At least five of the 14 opportunity sites in the downtown strategic plan have some concept that previously was presented in the Arts District Redevelopment Plan, conceived two years ago.

Become a Patron!
Support local news – become a Patron of RahwayRising.com or make a one-time contribution via PayPal.

Editor’s note: This is the 10th 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 looks at several of the 14 opportunity sites identified in the report that are included within the Arts District Redevelopment Plan.

In addition to the former St. Mark’s Church site and adjacent properties, four sites identified as opportunity sites are included in the 75-page Arts District Redevelopment Plan, which like the strategic plan, was drafted by Red Bank-based planning firm Heyer Gruel & Associates.

The Gallery Space, Block 164, Lots 1 and 29

The Gallery Space occupies the former Claude Reed Center building at the intersection of Irving Street and Seminary Avenue but the majority of the property is not used. The plan recommends that the city “evaluate existing conditions and use of the property to determine alternative uses for the remainder of the property.” That could include outdoor art installations, public open space, rain gardens, reconfiguring the existing parking lot, and/or uses that can “enhance this gateway to downtown.”

Elizabethtown Gas building

The city-owned building would be an ideal location for an arts incubator space or an appropriate place for teens and youth, according to the strategic plan. It has high visibility at the intersection of four streets (Hamilton Street, Central Avenue, Irving Street, and West Main Street), with windows along Hamilton and Irving, and proximity to arts facilities, including Union County Performing Arts Center, Hamilton Stage for the Arts, and The Willows. It’s a 20-minute walk, 5-minute bike ride, or 5-minute car ride from Rahway High School. The city should consider including “ample bicycle racks” for the site and consider a shuttle service through the Recreation Department.

Five-point intersection

The intersection in front of the Elizabethtown Gas building also is recommended for reconfiguration to create a roundabout within the footprint of the existing intersection, which also is noted in the Arts District Redevelopment Plan. That would permit a public plaza and help with traffic calming, according to the plan, recommending a traffic study determine “appropriate modifications” to increase safety and circulation.

The proposal drew at least one comment from the public during the Planning Board’s meeting in February when it adopted the strategic plan.

Michael Smanko of Richard Boulevard said he went to school at the former St. Mary’s down the street and volunteered for the Rahway Garden Club at Arts District Park. “I’m very familiar with that corner; I don’t see there’s space there without taking down a building or relocating the historic horse trough,” he said, and asked how variable is that suggestion.

Planner Leigh Fleming of Heyer Gruel & Associates said there are different options to create a roundabout, which may include reconfiguring the road. City and professional staff would examine the intersection, she said, but as it stands, it doesn’t properly function for motorists and pedestrians..

Block 158 and Union County College on Irving Street

The Arts District Redevelopment Plan included a concept plan for Block 158 and the property occupied by Union County College (UCC). Block 158 is bounded by Irving Street, Coach Street, Main Street, and Elizabeth Avenue.

The plan recommended a mixed-use concept consisting of three buildings. A building along Irving Street would have active ground-floor uses with residential units above on Block 158. The remainder of the block was proposed with ground-floor parking, commercial space to be used as a recording studio and artist space, and residential units. The recommendation remains valid, according to the strategic plan.

The UCC site was proposed to be developed with a three-story building, either as additional space for the college or for other educational uses.

Become a Patron!
Support local news – become a Patron of RahwayRising.com or make a one-time contribution via PayPal.