Letter to the Editor: Time for Town, Business Owners to Collaborate in Moorestown

To the Editor:

It’s time to stop, collaborate and listen.

A few weeks ago, we did just that, as the Democratic candidates for Town Council hosted a get-together for Moorestown business owners to share their thoughts about revitalizing Main Street.

I’m running for Town Council along with Kati Angelini and Councilwoman Lisa Petriello, because as a board member of the Moorestown Business Association, I realized that our Business District needs help.

Too much responsibility is put on the shoulders of our business owners. Instead, the town needs to work in conjunction with business owners, listening to their challenges and providing additional resources and support.

• restrictive zoning,
• the need for retail stores on the South side of Main Street
• trash collection
• exorbitantly high rent
• consumer friendly parking & crosswalks
• expanding the focus on Main Street, Chester Avenue, Mill Street and Lenola
• expenses incurred by businesses that the town should cover, like upkeep of the flowers on Main Street
• alleyways to help people easily go from the back parking lot to Main Street
• the need for a Business Development Manager to attract and retain businesses, help coordinate and market town events, etc
• complicated approval process for sidewalk tables and other seating areas

More effort is required to make it easier for entrepreneurs to be successful. Less expenses and more zoning allowance. Cut the red tape and form a better relationship between business owners and the township.

Speaking of red tape, one solution I propose is for the Town Council, Committee Chairs, Town Manager and other decision makers to host a Red Tape Review Commission every six months.

Similar to the one held at the state level, this day-long Review Commission gives business owners and community members an opportunity to publicly request solutions to the red tape that is preventing them from being more effective and successful.

A meeting so all parties can communicate transparently, accomplish great projects, and strengthen the community.

Let’s collaborate. What are your ideas for how we can improve the Moorestown Business District? Contact us at PetrielloLeisAngelini@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/petrielloleisangelini/ and tell us your thoughts.

Amy Leis

Democratic Candidate for Moorestown Town Council