colored and inviting candy store to remain where the Dollar Store came in. BUT, WE DIDN'T SUPPORT IT. If we get great stores, more Borough residents have to come downtown and shop there. Otherwise, the store owners are forced to adapt to the illegals that hang out in the downtown all day long. We can help our own cause, but not by deserting Main Street. The Marlboro and Manalapan set can only offer us limited help when they come for dinner at night.
No, I am not happy with the business and retention efforts going on downtown. I think the FCP needs to take a "new direction." I can't be more specific than this on the PEOPLE board, but you get my drift.
Come to think of it, I haven't seen a single editorial criticizing the FCP in years...
Marc
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Post by fedup on Jan 17, 2007 13:41:31 GMT -5
I stand corrected.
So now we have a quasi-OddLot and a 99¢ store, too. "Yay!" for us. </snark>
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Post by Freehold Resident on Jan 17, 2007 15:52:27 GMT -5
What Freehold really needs is more of a New Urbanist design, meaning that all of the apartments above the storefronts need to be opened up (and not allow eight people in one bedroom), nicer storefronts (think of the new City Place in Edgewater, which houses GAP, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Talbots, etc) and a string of restaurants, a fitness club and spa.
Basically, everything is right there and the people to support them are able to walk into all of these places with ease.
Not to say there aren't a lot of problems, but one problem is that many of these stores are on the other side of Main Street, from the restaurants. And the Market Yard parking lot is on that same side, so people can easily park, walk to the restaurants, eat and leave, without ever having to go on the other side, where the "stores" are.
They need to transform the downtown first by having nicer stores and people living above the stores to be able to support them. Once that happens, there will be a snowball effect and people from outside of the center of town will start coming and shopping and providing economic vitality.
F R
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Post by admin on Jan 17, 2007 18:11:29 GMT -5
Sounds to me that the town council needs to take matters into there own hands. Some good PR and marketing for starters, followed through with some aggressive incentive to bring in good stores.
BTW, the mall has started their expansion which will be a direct competitor with our down town. We need to start moving yesterday. In all likelihood, this town has a very small window, maybe two to five years to really take the right initiative. Otherwise, say hello to Asbury Park West.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 17, 2007 19:58:03 GMT -5
No, you weren't wrong in your inventory or appraisal. The FCP is definately asleep at the wheel and this is why I started this thread to begin with.
Moving the downtown in a better direction is one of my key goals and I am looking for support from the rest of council and the community. It's tough when residents say that they don't care about the downtown, when I am positive it matters to the well-being of the entire community.
It will be interesting to see what Maplewood Twp is doing with their business district, when we get up there to take a look.
Marc
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Post by richardkelsey on Jan 17, 2007 21:04:23 GMT -5
No, you weren't wrong in your inventory or appraisal. The FCP is definately asleep at the wheel and this is why I started this thread to begin with. Moving the downtown in a better direction is one of my key goals and I am looking for support from the rest of council and the community. It's tough when residents say that they don't care about the downtown, when I am positive it matters to the well-being of the entire community. It will be interesting to see what Maplewood Twp is doing with their business district, when we get up there to take a look. Marc Matawan, Mapplewood, and towns like Westfield (a town Freehold should model) have something in common. They towns directly positioned on the main commuter train routes into the City. From Maplewood, it is a hop, skip and a jump. Maplewood does have a very beautiful, traditional, freehold like downtown. The Municipality itself has positioned itself to thrive because of its proximity to rail -- and the wealth that link brings. There has never been two more important needs for the Borough than these. They need to get that commuter rail link through -- which will allow you to write your own ticket on re-development. The Borough also needs to remove the NJ transit bus line from the town Center. Put it back out on Route 9 -- which will be better for the the buses -- and better for the Borough in the long-term. Both of these decisions are not within the hands of the Borough -- but they should be the focus of all political work by Borough officials, IMHO. The train link -- through the Borough -- will provide a huge property value boost, attract higher-end businesses, and make the Borough a target for redevelopment both in its business district and along some of its seedier residential and bulk housing lines. In my view -- a professional and organized Economic development and urban planning effort will help lay the ground work should the MOM line ever make it to Freehold. Plans should already be in place for marketing the urban and residential redevelopment to insure swift, strong, and immediate investment. In addition, such plans and a professional office will provide investor and developer confidence in doing business in the Borough when the time comes. |
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Post by fedup on Jan 17, 2007 21:16:56 GMT -5
IMO, that's pie in the sky and unlikely to happen anytime soon, if ever. The money isn't there, and if the desire to move on the MOM line were truly there on the part of the State, they would have made a decision a long time ago (instead of appeasing Middlesex County, and stalling with study after study upon cooked-ridership-numbers study...)
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 18, 2007 4:34:54 GMT -5
I can, clearly, see the tie-in with and value of the Westfield rail/business/residential connection. Visit that town and it is obvious tha rail is, pardon the pun, a valuable "engine."
However, IMHO, Matawan has never availed itself of its most valuable resource. I see no direct benefit to the business district. People get on and off the train and rarely stop downtown after they warm up their cars. Even when they had their mini renaissance in the late 80's through mid 90's, there was little effect from having rail service so close by.
