Rahway has a lot to offer yet other than going to restaurants, there is not much to do downtown, according to a survey, but the overwhelming response to what amenities are missing downtown is that there is no grocery store.
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Editor’s note: This is the 4th part in an ongoing series about the 94-page downtown strategic vision plan that was unanimously adopted by the Planning Board during a special meeting on Feb. 8 and presented to City Council on Feb. 14. This post focuses on other aspects of community input that were not included in Part 3.
The downtown strategic plan included a public input survey, conducted from Aug. 9 through Sept. 10, that received more than 550 responses although not all respondents answered all questions.
There also a need for medical facilities and there are no department stores, clothing stores, or “generally other shops where people can buy things they need.” There’s been an ongoing discussion on this site for years about the desire for — and impediments to — a grocery store downtown.
Other than going to restaurants, there is not much to do downtown, according to stakeholders surveyed. “Uses that are more experiential or an activity, such as an arcade, escape room, or other similar uses should be sought to add diversity.” Some stakeholders noted a lack of “liveliness” downtown that deters them from coming other than going to a restaurant they enjoy; people will come downtown for dinner but leave when their meal is over.
There is not a diversity in the nightlife provided downtown and while there are bars, they have a similar ambiance and serve a similar demographic. Likewise, while there are many restaurants, respondents noted there is not enough diversity in the type of cuisine and price point in the existing establishments. There is not a lounge style bar or somewhere to go dancing. Participants also commented that there is a cigar shop that has a cigar bar, but no Hookah bars.
Some restaurant owners commented that events and city initiatives only seem to be focused on Main Street and East Cherry Street. Irving Street does not get the same level of attention, they said, even though the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is located along Irving Street and Hamilton Stage is located nearby.
The is no place for youth and teens and there’s a lack of daytime population downtown, according to some stakeholders. Children older than 12 are not eligible for childcare government benefits, which creates an issue as to where this age group can go after school and during the summer. A youth/teen center would provide youth have a place to go where they can be supervised and “stay out of trouble.”
There are people walking around to patron the businesses on the weekends and week nights but foot traffic is minimal during weekdays. Stakeholders recommended capitalizing on Merck returning its headquarters to Rahway to increase daytime activity downtown.
Stakeholders generally had positive feedback about city events with businesses reporting an increase in patronage on days events are being held. Events could be improved if they were better organized and kept to the original theme. Other than Hot Rods and Harleys, those surveyed said events blend together and lack identity.
Pedestrian safety should be a priority identify intersections that are unsafe for pedestrians to cross, according to some of the survey respondents. The city implemented rainbow sidewalks at the intersection of East Cherry Street and Irving Street and more vibrant and visible crosswalks should be implemented elsewhere. Additional measures that would cause cars to have to slow down were also recommended.
The downtown strategic plan, as well as the Arts District Redevelopment Plan, suggest the possibility of a roundabout at the five-point intersection where Central Avenue, Irving Street, Hamilton Street and West Main Street come together downtown. Look for more details on that in an upcoming post about “opportunity sites” identified in the downtown strategic plan.
There was some discussion regarding the environmental impact of automobiles and the need to make downtown more bicycle friendly through safety measures such as dedicated bike lanes and providing more bicycle parking locations downtown. The city’s master plan re-examination in 2019 recommended increased walkability throughout the city, alternative means of transportation, and incorporating Complete Streets where possible. Three years ago, City Council approved an ordinance to create designated bikeways or sharrows along almost 4 miles of city roads.
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