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February 26, 2004

Sometimes the opportunity to just sit and relax is good for business. Woodbridge Township's Department of Public Works installed 14 new wooden benches on the sidewalk along Oak Tree Road's main business district this week as part of a coordinated effort to provide extra amenities to the township's commercial hubs. "We are always looking for ways to assist our business community," said Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. "One very effective method is to make the public space outside their shops as pleasant and customer-friendly as possible." Funding came from a Middlesex County Downtown Improvement Grant for $50,000 that allows for the purchase and installation of a variety of street furniture such as planters, flags, banners, trash receptacles and benches. Mayor Pelzman said Inman Avenue in Colonia, New Brunswick Avenue in Fords and Hopelawn and Main Street in downtown Woodbridge would receive improvements similar to those along Oak Tree Road. The four-block area in Iselin where the benches went up is populated by numerous retail storefront businesses that draw thousands of pedestrians during a typical weekend shopping period. Besides the benches, five new trash receptacles were added to the 12 already existing trash units in the area. Councilwoman Pat Osborne was on hand with the Mayor to watch the installation. She noted that the benches would help contribute to an even greater sense of community pride. "When citizens see local government making improvements in their neighborhood's appearance, it lifts up everyone's spirits and creates a better business climate overall."