Coaster Photo
Neptune residents can visit this trailer on West Lake Avenue to gather information about the planned redevelopment of the area.
By ANDREW CANGIANO
The West Lake Avenue Information Center opened last month in Neptune to give midtown residents more information about the redevelopment the township is undertaking.
The center is run by representatives from CityWorks, the non-profit organization which is in charge of the redevelopment, and the Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC).
Inside the trailer are concept plans and diagrams of the redevelopment zone, a computer presentation about the plan, and a representative from MURC or CityWorks to answer questions and take comments.
Gail Oliver, the president of MURC, said residents have come into the information center looking to gather more information about the redevelopment, as well as wondering about opportunities for housing and employment.
Oliver said in the future she hopes MURC can be a resource in helping midtown residents find employment.
She said older residents who have lived on the street for many years came in to discuss the history of West Lake Avenue, which included the Carver Hotel – a place where many famous African American entertainers stayed a half century ago.
It was a good dialogue back and forth, she said about her discussions with longtime residents.
She said it is important for residents to express their excitement and concerns about the future of the street.
Joseph V. Palazzolo, a representative of CityWorks who is one of the information centers administrators, said the general response from residents about the plan has been positive.
Its been very good, he said. Theyve been very happy with it.
Nora Guvercin, a resident of Elizabeth Street, who has stopped by the information center, said she is in favor of the redevelopment.
The plan is quite impressive, she said. Id like to see it happen.
I just want to see it come to fruition, she said. I just want to see it actually happen. Its all on paper. Lets do it.
Eric Acevedo, an Abott Street resident who owns Alternate Cleaning on Route 35 in Neptune, and was recently introduced to MURC, also had positive things to say about the redevelopment.
I believe that its time for a good change and this is a good change, he said. I really believe in this redevelopment.
As soon as I found out and got some information about it I jumped right on board, Acevedo added.
He said the information center is a sign of better things to come for the community.
This trailer is a sign that something good is coming, he said.
Acevedo said he supports MURC and its mission for midtown.
I really like what MURC represents and what theyre trying to do in the community, he said.
The information centers trailer is located on West Lake Avenue east of Route 35. The center is open Monday through Friday 8-10 am, and is also open afternoons on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-6 pm, and on Friday from 2-6 pm.
Stephanie Brunson, MURCs administrator, said about 30 residents have visited since it opened in January.
For more information about the West Lake Avenue redevelopment project, visit neptune.ecityworks.com.
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