DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OWNERS ASK FOR HELP
Red Bank business owner George Lyristis led a plea to the borough council to make changes that would be positive for the downtown Monday night. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi; click to enlarge)
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
It’s going to take a team effort for downtown business owners to make it out of this murky economy alive, says George Lyristis, co-owner of The Bistro at Red Bank.
Time to get the other players involved, then.
Lyristis, along with a handful of other merchants, urged the borough council on Monday night to work with them in getting Red Bank back on track as a buzzing, competitive force in the region. The group wrote a letter to the council outlining what it hopes the governing body can do to get that done.
Keeping the downtown a little cleaner, scaling back parking enforcement and adding signs to direct motorists to parking lots will do, Lyristis said.
“We all have to chip in at this point,” said Lyristis, the de facto voice for business owners at Monday’s meeting.
For one, the downtown needs to be cleaner, the letter said. Even though RiverCenter, the borough’s independent agency charged with promoting the downtown, has someone routinely picking up litter, it’s not enough. The letter suggested adding a weekend day for public works to pick up garbage to keep cans from overflowing.
There also needs to be better signage in town, the letter said.
“Half the wayfinding signs are broken or incorrect,” it read. “People who come here have to be shown where to go to find parking and businesses; they can’t here because there’s nothing showing them the way.”
Then there’s the always-hot parking issue.
Lyristis and company are down on the $38 parking ticket. And even if enforcement has been relaxed recently, Lyristis said the perception of Red Bank’s metering needs to change.
He said his other restaurant, Zoe, in Little Silver, is getting clientele who used to come to the Bistro, but have avoided the parking headache in Red Bank by heading a town over.
“I don’t think it was the $38 ticket one time. I think it was the two, three, four, five times,” he said. “The perception is still there. I think we need to change that.”
That all could be changed, he said, with a parking garage.
“We need a parking garage!” the letter read. “If we had a garage, we wouldn’t have to worry about our employees or customers getting tickets.”
Of course, Lyristis doesn’t expect a garage put up with the snap of the fingers. He would, however, like an outlined plan of what the council is going to do about parking in the future.
Councilman Mike DuPont said while the council has made steps to help the downtown economy in the last year, he understands more is needed.
He wants people to know that, “Hey, look, we’re trying to get our groove back and make (Red Bank) more customer-friendly.”
With fierce competition from Asbury Park and Long Branch’s Pier Village, Lyristis said Red Bank can’t afford to lose visitors because of a few broken signs and the fear of losing money on a parking ticket.
“Please listen to your businesses’ needs,” the letter to the council said. “We cover over 40 percent of your property taxes and we need your help.”
Here’s the letter: letter-drafted-to-mayor-council-for-businesses
Jan 25, 2011 @ 11:16:10
I dont think it was the $38 ticket one time. I think it was the two, three, four, five times, he said. The perception is still there. I think we need to change that.
George, while I understand the need of some businesses…you are disregarding what a MAJORITY of the residents do not want. You can beat the parking garage story to death, but in the end…no one has the money to build it. There isn’t some white knight waiting in the wings, in this economy, to build a multimillion dollar garage.
& you think you are suffering now….wait until they take away 500 parking spots while they are construction your hallowed garage. You’re going to wish to God you never heard the word parking garage. You think parking is bad…wait til construction starts. & no matter how long they say it takes to complete, it will be much longer. Always is. So be careful what you wish for.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 11:38:15
Jennifer come to the meeting next time I asked for an answer YES or NO. I want an answer so we can plan on the future with a garage or not. If we get a no then I want the lots fixed more lighting in those lots fix the light down by the marina that are out. make the lots look more inviting.
And the white street lot does not 500+ spots I wish it had. We barely have half of that. Yes my letter stated we need a garage but then I for an answer a time frame of sorts.
here is my Letter
Dear Mayor & Council:
The businesses of Red Bank have been struggling over the past two years. Many of us are barely holding on and are trying to stay open until this economic crisis finally passes. Many things that in good economic times were frustrating are now costing us customers and business in a time when we cant afford it. Although RiverCenter represents us, we know they also have to maintain a relationship with the Borough and cannot say everything we might want them to say. So, we have a few points wed like you to consider.
