Revitalization Plan Summary
 The
Borough of Washington is located within the southern portion
of Warren County, at the intersection of New Jersey Routes
31 and 57. Washington ’s downtown serves
as a commercial hub for the residents of the Borough, neighboring
Washington Township and several nearby municipalities. The
downtown area begins, at its western edge, at the intersection
of Route 57 and Wandling Avenue. The eastern edge of the downtown
is located at the intersection of Route 57 with Route 31. Within
the downtown a variety of uses have -persisted, including banks,
taverns, restaurants, services, convenience stores, churches,
public uses and social services. However, a general feeling
has arisen that the downtown is in decline.
This
sense was confirmed in a survey of business owners and residents
conducted in 1999. While the survey found that the primary
characteristics responsible for its success included its small
town feel, friendly people, and excellent access,it also identified
issues that were contributing to its decline. Among those issues
were a lack of adequate parking, an insufficient range of business,and
the unattractiveness of storefronts and streets. These issues
were identified as being restrictive to the ability of the
downtown to draw and maintain the level of activity that is
necessary to sustain a successful business district.
In response to these survey results,the Mayor and Council
appointed the Downtown Revitalization Committee to chart
a course for renewal within the downtown. Through their input
and guidance, this Downtown Revitalization Plan has been developed.
This plan contains an analysis of the characteristics of the
downtown, including existing land uses, street conditions,
parking, historic architecture, pedestrian circulation and
property ownership. It also incorporates the findings of the
economic development market analysis, which was prepared for
the Committee by Urban Partners. Finally, the plan sets forth
a bold vision for a rejuvenated downtown, which is expressed
through maps, illustrations and text.
This vision
includes an expansion of commercial and residential space
sheathed in exciting and functional architecture. Vibrant streetscapes,
with ornamental lighting, seating,outdoor cafes and artists ’displays,
will flank a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Route 57. Public
open space of various sizes will be woven through the downtown
fabric, connected through generous pedestrian ways. Centralized
areas will provide easily accessed and safe parking for businesses
and residents. Route 31 will be transformed as a gateway to
herald the presence of the new downtown with human-scaled architecture,
planted medians and groves of shade trees.
The Downtown Revitalization
Plan contains a blueprint for the physical configuration
of the various elements that will comprise the rejuvenated
downtown.It also contains recommendations for changes to the
zoning and
land development code.While it has not been conceived as
a master plan element,it may be adopted as an appendix to
the Borough Master Plan. A formal redevelopment plan may
be necessary in order to fully implement the recommendations
within this plan. This plan provides much of the information
that would be required to prepare such a plan.
|
