Changing Names in Neptune Township…Maybe

Joe — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:15:16 +0000

Over the last few years I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the great folks at the Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC) in Neptune Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. I really like this group and their bottom up approach to community organizing and rallying support for local development projects (when the projects meet the needs of the community). Plus, they’re really good people and I learned a lot working with them and I continue to learn from working with them.

Last week’s Coaster newspaper included an article that talked about how the township committee in Neptune was considering changing the name of the street where a major redevelopment project is taking place. This project is being spearheaded by my former employer as the developer in partnership with MURC as the community sponsor. The name of the street is West Lake Avenue and the idea is to change the name back to Springwood Avenue. The Springwood Avenue name is the historical street name. The Coaster article talks a little bit about the name change to West Lake Avenue…

Asbury Park changed the street’s name back to Springwood Avenue several years ago. The name was changed to West Lake Avenue after the 1970 riots in an attempt to improve the image of the area.

“I would be very much in favor of changing the name back. Historically it has always been Springwood Avenue and it has a very rich heritage,” he said.

The “he” in the quote above is Neptune Township Mayor Randy Bishop. I’d be in favor of renaming the street by its historical name so long as it is a resident-spurred initiative. If a group like MURC or a group of residents from the street come together to support renaming the block, then I think it is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

All I know for sure, though, is that the redevelopment project being built on the current West Lake Avenue is going to do great things for this area of Neptune Township!

Help MURC’s 2008 Holiday Toy Drive

Joe — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:46:24 +0000

For those of you looking to do a good deed this Christmas season, I encourage you to be a part of Neptune Township’s Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation 2008 Holiday Toy Drive. Click on the link to be taken to the main page of MURC’s website where you can download a flyer with all of the details about the toy drive. I usually purchase a few wrestling figures and board games each year and drop them off at MURC to distribute to families in the local area.

If you want to get involved, remember to download the flyer to read the details and drop off locations. Also, I suggest that you all remember that there are a wide variety of children looking for toys during Christmas – not just the young ones. Gifts of footballs, basketballs, sports jerseys, video games, and books are also greatly appreciated. Please give to the best of your budgeted ability – even in tough economic times we should all remember those who are less well off than we might be.

Plus, I know the people at MURC and I know that this is an excellent program. Give it a shot this Christmas season!

JerseySmarts.com

Changing Names in Neptune Township…Maybe

Help MURC’s 2008 Holiday Toy Drive