I hope this letter finds you and your families well as we step into the heat of summer. I also hope everyone had a joyful Pride Month and Juneteenth spent in reflection, celebration and time with loved ones.
This month, I want to focus on the future of our local economy. As someone who’s lived in Moorestown for almost three decades, I’ve long heard the perception that our town can be a tough place to do business. While that view is beginning to change, thanks to business owners who have been willing in recent years to share their stories and partner with council on important reforms, we still have work to do. And we must approach that work with creativity and vision.
Moorestown has something few towns in South Jersey can claim: three unique commercial districts in charming Main Street, the Moorestown Mall and the Lenola Town Center on Camden Avenue. From the completion of Percheron Park downtown in 2022 to the Lenola Streetscape Revitalization Project finalized in 2023 to Parky’s Amusement Park coming to the mall in 2026, we have real momentum. But to truly reach our potential, we need to think innovatively about the kind of economic future we want to build for the next generation of Moorestonians.
That’s why this town council has asked our Economic Development Advisory Committee to study key aspects of our municipal code, including zoning for liquor licenses, parking requirements in commercial districts and ways to incentivize development at the Lenola Town Center. I have also met with our director of community development to examine our permitting process and how we can improve it to limit delays and reduce costs for business owners.
Last month, we also passed a long-awaited Historic Preservation Ordinance to protect the character that makes downtown Moorestown so special, while also making our town more attractive to visitors and new businesses. Council has also declared the Lenola Town Center in need of rehabiliation and has initiated a redevelopment study for the long-vacant gas station and shopping center in that corridor. This study gives us the tools we need to potentially demolish the station and bring that corridor back to life with new businesses and amenities that meet the needs of today’s residents.
On June 25, we hosted a special town council meeting and roundtable discussion with small business owners and property owners. We believe it’s critical to hear directly from those closest to the challenges and the solutions. One of the most common concerns I hear from both residents and entrepreneurs is the time it takes to get projects moving. That’s why I’m committed to working with our township staff, fire department, developers and community leaders to understand how we can streamline our permitting and inspection processes so they move faster and more efficiently.
We’ve already seen the kind of vibrancy that new businesses can bring. Places like French Press, Cockadoodle Dan’s and Moorestown Bagels have added new life and energy to Main Street. Now it’s time to build on that momentum across all of our commercial districts.
We have a unique opportunity to shape a local economy that is dynamic, welcoming and future focused, while grounded in our community’s historic Quaker values. If you’re a resident or business owner with ideas, concerns or feedback, I’d love to hear how we can keep improving: qlaw@moorestown.nj.us.