1. Red Bank needs to be more CONVENIENT for customers. The perception to our customers is that its a pain to come to Red Bank, so they go somewhere else. Between the parking meters not accepting credit cards and the aggressive ticketing with a $38 ticket, its just easier for them to go elsewhere. And they are.
2. We need PROPER SIGNAGE. Half the wayfinding signs are broken or incorrect. People who come here have to be shown where to go to find parking and businesses; they cant here because theres nothing showing them the way.
3. The parking lots are poorly lit, making it unsafe (or at least unsafe feeling) to return to them at night.
4. The streets are dirty. RiverCenter has someone picking up litter around the downtown, but its not enough. It appears the street cleaner no longer cleans the streets downtown as often as it used to. Another reason the streets and sidewalks are dirty is because of the sloppy and uncaring way the trash is picked up by Public Works. Weve seen them empty the cans on the sidewalks and not pick up whatever falls out into the street or on the walkway.
5. Add a weekend day to garbage pickup. The litter lockers fill up and overflow from not being emptied on the busiest days of the week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We need at least one weekend day pickup to help keep this from happening.
6. Benches have disappeared from many areas on the sidewalks. RiverCenter pays to maintain them, but when they are hit by plows or cars they get taken to Public Works and are not fixed and returned.
7. New ordinances that affect the downtown are talked about at the Borough without first talking to the businesses and RiverCenter to get input on the consequences of some ordinances. Although were informed of them most of the time by RiverCenter, why dont we get talked to about them ahead of time so we can make sure theyre not going to further hurt us?
8. We need a parking garage! If we had a garage, we wouldnt have to worry about our employees or customers getting tickets!
We know times are tough for the Borough too, but we need you to work together with us to get Red Bank back to the great town it was before the economy and competition from Asbury Park and Pier Village hit us. We cant keep chasing our customers away with $38 tickets, no change machines, no signs telling them where to park, and more. Please listen to your businesses needs; we cover over 40% of your property taxes and we need your help.
Sincerely,
Red Bank Businesses
Lets not focus on the big stuff instead lets fix the little things first was my concerns
Jan 25, 2011 @ 11:43:26
Residents also do not want there taxes going up and Im telling you when all these landlord start fighting there taxes you will see how much the downtown pays into them. I am not saying the garage is the answers It wasn’t even a major part of my pitch. Immediately people look at the garage to talk about. Tell you what i dont care about the garage cause reality is I nor you will make that decision and it’s way above my pay grade. BUT look at everything else in that letter lets start with that stuff and work our way up to an answer to a garage. I dont care if it’s even no as long as I have an answer and start correcting our lots and meter problems.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 12:28:24
George,
I applaud your initiative. Personally, Red Bank has to work for those of who live here and those who run businesses here. I would hope that a combined group of residents and businesses could work together to create a plan that addresses some short term issues, such as those you point out, and a longer term plan.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 13:22:07
George,
I was at the last garage meeting. The one where about 150 residents came to voice their disapproval at the cost of the garage.
I agree they need better signage. I agree that they need proper lighting. The garbage pickup, well that should be addressed as well. But you could have a garage that is poorly lit & dirty as well as a dirty parking lot.
I think people are misinformed. It’s as if people are convinced that “If we build it, they will come.”
I wouldn’t compare Red Bank to Pier Village, as I have seen many stores there disappear as well (Shore Runner, Atlantic Books to name just two).
You want a garage, but do you have any idea how much it costs to build one? Who is going to pay for that? Not just the construction, but the maintenance, the upkeep, the employees, etc. Everyone wants wants wants, but no one can come up with any answers. At the last garage meeting the council was laughed at when they said their budget projections were for a garage that was full to capacity 24/7.
There’s no parking shortage in Red Bank because we don’t have any stores left. Be reasonable. Or come up with some numbers, legitimate numbers. Don’t just say we need one. I need a lot of things, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 13:28:08
So, if the benches and signs are put back, and the trash picked up, and the overtime parking tickets are reduced………..you would be happy? Of course, if the town that cannot manage on it”s budget now, and historically could not manage a parking garage, were to put up a multimillion dollar garage, you would be happier. But could you survive the year or two it would take to build it., with the dirt and noise and confusion, and absolutely no access to the white street lot?