Marc
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Post by richardkelsey on Jan 18, 2007 8:48:26 GMT -5
IMO, that's pie in the sky and unlikely to happen anytime soon, if ever. The money isn't there, and if the desire to move on the MOM line were truly there on the part of the State, they would have made a decision a long time ago (instead of appeasing Middlesex County, and stalling with study after study upon cooked-ridership-numbers study...) Oh -- I know. The MOM line has been delayed for over twenty years. The itrony is -- most communities fighting it would have a real benefit from it. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 18, 2007 13:59:06 GMT -5
Matawan, Mapplewood, and towns like Westfield (a town Freehold should model) have something in common. They towns directly positioned on the main commuter train routes into the City. From Maplewood, it is a hop, skip and a jump. Maplewood does have a very beautiful, traditional, freehold like downtown. The Municipality itself has positioned itself to thrive because of its proximity to rail -- and the wealth that link brings. Go take a look at Downtown Madison NJ !!! An afordable bedroom comunity like the Boro, 20 Min to the beach, 6 Flags, 1/2 way between NYC and Phili, 40 Min to the Airport, 35 - 45 Min to Trenton and Princeton, Monmouth County is rated with the top 10 county park systems in the NATION, and the rich local history! With MoM, and an apropreatley revitalised Downtown...there are many posibilities, and with a rapid increase in property value it may bring, a slumloard will have two options, rent to a more upscale tenant, or sell the property, make a handsome profit and no more tenate headaches. Time will tell!?!?! |
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Post by richardkelsey on Jan 18, 2007 16:18:46 GMT -5
I don't think FB should wait for something such as MOM that may happen and may not, and if it does, will take about 20 years. I totally agree. I don't want anyone to think I would suggest otherwise. Moving on a revitalization and re-development plan -- together with incentives for business and development is critical. It is even more critical if there will be no major driving event like the rail link. |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 18, 2007 17:01:34 GMT -5
Your post exudes the kind of energy and optimism that we'll need to take on this kind of effort. If we can get the whole town behind such an initiative we can roll over the obstacles we currently face and create the kind of town that shares, equally, in the promise and prosperity of Western Monmouth County. We need to be as worthy and proud as these other towns and not accept the role of their poor cousin.
I believe that if we start with an impressive upgrade of our downtown, while simultaneously attacking the sinister residential rental issues, we can make significant inroads in the right direction.
Couple our yeoman efforts with strong and positive PR and the great town of Freehold Borough will no longer remain a dark secret to those looking for a respectable community, in which to plant their roots and raise their families.
Good, solid families demand quality education and hold educators accountable to a much higher standard. We know this to be true, because we have experienced this condition, less than a decade ago. Many of us remember when a Freehold Borough education "was the best kept secret in Monmouth County."
Marc
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Post by admin on Jan 18, 2007 18:23:16 GMT -5
Matawan, Mapplewood, and towns like Westfield (a town Freehold should model) have something in common. They towns directly positioned on the main commuter train routes into the City. From Maplewood, it is a hop, skip and a jump. Maplewood does have a very beautiful, traditional, freehold like downtown. The Municipality itself has positioned itself to thrive because of its proximity to rail -- and the wealth that link brings. Go take a look at Downtown Madison NJ !!! An afordable bedroom comunity like the Boro, 20 Min to the beach, 6 Flags, 1/2 way between NYC and Phili, 40 Min to the Airport, 35 - 45 Min to Trenton and Princeton, Monmouth County is rated with the top 10 county park systems in the NATION, and the rich local history! With MoM, and an apropreatley revitalised Downtown...there are many posibilities, and with a rapid increase in property value it may bring, a slumloard will have two options, rent to a more upscale tenant, or sell the property, make a handsome profit and no more tenate headaches. Time will tell!?!?! Top 10 County Park System in the nation? How did that happen? Did you ever see those county workers? They are a bunch of lazy, over paid bums! ;D |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 19, 2007 15:43:25 GMT -5
Go take a look at Downtown Madison NJ !!! An affordable bedroom community like the Boro, 20 Min to the beach, 6 Flags, 1/2 way between NYC and Phili, 40 Min to the Airport, 35 - 45 Min to Trenton and Princeton, Monmouth County is rated with the top 10 county park systems in the NATION, and the rich local history! With MoM, and an appropriately revitalized Downtown...there are many possibilities, and with a rapid increase in property value it may bring, a slumloard will have two options, rent to a more upscale tenant, or sell the property, make a handsome profit and no more tenate headaches. Time will tell!?!?! Top 10 County Park System in the nation? How did that happen? Did you ever see those county workers? They are a bunch of lazy, over paid bums! ;D I KNOW, You think they could control the Goose's who poop all over the grass! FIGFY  OMG..I noticed my spelling here, opps |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 19, 2007 23:44:33 GMT -5
, after 15 years. What's he doing now? Goose control. /off topic, but, what the heck. Off topic, I may be aspiring to the "off topic" champoinship! Goose Control? Not that there is anythink wrong with that!!!  Was his hair combed into a DA comb over? Cheers FIGFY |
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Post by admin on Jan 20, 2007 16:47:03 GMT -5
Ha ha, FIGFY! Funny. This is how pathetic (or funny or something) my love life has been: I recently ran into a guy I used to date, after 15 years. What's he doing now? Goose control. Yup. Well, at least I dated some influential men and certain household name rock musicians to counter-balance THAT. My slate is therefore clean. No I won't kiss and tell, but I am tempted to Write the Book. /off topic, but, what the heck. Do not laugh at the goose man! That business is one of the most comical, and largely a joke, but the owners of those companies make a bundle! If I made what those guys do, I would happily chase geese too. ( or anything else) |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 20, 2007 21:01:50 GMT -5
Do not laugh at the goose man! on the resume... NJ, Goose Man Anyway...Sounds like a title of a Joanie Mithchel song ..."Do not laugh at the goose man" This has gotten WAY off topic....in Matawan |
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Sounds like such icky hard work, doesn't it? Especially when another thrift shop, or taquiera, or bodega, or Latino travel agency, or Spanish-language video rental, or (if we are really lucky) another dollar store or bail bonds operation will come along and fill that space (or the now-vacant Studio Photographers location, or the ever vacant McKelvey Building, etc., etc., ad nauseum) without any effort being expended at all. 
