Top posts of 2020

Happy New Year everyone. Here’s a review of the top 10 most popular posts on RahwayRising.com during 2020:

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Heated pavilions going up downtown, Nov. 25: Three pavilions — two so far at the time — were to be constructed downtown, where the main outdoor spaces were established in the summer — East Cherry Street, Main Street, and Lewis Street. — as part of the city’s COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy. City Council introduced a $150,000 bond ordinance for the purchase and installation of the outdoor shelters but expect that the cost could be covered by COVID-related reimbursements by the county.
Council extends PILOT for Metro Rahway, March 10: City Council authorized the extension of a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) for Metro Rahway, a 116-unit building on Campbell Street, from 15 years to 30 years. Listen to some background on that project and the area in Episode 8 of the podcast.
Public spaces designated for outdoor dining, June 11: Before the heated pavilions came in the colder weather, the city designated public spaces downtown where residents can eat and drink, encouraging patronage of local businesses while still social distancing in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Changes in store for East Cherry Street, May 5: City Council awarded a $70,000 contract for streetscape improvements, including curbs and sidewalks, with some decorative street lights possibly relocated and new amenities, such as trash cans, for East Cherry Street.
Council accepts Arts District Redevelopment Plan, May 11: City Council accepted the Arts District Redevelopment Plan and referred it to the Planning Board. Recommendations in the plan include placemaking initiatives, public art, wayfinding signage, streetscape design, and arts-related commerce, with a specific focus on six sites within the 12-acre redevelopment zone.
Council moves forward on Arts District plan, July 27: After review by the Planning Board, the plan was sent back to City Council which moved forward with the concept., which also includes features like a five-point roundabout at the intersection of Central Avenue and Hamilton and Irving streets, a park near Hamilton Stage, and an incubator space in the former Elizabethtown Gas office building at Hamilton Street and Central Avenue.
Ming’s Luncheonette to close after 32 years, July 8: The West Grand Avenue institution closed after 32 years as owner Ming Kwong planned to retire.
Merck plans changes to Rahway campus, May 18: City Council directed the Planning Board to investigate properties on the Merck campus — 19 lots totaling 100+ acres — to determine if they qualify for redevelopment. The pharmaceutical giant plans new construction as well as rehabilitation and demolition as part of plans announced to to make the Rahway property its global headquarters.
City examines shifting public housing, Aug. 18: City Council awarded a $18,500 contract for a financial feasibility study of the redevelopment of Glendenning Homes, 112 units overseen by the Housing Authority, to determine whether to convert from traditional funding mechanisms to more of Section 8, voucher-style funding.
City launches TV commercial, June 22: A 30-second commercial began airing on cable television as part of a campaign to encourage visitors to patronize Rahway as activity begins to slowly ramp up in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.