JGSC Retained To Help Princeton, Devise Economic Development Plan
07/06/2022
Few communities in New Jersey have the distinction and draw in their downtown business district as Princeton. Home to one of the country’s finest universities, steeped in colonial era history, and known for its architectural charm and sophisticated lifestyle, Princeton draws more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year to Nassau Street. The business district boasts an unusual variety of offerings: Rolex watches, exotic fresh seafood, tea ceremonies, fine Spanish Serrano ham, and unusual boutique toys are among the exceptional finds on offer daily in this district, blended together with art galleries, the offices of major investment funds, and the Gallup Poll. But is it the best it can be? JGSC Group has been retained as a sub-consultant to the planning firm of Clarke Caton Hintz, which has been hired by the municipality to prepare a 10-year update to its Master Plan. JGSC Group is responsible for the economic development element of the plan. We have solicited input from stakeholders, merchants, commercial property owners, and soon will publish an online survey that will seek the opinions of residents, workers, visitors, and University faculty/students in an effort to identify local sentiment on the success and shortcomings of commerce in Princeton. Applying these results in conjunction with the latest syndicated data we will obtain on commerce in town and in its wider trade area, we’ll be able to identify opportunities and trends. We’ll evaluate these against the direction that Princeton commerce hopes to take over the next decade as impacted by housing, job creation, transportation modes/parking, pedestrian access, and the ongoing role of Princeton University. The online survey can be seen at www.PrincetonSurvey.org.