MEDFORD TOWNSHIP NEW JERSEY HISTORIC HEART, MODERN PULSE WWW.MEDFORDTOWNSHIP.COM
MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ HISTORIC H MODERN PU AT A GLANCE MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ WHAT: A picturesque Pinelands community with centuries-old charm, environmental preservation, and smart, community-focused growth. WHERE: Southern New Jersey, within Burlington County, sits at the edge of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. WEBSITE: www.medfordtownship.com 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
HEART, ULSE Tucked in the ecologically significant Pinelands of southern New Jersey, Medford is a town that lives in harmony with its surroundings. Spanning 40 square miles, of which nearly 70% is protected under the strict environmental regulations of the Pine Barrens, this community is as defined by its towering pines and winding creeks as it is by its deep historical roots and thoughtful growth. Medford, New Jersey, defies simple description. It is a place where colonial-era homes stand proudly beside independent shops and community festivals illuminate the seasons. Its charm lies in the balance: centuries-old character meets modern-day momentum. The town’s identity is etched into its brick sidewalks and preserved in its family-owned businesses, while its spirit shines through in a vibrant downtown district that feels like a step back in time. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF THE PINELANDS “We’re a very diverse community,” says Chuck Watson, former Mayor current Councilman of Medford.“Most of our town is in the Pinelands, so we’re very wooded. We have a lot of lakes and a quaint, somewhat historic downtown. Some homes here date back almost to the Revolutionary War, and we’ve worked to maintain that character.” The town’s charm does not go unnoticed. Recently named one of the “Top 8 Old World Towns to Visit in New Jersey” by WorldAtlas.com and featured in the New York Times and National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Places, Medford successfully positions itself as a desirable residential area and a tourist destination. NAVIGATING GROWTH WITH PURPOSE Balancing growth with preservation is no easy task, especially when 70% of your land is protected. “There are a lot of restrictions from the Pinelands Commission,” Mayor Watson explains.“On the south side of Route 70, you can’t build apartments or large developments. It’s just not possible due to environmental regulations.” Despite these constraints, Medford finds ways to grow responsibly. “We’ve seen some residential development, especially due to the state’s affordable housing mandates,” he adds. “But our real focus has been revitalizing our Main Street and growing businesses for the enjoyment of our residents and to bring in visitors.” BREWERIES BRINGING NEW ENERGY Medford’s Main Street has seen a dramatic transformation over the past decade. Once dotted with antique stores, it now features breweries, restaurants, cafes, and retail that appeal to residents and tourists. “The saying goes, ‘As your Main Street goes, so goes your town,’ and we’re seeing that,” Mayor Watson notes. “Main Street becomes a destination in itself.” Beth Portocalis, former Executive Assistant to the Manager and Liaison to the Economic Development Commission praises the Mayor and Council’s leadership for making that revitalization possible. “They look at land development ordinances, zoning, and parking regulations to make it easier for businesses to open,” she says. “We have a lot of antique stores, but not many people are decorating their new estate homes with antiques.” Recognizing these shifts, the town revises ordinances, such as relaxing parking requirements 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ
SMALL TOWN, BIG EVENTS Lighting, infrastructure, and thoughtful public improvements foster Medford’s growing reputation as a community-oriented destination. “We recently completed a nearly $1 million lighting project using federal recovery funds,” Portocalis says. “The new lampposts look historic but are much brighter. It makes Main Street feel festive and safe.” and permitting breweries on Main Street.The results are transformational. “We now have three breweries—Kings Road, Farm Truck, and Lower Forge—with a fourth, Magnify, opening soon,” Mayor Watson shares. “They’re all successful, and having them within walking distance of each other boosts downtown foot traffic.” 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
