A small, two-screen movie theater, night clubs, and ground-floor retail space for entertainment-related businesses could build upon the foundation provided by the Union County Arts Center.
Consumers expresse
d a desire for more arts and entertainment retailers and events, specifically entertainment, recreation and activities/events. Consultants recommended a strategy of recruiting entertainment-related businesses to the Entertainment District, which would run along Irving Street from East Milton and Central avenues. First-floor retail space could house photography studios, dance studios, ticket agencies, a costume store and arts supplies, among others. Upper floors could be home to theatrical agencies, advertising agencies, public relations firms, production companies, acting schools and the like.
As for more recreation-related businesses, most are not well suited for the downtown area because they require large spaces at minimal rents, according to the survey. A billiards hall or arcade center might be exceptions, and if located downtown, would be best suited in the Entertainment District, but could work better along Campbell Street where “some of the older industrial buildings could be adapted for reuse.”
Consultants noted a “distinct absence of downtown green space and leisure areas” and expressed the need to explore opportunities for creating parks and leisure areas downtown. If not possible, consideration should be given to activate the waterfront and create parks and recreation areas in proximity to downtown.
Previous Rahway Survey posts:
Retail demands of new growth
Three distinct retail districts downtown
Enough demand for 18 restaurants
Retail supply and demand
Restaurants would draw us downtown (among other things)
Rahway Survey results are in
This is all great but if we do not address the school situation no one will be moving to Rahway. Let’s have a survey on how we would like to educate our children.
Hey anon- we GET it. Stop reposting your pet issue already. In case you hadn’t noticed, this was a survey focused on RETAIL and COMMERCE. What are YOU doing to address the school situation? Been to a board meeting lately? Volunteered at a school? Or are you just another internet gadfly?
Maybe “you” don’t get it – I have just started reading this site for the last month or so and I have never posted here! I find the site full of good information, sorry I posted an EDUCATION issue in the wrong place, in that you are correct. EDUCATION in this town should be a pet issue for everyone. I usually don’t post anywhere and this is exactly why. I have two grandchildren in the Rahway system and no I have not been to a board meeting and yes I am involved at school and I do not know what an internet gadfly is. Don’t worry I won’t be posting again about any issue. I hate when I read the forums and it turns into personal attacks as you did. It is a bore to everyone.
Well, I apologize for being a bit snippy. Two off-topic posts in two days led me to assume the worst.I hope you WILL continue to post and contribute, since we actually agree: education should be a pet issue for everyone. I don’t even think it matters that the topic of this post happened to be unrelated. Conversations drift. Since the topic has shifted let me ask, then: what do YOU think is wrong with the Rahway school system, and what should be done to address it?
I’m going to chime in here, because I continue to read Rahway Rising even though I decided not to move to the town. Just a little background … I was looking to buy a brand new condo, most likely at The Savoy, and it doesn’t seem like Dornoch / Maplewood Homes is ever going to finish that project. Because of that, I decided to buy a new place in Matawan … it’s called The Preserve, and was built by American Properties.In any case, education is one of the main drawbacks for Rahway in my opinion. Rahway has some great amenities, especially for young, city commuters like me … walking distance to the train station, a few bars in the downtown, a variety of restaurants, food stores, and the promise of new retail under Skyview, The Savoy and Park Square. In a few years, I’m certain that downtown Rahway will be an awesome place to be … but one of the key drivers of property value and bringing new people to town is good educational facilities, something that Rahway is lacking. I’m sure that the schools are fine … I’m a product of Elizabeth High, which is probably considered one of the worst schools in the state. But the fact of the matter is, when reports by NJ.com and New Jersey Monthly come out saying that Rahway is ranked #249, consistently in the bottom 1/3 in the state, it sends people running… especially with established towns like Clark, Cranford, and Scotch Plains close by.
When I chose to move to Rahway, I was aware of the poor reputation of the schools, since I had gone to HS locally. It made no difference to me, since I was arriving as an unmarried, childless adult. I liked all of the things the town had to offer, and saw a lot of potential, but largely didn’t have to worry about the downsides, like the poor schools. Even if I married and had kids, it would be YEARS before I had to worry about it myself. In the meantime, my child-free tax dollars were supporting the kids who were in school. Of course, it’s a different story for those with kids considering Rahway.
i’ve lived in Rahway for three years now i can’t really complain to much about anything. Except i know progress take time. One thing i do see is two of three things need to leave from the close proximity of each other and thats, mic mac, express news and the other store on the corner of Cherry Street, the reason i say that is because the are basically the same thing. Now when you wait on your train in the morning you can’t get a fresh egg and cheese or a breakfast platter etc. Folks want convience also i catch a 5am train no ones open for coffee either. This Town needs variety.