Jan 25, 2011 @ 13:45:02
be reasonable? This is the third time I’m going to say the garage was mentioned only to give me an answer to one YES OR NO. That’s a reasonable question to ask. They have all the numbers of how much it will cost and all the crap that goes with it. They have been talking and studying a garage from before i came into town 15 years ago. nationals that try to come into town all said there was not enough parking they all went to the grove instead.
The garage is not even in my top 10 of things i want done around the downtown district but you and everyone else will focus on it and disregard the rest of it. HOW about the pink line still on Broad St? better leave cause the two yellow lines are now almost gone. lets talk about the parking lots for instance that need to be repaved or potholes fixed. Or instead of giving out tickets only tell the meter people to call in the DPW to fix holes or clean the lots.
How about a meter with 15 minute button when you press it you ave 15 minutes to come back with change? How about getting some better signs or maps as to where out of towners can find parking or other important building in town.
NAHH your to busy trying to kill a garage that you and I will never have a voice on. I asked for an answer so I can get my lots looking better then the disrepair they are in now.
PS I made some phone calls for the clock for you and a few concerned about its removal. I’m working on finding an answer for you. I agree in needs to stay.
you asked me to come up with answers I ask the same to you. Find me solutions to better our downtown. seems there is a real disconnect with the residents and the downtown district and i blame alot of people for using my downtown a pawn in other fights that the downtown was not apart of but drawn in.
So please don’t use the garage to distract what Im saying its not my mission to build one nor can I. Im trying to get my downtown back in order to help serve the people who come. yes its sad there are empty store fronts no need for you to remind me but I will remind you that every week that goes by we are attracting newer and better tenants to help provide better services to the residents.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 13:53:22
I will bet you dont even shop in town. I will even go as far as you will tell me there nothing for you in the downtown right? Maybe the answer is to just board it all up and everyone move out. I do not understand If the streets you live in had potholes you would go to the council and ask for them to be filled. If your garbage was not picked up on the day it was supposed to you would be the first to make your phone calls. If your Street sign where you lived was taken down or a plow destroyed it you would call for it to get replaced. WHY cause you pay your taxes well I pay my taxes too. I think I do a great service to the town as well by having a honest business here for more then 15 years now. Donating to at least 20 charities a week and happy to do so.
Stop drinking the kool-aid Im not here for a garage Im here to clean up and fix the downtown make it better for you and everyone else who wants to enjoy it.
WOW
Jan 25, 2011 @ 13:54:46
The parking Lot put up on Front Street was put up in weeks not years. these things are prefabs now. Lets keep to the facts.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 14:16:35
George,
I hope that last rant wasn’t directed at me. Because I live in town, shop in town & work in town. & I have eaten in your restaurant numerous times. BTW your calamari salad is delicious.
I want downtown cleaned up as well. I put my garbage out 1 day a week as I don’t really accumulate that much stuff. Trying to reuse & recycle as much as possible.
I also work in a construction related field. I also lived through a parking lot build while I was attending a MAJOR University that had a SUBSTANTIAL parking deficiency.
While I SYMPATHIZE with downtown businesses I DO NOT, WILL NOT AND CANNOT support a structure that is TOO EXPENSIVE to build.
I didn’t ask you to come up with an answer, I asked you to come up with numbers.
You’re a business person & before you go attacking me…maybe you should find out that I’m not someone just spewing off the top of my head. I work with construction numbers all day long. I don’t just sit around complaining that my customers get $38 tickets because they are too stupid to put an extra quarter in the meter.
& besides,your DINNER CUSTOMERS don’t pay for parking after 6 pm or at all on Sunday.
Guess I’ll take my love for your calamari salad elsewhere & make sure to spread the word to all my friends.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 14:43:24
Yes Jennifer that’s the answer go after the guy who is just trying to get some things changed in town for the better. if you live in town shop in town you can see where I made my points. And we are still talking about the garage instead of discussing what all my points where at the meeting besides the Garage. You keep forgetting I just asked for an answer to a if we can actually get an answer after 15+ years of talking about a garage we have neglected to find other solutions to better the parking issues.
my repsonse was to this post
“So, if the benches and signs are put back, and the trash picked up, and the overtime parking tickets are reduced ..you would be happy? Of course, if the town that cannot manage on its budget now, and historically could not manage a parking garage, were to put up a multimillion dollar garage, you would be happier. But could you survive the year or two it would take to build it., with the dirt and noise and confusion, and absolutely no access to the white street lot?”
