NJ Transit involvement bodes well for borough

The prospect of an enhanced role for NJ Transit in the area around the train station is nothing but good news for Red Bank.

After years of focusing on Broad Street, where local business people have done an exceptional job of helping themselves through the establishment of a Special Improvement District and the formation of RiverCenter to run it, the time to look beyond that area is at hand.

Considering changes around the area of the train station already, the borough is well positioned to establish a second major commercial district there, and as the recent hearing on the State Guide Plan indicates, more outside help should be available.

The base for an expanded commercial district is already in place. Stalwarts such as Danny’s restaurant and many antiques dealers have kept the area from slipping too far during the toughest times.

New businesses such as the restaurant and storefronts now being operated by Juan Torres and the Red Bank Armory Ice Rink have added to the foundation upon which the area can improve and expand. And that expansion can and should reach to Shrewsbury Avenue.

That may be the most important part of this initiative. Shrewsbury Avenue has the potential to give Red Bank another major destination for residents of the borough and surrounding communities alike. There are many issues to confront, from zoning considerations to the speed limit on Shrewsbury Avenue, but none of them are insurmountable, and with NJ Transit on its side the borough has a powerful ally.