Copyright: Star-Ledger. Circa 1999, redeveloping JSQ during the era of Mayor Bret Schundler

The Jersey Journal (JJ) asks today why the redevelopment of Journal Square is taking so long. The editorial points the finger to the Special Improvement District (SID) – the agency responsible for the beautification of our district, including the promotion of local businesses.

Snippet of the editorial:

… It is time to re-evaluate this agency, which is funded by imposing special tax assessments on commercial property owners to produce what initial taxes failed to provide — clean streets, security and successful promotion of Journal Square.

There is little evidence that the SID does much to help shop owners or attract a bounty of new retail stores that are a step up from fast-food eateries. It is time to go beyond providing new facades for old stores…

JJ then proceeds to compare JSQ SID to other SID’s of New Jersey, including our neighbor Mcginley Square. “…The McGinley Square SID seems more successful. It at least provides a newsletter and holds events — and volunteers run the agency’s show. It is time for some accountability in Journal Square.”

Read the rest HERE.

Also posted on 07306 Forum

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