Business owners say that hiring a tourism advisor is another step in the wrong direction for the Flemington BID.
FLEMINGTON -- Flemington business owners can easily list the changes they think need to be made to bring more shoppers downtown, but some say the Business Improvement District isn't paying attention.
District Executive Director Megan Jones-Holt said Thursday it is critical that the borough's businesses communicate with the group and participate in its projects, including its latest, the hiring of a consultant to help develop the borough's image as a shopping and dining destination.
The District is largely funded by a special property tax on all commercial real estate and its board of trustees has eight business owners. Yet, salon owner Amanda Davis said owners feel disconnected from the group and its efforts.
"You have 100 store fronts on Main Street and half are doctors and lawyers. What kind of retailer would want to be in a space with no draw, and really no foot traffic? Even someone living in town has no reason to shop on Main (Street)," said Davis of Express Yourself Too.
Davis' concerns were echoed in the assessment completed by Roger Brooks, chief executive officer of Roger Brooks International, who has been hired by the District at a cost of $92,500 to help develop Flemington's brand.
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The first step of the 24-week process began with an assessment phase, where Brooks and his team entered Flemington as first-time visitors, reporting what they saw and what needs to be fixed. A summary of what was found was presented in an open meeting held earlier this month and attended by less than two dozen people.
After more research and public outreach, Brooks will present a detailed action plan.
"Ask any shopkeeper, we'll tell you for free what needs to be changed," said Eileen Schettino, owner of The Mixing Bowl.
To her, the Business Improvement District disproportionately focuses on downtown businesses, and events like Thursday Night Lights and the Flemington Car Show bring only a "thin trickling" of visitors to areas off Main Street.
"I haven't seen much change in the three and a half years I've been here. I remember what Flemington was and know what it can be. ... I remember sitting in traffic waiting for a parking space," she said.
What Schettino sees now is "mostly talk."
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Jones-Holt said business owners need to be involved in the process that began with Brooks' assessment, including attending meetings and asking questions.
"The BID is the voice of the business owners," she said. "We're their advocate."
Jones-Holt said she is aware that some business owners have raised questions about this latest project, but says that those she has spoken with directly have come to be more comfortable with the process.
"Unless they reach out to me or tell me, there's nothing I can do about that," she said of complaints. "They have to let me know."
Schettino and Davis said they were unable to attend Brooks' presentation, adding they had not been informed about the creation of an online survey seeking input on what the district should be focused on.
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Michael Straub of Renaissance Studio chose to open in Flemington nearly four years ago for its central location and lower costs, but, he says, there needs to be more reasons for people to visit the borough. With his lease up in January, he is considering relocating.
"It needs to be the new Flemington, not just historic Flemington. We need to be on the cutting edge, but everything looks dated," he said.
Straub last year beta-tested an interactive glass he developed that turns any storefront window into a "giant HD iPad" with maps, social sharing, games, live video and broadcasts.
It was up for a week in 2014 during a jazz festival, Straub said, but Flemington ultimately passed on considering developing it for use in the borough.
"The people in charge are just as outdated as the town itself," he said. "The business model here hasn't changed since the '80s."
Jones-Holt said the project being undertaken by Brooks has only just begun. In addition to the assessment, Brooks is attending stakeholder meetings, facilitating the branding survey and will be with Flemington beyond delivering an action plan, she said.
"This is not all going to happen in 2016. I have no doubt that there will be things in there, that it's going to be a long-term project," Jones-Holt said.
What the District is looking for from Brooks is guidance on how to bring in businesses, what type of businesses to bring in and what ordinances yield the best results when it comes to signs and property maintenance, she said, noting that the group previously tackled planters, parking and a grant-funded street scape project on its own.
On Oct 1, from 6-8 p.m., the Flemington Business Improvement District will host its open house at 134 Main St. The event is open to the public and there will be food and door prizes.
Emily Cummins may be reached at ecummins@njadvancemedia.com Follow her on Twitter @EmilyACummins and Facebook.