Visual Improvement Committee
Nancy Burton, In the Garden
nancy@inthegardennj.net

This Committee's Projects

Parking, Design, Maintenance, Beautification, and Capital Improvement are the "buzz words" that will be the hot topics for this committee.  These business issues greatly affect the business environment and make or break how customers visit and want to return again to patronize our restaurants, bed and breakfast inns, retail shops, ferries and services.  Two of the challenges for this committee will involve the development of improved and expanded parking that meets the needs of the businesses, and  beautification or improvements to public areas. First impressions count for customers and visitors when they consider returning.  What they see and perceive about their visit is important when they consider returning or sharing with friends.

Challenges on how to promote attractive and clean storefronts promoting good design standards with incentive programs to spur more improvements will be considered.  Some business operators want to see the streetscape continued and expanded while others stress flood prevention measures.  We need to develop the issues and set priorities from the bottom up.  If municipal regulations work well for the business community, the committee can support their effectiveness.  If some regulations are not working, recommend new variations or changes.  This process of exploring new options will ensure success for making a better business climate.  Undoubtedly, this is one of the most important issues for Highlands' future development.