That just belittle everything I was saying.
Im not here to offend you nor am looking to pick a fight but you keep bringing up the garage and I really dont care if we get one or not but until we get an answer we will never do anything else to better the parking issue. No need to call people stupid cause they forget to pay a meter long enough or that thing just happen and you get caught up on doing things while your in town. we dont have enough Long term parking.
Sorry you feel I attacked you thats was not my point. Im not here to upset people i was merely pointing out I pay taxes too and if the stuff that I pointed out in mmy letter which was backed by many residents as well needed to be addressed. i wish I never even wrote the parking Garage it was Mayor Menna who mentioned we had a shortage last week I only added it cause my group asked me to include it as well.
Your missing everythigg else im saying cause your stuck on the garage.
can we just forget about the garage I could careless if we get one or not it will not make a difference to me now. i need change now.
again im not here to cause a fight you want to discuss it the pro and cons message me on facebook and lets meet.
Im trying to get the town back on track and this negitive and and fourth is not what imlooking for. look at what I was saying Im trying really hard here to regenerate the town.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 14:46:34
Of course, Lyristis doesnt expect a garage put up with the snap of the fingers. He would, however, like an outlined plan of what the council is going to do about parking in the future.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 15:25:49
Am I the only person who can always find parking in the lots behind Broad Street? They seem to be a well kept secret among folks who have trouble parking in town. If I had a nickel for everyone who I told about them who claimed not to know they existed I could pay for a parking ticket.
Could the city please replace and/or put up some signs to direct folks to those spaces (and maybe reconsider allowing quite so many of them to be reserved for brokerage houses)? Much cheaper than a parking garage and a faster solution to the problem.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 15:29:59
George, I commend you for trying to get something done (or should I say, started). Your bullet points are valid and I agree with you, but the real issue at hand in RB is the lack of practical, quality businesses. I want to do my shopping in RB. There was once a time when I went downtown first for anything I needed. I can not say that now. Steinbach’s, Matlack’s, Kislin’s, Talbot, Radio Shack, Woolworth’s, Prown’s… all gone (the list goes on and on and on) with no viable replacements. Thankfully Professional Pharmacy holds on or I couldn’t even get a newspaper downtown!
Jan 25, 2011 @ 15:52:33
Brett I agree on many of those stores gone didn’t help but you came blame the town or who is left. Most of those places you mentioned are long gone from every downtown and you can thank Home Depot and Walmart for that. but there are some really great stores just moved in or are moving in the downtown is changing and for the better. It’s gonna take some work but with everyone help we can do it.
Kathy you are 100% right about those lots being under used and I did bring up signage for those lots and to add to it I think those lots need better signage as well to explain when you can park and not. Most think that parking is only private.
I would rather concentrate on the stuff we can change then fight over.
PS just got an email that DPW was on White street cleaning up the lot.
thank you
Jan 25, 2011 @ 15:52:40
2nd time in agreement w/ Brett today. Unbelievable. 🙂
Brett, you missed a good time at the reunion!
Jan 25, 2011 @ 16:09:30
I dont know why people feel so attacked by talking about the parking garage. Lets just thow that out the window here because we all know the town is never going to ok it. on that note, we should all just concentrate on the getting the downtown to thrive again.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 16:16:57
I’m sorry you thought I was doing anything but asking a question.
The garage idea is a bad penny that keeps turning up. The other points were fairly simple. So why do you feel so threatened by the question that you haven’t answered?
Jan 25, 2011 @ 18:07:33
“So, if the benches and signs are put back, and the trash picked up, and the overtime parking tickets are reduced ..you would be happy?”
Yes and then I would get another punch list ready for the town. Im not following why you feel Im asking to much? Or I have the nerve to even ask for this?
“Of course, if the town that cannot manage on its budget now, and historically could not manage a parking garage, were to put up a multimillion dollar garage, you would be happier.”
I dont care if we get one or not I would much rather have an answer of NO then to dangle a carrot in front of me for 15+ years. I just want to fix the lots that we have with the money put to the side for a garage we paid into.
