Letter to the Editor: Alcohol Consumption Licenses May Revitalize Downtown New Providence

As many of you know in New Providence a petition is being circulated regarding alcohol consumption licenses.  The purpose of this petition is to place the following question on the ballot for the general election being held on November 8, 2011:

“Shall the retail sale of all kinds of alcoholic beverages, for consumption on the licensed premises by the glass or other open receptacle pursuant to chapter one of the Title Intoxicating Liquors of the Revised Statutes  (s. 33:1-1 et seq.), be permitted in this municipality?”

The New Providence Business and Professional Association and the New Providence Downtown Improvement District view the sale of these licenses an important economic development tool, which over time has the potential to help revitalize our downtown and other commercial districts.

Our downtown property and business owners made a significant investment in the streetscape, saving taxpayers from the burden of higher taxes for improvements to our business district. Why not help them by trying to create more evening and weekend commercial activity in our downtown?  A vibrant downtown leads to less vacant retail space and the renovation of existing buildings. This over time can help create a higher commercial tax base. 

Based on current census data, the borough can sell three consumption licenses. The licenses are offered via a public bid, with the borough council determining the minimum bid. How the proceeds will be spent is also up to the borough council and, ultimately, the residents of New Providence. 

What’s wrong with having a Trap Rock or Winberie’s in New Providence?  Why not give our residents an opportunity to dine in New Providence instead of sending them to Summit or Berkeley Heights? 

The purpose of the ballot question is to ask the residents of New Providence if they think this is a good idea.

The petition must be submitted to the borough clerk the first week of August.

If you are interested in signing and/or helping circulate the petition, please let me know.  If you have questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Respectfully,

Gary Kapner

Gary Kapner is the President of the New Providence Business and Professional Association, a board member of the New Providence Downtown Improvement District, the owner of , at 560 Central Avenue, New Providence and a resident of New Providence.  He can be reached at gary@creativewallcoverings.com  or 908-665-7997 x 10