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May 24, 2004

Mayor Cites Importance of Aesthetic Improvements in Township's Commercial Hubs

This week along a six-block stretch of Inman Avenue, Woodbridge Township's Department of Public Works is finishing up the latest installation of new street furniture to make suburban Colonia feel a bit more like a traditional downtown.

"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."

The installation is part of a coordinated effort by Township officials to provide extra amenities to four of the township's commercial hubs: Inman Avenue in Colonia, Oak Tree Road in Iselin, New Brunswick Avenue in Fords and Hopelawn and Main Street in downtown Woodbridge

Funding came from a $50,000 Middlesex County Downtown Improvement Grant that allows for purchase and installation of a variety of street furniture such as planters, flags, banners, trash receptacles and benches.

"Besides providing comfort to shoppers and pedestrians, public amenities of this kind contribute to a greater sense of community pride," says Mayor Pelzman. "When citizens see local government making improvements in their neighborhood's appearance, it creates a better business climate overall."

Councilwoman Brenda Yori Velasco concurs. "The new street furniture will encourage more pedestrians to walk or take the bus," she says, "Many of our seniors want to walk, and the location of the benches will provide then with rest stops along the way. In addition, some benches are located near bus stops so passengers will have a place to comfortably wait for their transportation."