Lt. Governor Weighs in on Downtown Chester

With a focus on the economic vitality and potential of New Jersey's downtowns, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno visited Chester's downtown district on Oct. 9, stopping at shops on Main and Perry Streets and conducting a roundtable discussion with the town's mayor and small business leaders.

"This was top secret," Mayor Bob Davis said to his council at their meeting last Tuesday. "I couldn't tell anyone it was happening."

Chester Borough was the third stop on the Lt. Governor's "Tour of New Jersey's Downtowns", which is part of her New Jersey Partnership for Action (PFA) program.

"Chester is benefiting from business owners who are actively engaged and dedicated to the success of the borough's downtown business district," said Guadagno. "It was clear to me after speaking with several of these entrepreneurs that they know a vibrant and active downtown is important not only for business, but for the overall spirit and health of the community too. The economic activity downtown businesses generate not only create jobs for local residents, but help support home values and mitigate property taxes for homeowners."

For his part, Davis appreciated the Lt. Governor's suggestions during the roundtable discussion.

"I was impressed with her comments about how our town, retail shops, restaurants and businesses are all faring under the current economic conditions," Davis said. "The Lt. Governor was also very proactive in soliciting suggestions from our business owners on how to increase foot traffic, including one proposal to offer 'tax-free' sale days in Chester."

According to Kathy Barbieri, the president of the Historic Chester Business Association, the Mayor and the HCBA are actively working to make Chester an attractive place for visitors to shop and dine.  In an attempt to make the downtown a unique destination, the HCBA sponsors public events throughout the year, including craft shows, classic car shows, a harvest celebration for families, and special attractions during the holiday season.

"We were extremely honored to host the Lt. Governor in our historic downtown district," Barbieri said. "This exposure at the state level shows concern for the challenges small 'Main Street' businesses are experiencing in today's challenging economic climate."

During her downtown walk, Lt. Governor Guadagno visited Pleasant Pools & Patio and Country Christmas Shoppe, Sally Lunn's Tea Room and World of Birds. "Doing business in Chester has been a very positive and wonderful experience," said Larry Guizio, who owns World of Birds with his wife, Rosanne. "We are proud to be part of Chester's unique community for the past 24 years."

With the holiday season fast approaching, Barbieri said that Chester will continue to push to be a destination for shoppers.

"We will be offering Dickens carolers, ice sculpting demonstrations, horse drawn carriage rides and 'merry' monster truck rides for the kids - all free as a gift from the HCBA," Barbieri said. "The experience Chester offers year round just can't be found anywhere else."