But could you survive the year or two it would take to build it., with the dirt and noise and confusion, and absolutely no access to the white street lot?
I didn’t see it take years on front street or zillions of dollars but Im not in construction. But If I remember nott he whole lot was gonna be shut down the whole time it was gonna be built and the part that would be constructed would then open up and the other side would be constructed. Thats how I remember it. But again I dont care about a lot seems all everyone wanted to hear was that and missed some very important points. FORGET the lot but how about all the other points I made can we just concentrate on that(fifth time Im saying this)
“dont know why people feel so attacked by talking about the parking garage. Lets just thow that out the window here because we all know the town is never going to ok it. on that note, we should all just concentrate on the getting the downtown to thrive again.”
“I dont just sit around complaining that my customers get $38 tickets because they are too stupid to put an extra quarter in the meter.” attack
“Guess Ill take my love for your calamari salad elsewhere & make sure to spread the word to all my friends.”
attack
I didn’t answer the post cause like i said you missed all my points I was making AND for the sixth time I dont care if we get a garage or not I just want an answer if its no then I will ask for other options to address the parking problem. I am not here looking for a fight i did not come here looking to push a garage on anyone. It way above my pay grade. I was just asking to get the town looking good again. We spent 250,000 dollars on the way-finding signs and most of them are not even up i dont want that money going to waste.
So Im not he one who felt attacked I merely kept pointing out forget the garage someone else can fight that fight. I am more concerned about today and where the foot traffic went. i cannot control what stores are leaving or left for that matter. Times changes businesses change. I wish TWO GUYS was still around when I go home to visit my parents but i dont hold the town or the business responsible. I would love to take my kids to a five and dime but there all gone.
So you tell me is it better for me just to shut up and watch the town fall apart or speak out and try to make a change. As small as the things i asked in that letter it still needs to be said. I will have more to add at the next meeting.
I have no political ties I am only looking out for my downtown. I have been here for 15 years and slowly watch this town change. Im not staying quite anymore.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 18:45:49
You seem not to be able to discern the difference between the names on these posts. Go back and read them again. You are speaking with two different people.
And I have another question. Do you live in Red Bank? Please, no tirades. Just a simple yes or no will suffice.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 19:12:31
I was responding to both since your mother and daughter. And I dont live in in Red Bank. I do pay taxes though I do care about Red Bank. Do I have to live here to care? Thank you though for proving my points on what broken in town. I will stop ressponding now. Anyone can read tne thread all you two wanted to see was a garage that I kept saying I dont care if I get in town or not. Nice come back though “do I live in town” I ve been here for 15 years serving this town so just cause I dont sleep here I should just shut up. How about just ignore
Jan 25, 2011 @ 19:13:29
I was responding to both since your mother and daughter. And I dont live in in Red Bank. I do pay taxes though I do care about Red Bank. Do I have to live here to care? Thank you though for proving my points on what broken in town. I will stop ressponding now. Anyone can read tne thread all you two wanted to see was a garage that I kept saying I dont care if I get in town or not. Nice come back though “do I live in town” I ve been here for 15 years serving this town so just cause I dont sleep here I should just shut up. How about just ignore comments like that instead
Jan 25, 2011 @ 19:16:21
After a quick search, I find it interesting to note that Bistro George lives in Edison. & that information came the Monmouth County tax page. Public information is a great thing.
I don’t mind that you brought your business to Red Bank, but to sit around & say “my downtown” is not correct. Your downtown would be Rt. 27 near the Menlo mall if I am correct in my Edison knowledge. & while I do not mind you bringing something to Red Bank, it’s hard to listen to someone that doesn’t live here, or even in Monmouth County tell people that do live here & pay taxes what they should do with their taxes. Great you pay rent, but the residents of Red Bank will have to burden the cost of a garage.
& before we go any further, the topic you brought up said – this could all be changed with a parking garage. Your words George.
I wonder why you picked Red Bank & not Edison as your place of business.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 19:30:42
great one Mike. That letter was sign by Red Bank Business 30 to be exact. and I pointed out that was point number 8 and your MAYOR since I dont live here pointed out we have a parking problem on APP so We decided to add that in there. If you were at your town meeting yuo would have heard me only ask for answer to the parking garage so we can find other solutions to the parking issues.
