June
2002
From
the Editor: Good signs on South Warren Street
The Caola Building on the corner of South Warren and Front Streets-a
site of some development speculation for some time now-began sporting
a new sign last month. Though the sign invites business owners
to consider leasing space in the building once its redevelopment
is complete, it's just as inviting a sight to those of us who
don't own businesses. It means things are changing for the better.
Across South Warren in the eyesore private parking lot in front
of Commini's, there is another sign advertising future development
of commercial space; worse things could happen in downtown Trenton
than for that parking lot to be replaced with a nice new building.
Bruce and Joe, the friendly neighborhood barbers, now operate
behind a refurbished façade at the State Barber Shop. Columbus
Pizza is (we can hope) going to reopen any day now. The new sidewalks
in front of Utopia and the Marriott are wide, gleaming white and
inviting.
As we begin to broaden our reach beyond the downtown area and
out to all of Trenton-our business spotlight this month is on
Artifacts Gallery's Marge Miccio and Robert Wagner, who operate
out on South Broad-we'll certainly never lose sight of the fact
that the heart of the city is the home of the Trenton Downtowner,
and always will be.
For those out there like me who grew up and still live deep in
the heart of suburbia, the spring offers renewed opportunity to
get out and get to know the city of Trenton.
Whether
you're hitting Corner Inn after a Trenton Thunder game or taking
a short walk to Clede's Luncheonette or just venturing out to
try a new way home from work, one thing you can guarantee yourself
is that there is something to think about in a city. About why
this house is abandoned. About the parishioners of that church.
Why this business closed up shop and whether someone will ever
make a successful go of it at that location.
When
Boston Market closes, as it did up in East Windsor, all you've
got to think about is how ugly and useless the empty hull of a
fast-food restaurant is. That's only interesting for a split second.
The rejuvenation of a city community, that's food for thought
any time of day, rain or shine.
*
* *
It's
June and that means Jersey Shore time for many state residents.
The Trenton Downtowner wants to know what your favorite beachside
destination is and why.
For
this writer, Wildwood holds a special place in the heart. A couple
of years ago, after not having been back down in Cape May for
at least five years, my girlfriend (now wife) and I took a Friday
afternoon drive over all the roads that my family and I navigated
when I was six and seven and eight.
The
memories it stirred up-from seeing the roadside park benches where
we'd have lunch to the Garden State Parkway signs for Wildwood-were
priceless. The place has changed a lot. The hotels looked smaller
to me now, the boardwalk shorter. And yet it was still the same
summer vacation place that I had known.
Some
day I'll get down there to spend more than just a few hours. But
in the meantime, let us know about your memories of going to the
shore with your family, or where you go with your family now that
you're the parents instead of the children. Send your e-mails
to editor@trentondowntowner.com
Make
sure you get out to the beach or boardwalk this summer. We're
a busy culture and the last year has been pretty stressful. We
all have to make sure we keep from forgetting the things that
make working hard worth it.
-Joe
Emanski
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