SOVCA Annual Public Meeting TONIGHT @ Papillon 25, 7PM

Join us Monday, February 1 from 7pm to 9pm as the South Orange Village Center Alliance presents its annual public meeting.   Enjoy delicious appetizers from chef Yanick and a cash bar while hearing about SOVCA's 2015 accomplishments and challenges as well as our plans for 2016. We'll also conduct some interactive forums where you can give us your input and ideas. No need to RSVP...just join us!

Unfortunately, I'll be out of town, but since you'll engage open questions, please tell the business community what is the largest increase in the operating budget over your relatively short existence and how is it justified by the board of directors? 

Don't have the opportunity to attend...posted the below in another thread, but probably makes more sense for SOVCA's consideration as it works with Planning Commission and BOT on zoning, etc.

"I think serious analysis should be done on the amount of supportable retail space in South Orange...think that may lead to policies that result in the Village Center retail spots with greater value over time and, hopefully, that leads to folks investing in making their spaces better to attract the best tenants.

It's a gut thing at this point, but my sense is South Orange, unlike many newer suburbs, has an existing downtown..and not a small one.  I think adding some more higher density housing is fine (along Irvington, along Valley), but I think that should be part of improving the existing retail areas, we shouldn't feel compelled to expand the retail space in town because between the Internet and big box stores, not sure more space is sustainable if we want successful business and landlords that invest in the properties."

I'd earlier commented that since I moved here, there have been some significant investments in the town center by private business, and I want to commend the business owners and landlords that have invested in our town.  I wish them success and want SOVCA and public bodies to support policies that reward these risk takers and enact policies that foster a successful, appropriately sized business district.