BUT just keep attacking me for asking a little better quality of life in the downtown district.
with comments like your ever wonder maybe thats a great reason why we have so many empty store fronts. Where does the hate come from?
I have no idea what makes you think I dont pay taxes I’ld be happy to show you.
never mind 10th time who cares about a damn garage we will never see one cause they will never give us answer.
YOU will never get a yes or no I merely pointed out give us a time frame and after that we cant fix the issues with or without.
How else can I spell it out. seven other points and thats all we focus on.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 19:52:03
George:
There will be no garage.
There’s the “no” you’ve been asking for.
I wouldn’t call the negative responses “hate”.
It’s probably more frustration that every time someone takes exception to one of your views you reel off another 7 or 8 paragraphs complaining about that.
Just read how much you’ve written here compared to everyone else.
I appreciate that you want to improve things.
I don’t appreciate that you think you’re the only one that knows what they’re doing.
Try listening more and you’ll get more support.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 19:59:40
thanks Kev points taken. garage is not an issue many other things we need to talk about was my point. just felt like I was defending myself
Jan 25, 2011 @ 20:13:22
I don’t get all this misdirected anger at George..this downtown is just as much his as it is any of yours ,he’ll he probably spends more time here than any of you…we business owners spend more in taxes give your kids jobs etc.without the downtown what have you got?higher taxes …the bistro helped change the face of this town 15 years ago when they opened here and dumped a boatload of money to open a restaurant..No one wanted to be here when it was dead bank…..he is fighting for all of us …so maybe all you haters need to get up off your asses and attend a council meeting…maybe we don’t need a garage but have you seen the craters in the parking lots? And no they didn’t just get there ,it’s called neglect people…maybe the anger needs to be directed at the public officials you voted in who just drop the ball and rest on their laurels …
Jan 25, 2011 @ 20:16:15
Red Bank needs to be desirable again to new businesses to come in and make it great again
Jan 25, 2011 @ 20:24:59
@ Kevin And Mike …those responses were so negative and actually hateful and it is your attitudes that bring towns down….how about the retailers coming in and saying no to red bank because front street looks like a slum…go ahead guys you put you money where your mouth is and open something…most of the retailers don’t live in red bank but they sure as shit pay enough taxes to keep your schools open and fire dept and police going….imagine this town without business or the thwarted…WHAT HAVE YOU GOT? Answer that and then attack
Jan 25, 2011 @ 20:40:17
No one is “hating” here. They are just pointing out facts. No one said they didn’t want a “clean” downtown with nice stores & better infrastructure. We all want that. But don’t write a letter, take it to the council under the guise of better lighting, when you are really pushing for a garage.
I read the letter submitted. I didn’t see any signatures on it. I only saw it signed Red Bank Businesses Owners. George put himself out there as the person presenting the letter, I merely argued that he was wrong. I am entitled to my opinion, which is supported by facts…..I will not be bullied into believing we need a garage.
If the residents pay 60% of the property taxes & commercial property owners pay 40% – guess what? Only property owners get to vote. Put it to the people. Let them vote for what they want. What’s wrong with that? No one forced George to bring his business here. It’s great that he wants to improve the town, but you can’t tell me a garage will solve our problems.
How much will it cost to park in that garage all day? I bet a lot more than 25 cents for the 1/2 hour we get now.
It’s not about hating, it’s about facts & I don’t agree.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 20:40:31
Disagreeing is not attacking. Treating two opinions as one, and replying as such is condescending, and insulting. Answering a simple question with a tirade is simply beligerant.
If you open something up for discussion, you should be able to discuss it, sanely and respectfully.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 21:18:09
Wow! Looks like the good ol’ RBG comments page is BACK! I don’t know about the garage and the garbage and everything else mentioned, but I’ll definitely agree with George on one thing: I wish Two Guys was still around, along with all the stores Brett mentioned. There’s nothing left in Red Bank for me now except for the thrift shop and the antique stores. I hate how time has changed the face of Red Bank.
