The study would eventually ask residents for their input about how they would like to see the area develop in the future.
Evesham Township officials are moving forward with plans to begin a new vision study that would eventually seek input from residents on how they would like to see Evesham’s downtown area along Main Street and Maple Avenue develop in future years.
Evesham Township Council awarded a $56,000 contract at this week’s meeting to architectural and planning firm Looney Ricks Kiss to create a new downtown vision study and redevelopment plan, which officials say could begin seeking input from residents as early as April or May.
The firm is no stranger to Evesham, as it worked with the township in 2009 to solicit input from residents and create the 2020 Vision Plan officials have been using to guide development and redevelopment throughout the township in the years since.
Although this new vision study would focus solely on Evesham’s downtown, Mayor Randy Brown said it was important for residents to share their thoughts on what the next steps in development should be for the area.
With multiple apartment complexes constructed in the area in recent years, Brown has recently begun to publicly promote the idea of having the township focus on attracting more retail to the area.
“With the downtown already having residential built there, it’s what’s the next step for the downtown now? Adding retail, add restaurants, adding walking areas — what does the town want to see?” Brown asked.
For that, Brown said the township would need help from members of the public.
“I think it’s critical to get the input from the town about what they would like to see continue with the downtown,” Brown said.
Once the township has input from its residents, Brown said the firm hired to conduct the study would compile a report and present council with a vision study for possible adoption.
From there, council would be able to use legislative tools to spur development, such as declaring certain areas in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation, or entering into new Payment In Lieu of Taxes agreements with developers.
“I think that if we can have a finished product by Fourth of July, I think that would be really good for us,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of interest in the downtown right now from developers who would like to continue to bring restaurants and retail.”
Outgoing township manager Tom Czerniecki said, moving forward, the township would aggressively publicize the options residents would have to offer their ideas and input for the study.
In planning a downtown, Czerniecki said there are many considerations, including drainage issues, pedestrian circulation, parking, detailed architectural elements and more.
While the township’s last vision study was broad enough to tell the township to focus on the downtown, Czerniecki said it wasn’t specific enough to help the township fully realize “beautiful” and “successful” places needed for a healthy downtown.
“This one (the new study) is going to be really focused, and it’s a fun, rewarding thing to participate in,” Czerniecki said.
