Fall 2004 Edition          

Improving Radburn's Commercial Area   Allen Weitzman an architect with the The Ives Group prepared the following materials to show the existing problems and potential solutions with Radburn's commercial corridor.      The Past - Enjoys a rich historical past. - Area was considered a resource for architects and planners world-wide. - Designed for pedestrians and vehicles to co-exist in harmony and safety. - Radburn represented the best in urban planning in 1929. - Plaza area has lost sight of its past. - Changes have not maintained the Radburn-Plaza area’s character. - Commercial Center is neither pedestrian nor vehicle friendly. - No longer represents the best of city planning or design.    What Happened? - Pedestrians are not welcomed. - There is no reason to stay and linger. - Radburn’s design was not extended to its commercial core - The need for parking has not been met. - Good design and landscaping were not implemented. - There is no sense of place. There is no there, there.       What Can Be Done? - Reconnect Radburn to the commercial district. - Improve parking and make people safe. - Improve the business mix. - Identify what can be done. - Set priorities and goals. - Set realistic budgets. - Encourage economic investment. - Meet consumer needs for convenient goods and services. - Encourage NJ Transit to invest in mixed parking. - Consider economic incentives to attract new business.