Jan 26, 2011 @ 07:34:16
George is a concerned taxpayer in Red Bank and a long time respected & successful, RB business man. He just wants to get something done in town, which will help to increase business in town & make the downtown a more desirable, beautiful & easier place to come. His mistake was that he even mentioned the word parking garage. That threw residents into attack mode and everyone lost the true message of his words. He has said time after time that the garage is not his focus. More & better garbage cans, litter pick-up, and signage is what I am hearing needs to be addressed. This is not a time to attack, but a time to come together as residents & businesses & support these ideas, (leaving out the garage), that will help Red Bank to become more beautiful and user friendly. RB does need these things. So, we should ALL try to be part of the solution instead of the problem. I say you GO GUY! I support you & your ideas. I will help! We DO need new garbage cans and I will help push for a grant to get them, infact… I think we had a grant for new garbage cans, but it was never acted on. That needs to be re-visited. I know that the RBRHS Environmental Club was designated to make a recommendation as to where RB needs cans. Don’t we all want the same thing? A more beautiful, cleaner, easier to get around, RB? Without raising taxes?
Jan 26, 2011 @ 13:27:42
The point everyone is missing is that if the downtown doesn’t get better soon every landlord will seek a reduction in their property taxes. As rents have gone down so have the values of all of the downtown. It is not unfair estimate that the downtown is over valued by 15-20%. If the downtown is 40% of the tax base and the downtown gets a 10% reduction in appraised values guess who picks up the difference, the residences. It is in everyone’s interest to see that the downtown is supported.
Jan 26, 2011 @ 14:17:20
George,
Thank you, I truly appreciate all the time and effort you are spending on behalf of our little town.
To all of you who do not understand let me try to make it clear.
1. Trash in the borough cans that line Front, Broad, and Monmouth Streets overflow every weekend. Council FIX IT!!! Besides if Monday is a legal holiday the trash really piles up and when it overflows the borough employess do not pick up the loose trash when it spills over.
2. Riverside Gardens is beautiful can not imagine the dollars spent on it. So why is Marine Park falling apart????
Lights do not work at night, erosion is overwhelming, broken sidewalks throughout, and the money spent on the new bulkhead last year the horseshoe and west portion behind the tennis ct still floods in heavy rain. Hell of a waiste of money, that did not solve the overall problem. This is our MAIN park, most of our functions use this park — if its not safe people will not come.
3. With no one allowed to smoke indoors any where in town, how about some ash trays for workers, and cunsumers to use rather than tossing them in the tree mulch. I personaly put out three smoldering mulch piles last summer. I commened Silient Bobs even though its just an old coffee can in the corner of his store its a place for folks to but there butts, thank you so much for that. The borough adopted the smoke free policy they need to find a why to make the butts on the ground go away. I propose to all the businesses to put out something for cigarettes PLEASE.
4. I have walk around the town constantly and see more recyclable cans and bottles (mostly beer) all over. Why can’t the borough place out some recyclying cans around the town.
5. Yes parking is a problem, there I said it. But a parking garage is NOT the only answer. It would be nice but NOT manditory. The borough needs to allocate more spaces in the lots we have to retail customes instead of all the brokerage firms. Why not move some of the employee parking to Marine Park its empty 95% of the time. Give the Mechanic – Linden place lots some more retail spaces. Drop the ticket cost. If snow removal is a headace then post no parking signs when road is snow covered, then once plowed clear people can park again. Some day I do beleive Red Bank will have and support a parking structure, but since it has been in discussed openly for almost a hundred years it will not happen soon, stop making it the forefront of discussion leave it be shut up about it, its not happing drop it. Lets move on and fix the crappy lots we have and move on.
6. I have counted a number of street lights that are either out or blink on and off all night long. Council FIX THEM so every one comming to town can walk down the street and feel safe. If you don’t know which ones are out keep someone on at night to look for them, send out a notice and hot line for residents and businesses to call them in, but FIX THEM!!!!
ok I am done for now hope you all help to fix our business distrect, not only do we pay taxes either directly or indirectly, we bring people to town and that helps our neighbor stores to invite them in which helps them and vice versa.
Thanks
jim
Jan 26, 2011 @ 15:07:35
The power company owns the street lights and fixes them……they have a spot on their website to report broken lights. You just need to tell them the pole number, or the address and location if you don’t know the pole number
Jan 26, 2011 @ 16:59:12
Anthony:
If George found my response hateful, Id apologize to him.
But apparently he didnt.
