Ewing Township has taken a step towards revitalizing the 6-acre commercial zone at the intersection of Parkway, North Olden and Lexington avenues.
The Township Council has adopted an ordinance and two resolutions designating the crossroads as an “Area in Need of Redevelopment” and an “Area in Need of Rehabilitation” as allowed under N.J Municipal Land Use Law.
The redevelopment area designation gives a town the ability to name a redeveloper in a public-private partnership to revitalization of a property through zoning flexibility. It also allows financial incentive programs such as a Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT agreement).
The move “underscores Ewing’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing public safety and promoting economic prosperity,” states a township news release. “By leveraging sound urban design principles and long-term investment strategies, Ewing aims to transform the area into a vibrant, attractive and pedestrian-friendly destination that meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Said Mayor Bert Steinmann: “The designation… is something we’ve been working toward for quite a while. This initiative demonstrates our unwavering commitment to revitalizing underutilized spaces, fostering economic growth and creating a more livable and inclusive community for all residents.”
The news release outlines the below key objectives of the redevelopment and rehabilitation measures:
• Enhancing Attractiveness—Through thoughtful urban planning and design interventions, and with the guidance of the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency, the measures seek to enhance the visual appeal of the area, making it more inviting and aesthetically pleasing to residents and visitors;
• Improving Safety—Prioritizing pedestrian safety and creating safe pathways for school children and residents will be a cornerstone of the effort, ensuring that the area becomes a secure and welcoming environment for all;
• Promoting Economic Sustainability—By attracting new businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing existing commercial properties, the township aims to create a sustainable economic ecosystem that generates employment opportunities, drives local prosperity and adds to our tax base; and
• Long-Term Investment—The designation of the redevelopment and rehabilitation zone underscores the township’s commitment to making strategic investments that yield long-term benefits for the community, ensuring that the area remains vibrant and viable for generations to come.
