Mayor Mayer envisions art galleries, restaurants and more
While council passed a resolution in July designating East Lake Avenue and Prospect Avenue along Black Horse Pike as “The Gloucester Township Arts District,” the idea for a more artsy area has been in the works for several years.
Nearly six years ago, Main Stage Center of the Arts took up full residence at the historic Academy Hall on the north end of Black Horse Pike. Now, Mayor David Mayer said he and the council have taken a “holistic view” of Black Horse Pike.
“The goal is to bring in business,” Mayer said.
“We are going to have commercial development down on the southern end of the Black Horse Pike, let’s create an art district on the northern end of the pike. …What we are trying to do is create a synergy,” he said.
While the township is happy with the visitors who accumulate at the south end when visiting Gloucester Premium Outlets, the idea for the north end is to increase foot traffic to another section in Blackwood.
“I need to bring people into that area, then hopefully business will start to develop. One of the best ways you can do that is through the arts,” he said.
Labelling Main Stage as the first step, Mayer said a plan for the area has been drawn up and hopes grant opportunities will be available soon to the township.
Citing similar areas in municipalities such as Pitman, Vineland and Collingswood, Mayer said there is opportunity for art galleries and more restaurants.
“We want to try to attract artists into the area,” he said, noting that a wood crafting business has expressed interest. He also made mention of businesses allowing space in their buildings for artists-in-residence.
Along with art-centered businesses, part of the township’s plan is to revamp the aesthetics of the area.
“It’ll transform that area. Not only by opening new business, but by doing streetscape,” Mayer said.
He mentioned the plan includes multiple construction projects, including the refurbishing of the sidewalks and crossways with brick. He noted the new streetlights that already line the pike as part of the project.
Adding more events to the north end of the pike is a focal point of the overall project. On Sept. 9, the township’s first Food and Craft Beer Festival will take place with more than 20 food trucks lined up along Black Horse Pike. This event, along with the Pumpkin Festival, traditionally held in October, are on a growing list of events the township hopes will promote foot traffic in that area.
“We feel we can bring more people in and we can marry that with the commercial development at the other end,” Mayer said.