Hateful seems like a strong word to describe my response.
But you would know better than me what sort of response makes you hate a person.
Maybe you should be as tolerant of other viewpoints as you would like me to be of theirs.
George acknowledged my point so I’m not going to belabor it.
But judging by ALL of the comments Id say your judgment of whats negative is selective.
And I guess I could put my money where my mouth is by opening a store here.
But instead Ill just say as an RB taxpayer I have as as much right to voice my opinions on RB as any other stakeholder.
I’m not going to jump through whatever hoops you think are necessary to make my views seem legitimate to you.
I’m not against some of the initiatives George bought up.
I’m just against anyone thinking they’re going to dictate how those initiatives are pursued.
I do want to see RB businesses succeed including yours.
I don’t see how your aggressive attacks against potential customers just because they disagree with you will help your business.
I’d still like to give your place a try, because it’s the food that matters to me.
But not everyone is like me in that respect.
Jan 29, 2011 @ 06:11:55
George and his family are hard workers who have brought to Red Bank an elegant, yet edgy restaurant with both high quality food and service for over 15 years. The Bistro is a landmark in Red Bank, and I believe that they have earned the right to a voice in town. I also believe that his intentions are only to improve the quality of life for both business owners and residents alike in Red Bank. He should be commended for representing 30 business owners in town, and we should recognize that he is speaking on the behalf of all of them, not for himself alone. I am a fairly new business owner in town and I would have to agree that the foot traffic in Red Bank has died down considerably in recent months, even since just last September. I’m struggling to stay in business and I desperately want to remain in town but I have to consider my bottom line and the losses I have already incurred. And as a new business owner, without an established clientele,I need foot traffic customers, or I just won’t be able to hang on. During these hard economic times we must all work together, residents and business owners alike to bring back to Red Bank the reputation it has amongst the general public, that it is THE Destination spot in New Jersey for both shopping and dining. The question then is how does one do that exactly? Well for starters it would help to realize that we are on the same team, and work together. Local business owners in Red Bank and residents alike need to understand that in order for the town to remain vital and prosperous, we have to make it friendlier to our visitors. George along with the other business owners have brought up 7 very valid ways to increase foot traffic. #1 is to make Red Bank more convenient- this should be everyones first step. Forget the parking garage, how ELSE can we do this? No matter how we slice it, the meters are a deterrent and a total inconvenience to both residents and their guests, and business owners and their customers. I bet if we add a poll to the bottom of Red Bank Green here, asking the public their opinion, we will have an overwhelming majority that say that the meter parking deters them from coming to town,and just isn’t worth the risk of a $38 ticket, if forgotten and remains unpaid it increases to $76 fine which in turn, a few months later can turn into a warrant, or a suspension of one’s license, when they can shop in other local malls without that hassle. So, let’s change that perception!! How about meters that offer custom times and credit card options and not just a pre-set 4 hour clip of parking. Customers want to do the right thing and pay for the amount of time they need to stay, but are always feeling rushed or out of quarters to pay their meters and as a result, they either come and go too quickly, or don’t come into town at all. As a business owner who cannot leave my store to throw more money into the meters past the 4 hour clip, I know how frustrating it can be to try and do the right thing and be ticketed regardless. After the first few tickets, let’s be honest, how many of us would come back to town, if we didn’t have to be here? That’s the question we have to all ask ourselves! Whether or not the above solution is viewed as an acceptable solution to the inconvenient parking,is not my point. My point is that it will benefit everyone to come up with a solution to make Red Bank more convenient and inviting to the general public. Lets face it, there are several towns in the surrounding areas that have more convenient parking and shopping and dining experiences at the moment, and we are losing our customers to that very convenience of parking for free without hassles. So as George and the other business owners pointed out in their letter, let’s find a way to make Red Bank more convenient, cleaner, safer and work together to promote a better Red Bank. Taking jabs at people who are trying to improve the town, will not help the current situation at all, we have to handshake and support one another and compromise. Residents should want to frequent local businesses and bring their friends into town. We can only ALL benefit from increased foot traffic and a better perception of Red Bank as THE Destination place for shopping and dining. It had that reputation for a very long time, let’s not let it slip away, let’s re-gain it now and make it an even better DESTINATION spot.