improvements e - Newspaper Archives of Ocean County

editorials/commentPlace for abeachheadA state engineer warned Whale Beach propertyowners Oct. 17 that they live "on the most hazardoussection of beach on the whole Jersey Coast."Hopefully, that warning hasn't fallen on dMf earshopefully,local government officials are particularlymindful.Even common sense dictates that building on orclose to eroding beaches is dangerous. Over theyears It also proves costly to all taxpayers whosedollars help pay for government-subsidized floodinsurance and for government funds to stabilizebeaches and repair man-made barriers.Because local officials all too often have caved into the wishes of fellow residents and outsidedevelopers alike who insist on beachfront build-Ings the state is pressing for more appropriate,and much needed, control over coastal development.Had so-called home rule been practiced halfas much as it is preached, the state wouldn't be*fhw more of a say locally.Whale Beach, with relatively sparse development, is indeed the place to establish a footholdfer common-sense planning — by the state If needbe,the state we're InHelp is availableto rejuvenatedowntownsBy DAVID E, MOORE,Executive DirectorN.J, Gsntervition Foundation1 wads unhappy reference in this space recently to the1MS of "community" many of us feel as we watch ourcountryside, towns and neighborhoods being devouredby glitzy new developments, including fast-food outlets,discount houses and the like.Such things have their place (no sarcasm intended),but that place Is not historic main street. The characterof any community dictates how we and strangers alikeWill continue to regard our towns, Of all places in ourtowns, stain street jets the pace.Is it rundown and shoddy? Is it becoming a hedge*podge of incompatible businesses? Or ii it sail a neighborhoodwith proud exteriors for businesses whichcommand foUowinp, which maintains an overall unity•gelling our town's Identity? _Thi importance of mainstreets everywhere has beenbrought into focus by the Of all placesNational Trust for HistoricReservation, a Washington-basedgroup which Isin our towns,fighting to save the amenitiesof our country's historicmain streetbackground so that all of uscan more easily see where sets the pacewe've been and who we«». Only with th»f knowl-edge wUl we be able to choose best where we are going,Here in this state we're in, the Office of New JerseyHeritage within the Department of Environmental Protection(DIP) has since 1984 been,allied with theNational Trust through its offshoot organkaHon, theNational Main Street Center,TWi hai resulted in an active "Main Street NewJersey* program aimed at ending decay of downtownbusiness centers, The emphasis for comprehensive revitaUaarJonhas four key facets; organization, promotion,design and economic restructuring.Any community undertaking a main street programcan count on the National Main Street Center forneeded advice on strengthening and balancing thoseprogram areas.There is legislation pending in Trenton to provideneeded dollars for this program.AfSfmblywowan Maureen Ogden of Issex Countyand Senator Catherine Costa of Burlington County iresponsors of A-1334 and S-327, respectively, whichwould authorize New Jersey to contract with theNational CMfer and to underwrite contracts and localgrants- Such pants would pay half the cost of hiring a*itnaln street manager" who would work closely withSttte and national centers to strengthen cooperationbifWeifl property owners, to help promote downtownareas, to shape economic restructuring and to advise onthe best rehabilitation and design chokes,Another Wll, by Sen, fir** PaJlont of Monmouih&m& would appropriate mm u a WHy tornwhich grants for local designs could originate.can be traceddowntowns resulfa ht bothprtton between aD Involved pwr/esi «td, fitafefllgent promodon to help draw people and«wri