Red Bank needs a good dose of economic reality

While the revitalization of Red Bank’s downtown is an accomplishment, many of the stores and businesses, which have been encouraged to locate and/or be attracted here, are incongruous with the economic realities of many of its residents.

There is a distinct difference between the median household income of Red Bank and the median incomes of communities like Princeton and Millburn, which have seen similar downtown revivals.

The affluence of the downtown has not spilled over into the surrounding neighborhoods; one need only to look at the potholed- pocked roads and cracked sidewalks.

Nor has the upscale atmosphere improved the school district, infrastructure or public services.

A healthy community must have its business interests and its public sector working in tandem. Red Bank’s image as an upscale shopping Mecca obscures the reality of what Red Bank really is.

Until the school system and infrastructure are on par with the downtown, divisiveness will continue to exist.

Janet MacFarlane

Red Bank