These enhancements support signature events like the Halloween Parade which is an annual tradition since World War II that draws 20,000 to 25,000 people, doubling the town’s population for the night. “Our Main Street looks like a Charles Dickens village,” Portocalis explains. “That’s why our December Dickens Festival is so special. It attracts thousands and celebrates the historic charm of Medford.” INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LONGTERM LIVABILITY Beyond its vibrant downtown core, Medford has made significant strides in strengthening its overall infrastructure, ensuring that all township areas are equipped to support current residents and future growth.The transformation began over a decade ago when a new group of leaders recognized the urgent need for investment. “When five of us joined the council 13 years ago, the roads hadn’t been paved in at least a decade,” Mayor Watson recalls. “Some streets are so rough that residents voice growing concerns about vehicle safety and wear and tear. We knew we couldn’t ignore it.” In response, the township implements a long-term capital improvement plan, committing to a yearly investment of approximately $2 million to repave and maintain roadways. This proactive approach not only restores drivability and aesthetics but also signals to residents that their quality of life is a municipal priority. “We start investing about $2 million annually in road repaving, and we continue that work every year,” Mayor Watson says. “It’s an ongoing cycle, but one we’re proud to keep up with. It’s one of the core services residents see and feel daily.” Medford also strongly emphasizes walkability and public amenities in tandem with paving projects. Through successful applications for state and federal grant programs, the township secured funding to revitalize sidewalks and introduce streetscape enhancements to reflect the town’s historic identity. Brick sidewalks, installed initially during the nation’s bicentennial celebrations, are preserved and repaired to retain their old-world charm while meeting 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ
modern accessibility standards. “We’ve received several grants that allow us to undertake sidewalk improvements that might otherwise be out of reach financially,” Mayor Watson explains.“That includes uniform street furniture like benches, decorative trash cans, and bike racks, which not only add functionality but also elevate the visual experience of our community spaces.” RECREATIONAL PARADISE If Medford’s downtown offers history and charm, its parks and outdoor spaces provide year-round recreation. Portocalis, who begins her career in recreation, explains the town’s foresight in acquiring and developing parkland. “Freedom Park is 115 acres of former housing development land,” she says.“It’s now one of the most visited parks in South Jersey, featuring pavilions, playgrounds, and one of the top 10 dog parks in the U.S.” The township’s 17-field athletic complex also supports regional softball, baseball, football, and lacrosse tournaments. “People come from all over the Northeast to play here,” Portocalis adds. “That drives business to our restaurants and shops.” New developments include three turf fields created in partnership with the athletic association and ongoing discussions about a private-public partnership to establish a professional-grade soccer complex. “We also acquired 150 acres called Cow Pointe,” Portocalis shares. “It’s preserved as open space with trails and gazebos. It’s probably our most photographed location.” WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic growth in Medford focuses on creating meaningful, long-term jobs. “We’re seeing more people work in town thanks to new restaurants, breweries, and fitness centers,” says Mayor Watson. One notable example is Anytime Fitness, which has become the brand’s most successful location 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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in the country. “We’ve revised our ordinances to accommodate their size,” Mayor Watson explains. “And it pays off.” Redevelopment breathes new life into struggling shopping centers. “The center that houses Anytime Fitness used to have places like TCBY and Fashion Bug,” Portocalis notes.“Now, it includes a coffee shop, restaurants, and professional offices. The aesthetics are dramatically improved.” Medford remains selective about its commercial development.“We’re not allowing large warehouses,” Mayor Watson emphasizes. “Small contractors can have storage, but we won’t be an industrial hub.” BALANCING DEMOGRAPHICS With limited space and strict environmental regulations, planning is essential. “New Jersey has a skewed school funding formula,” Mayor Watson says. “We lose millions in state funding. That’s why bringing in businesses that contribute to our tax base without impacting our character is so important.” To meet affordable housing mandates, the town takes a proactive approach.“We’re building three new over-55 communities, totaling 660 units,” Portocalis explains.“This allows longtime residents to downsize and stay in town while avoiding overcrowding in schools.” These residents bring energy and demand for local services. “They want restaurants, breweries, and things to do when family visits,” Portocalis says. “That’s why we focus on neighborhood-friendly businesses.” FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE Medford’s future looks bright, even in the face of challenges. “We’re working hard to keep taxes in check while delivering quality services,” Mayor Watson says.“We’ve gone nine years without a municipal tax 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ
increase. This year is tough due to rising costs, but we’re always mindful of our residents, especially those on fixed incomes.” Grant funding plays a key role in Medford’s success. “Beth is retiring soon,” Mayor Watson shares. “But she secured over $18 million in grants during her time here.Those grants help us with everything from lighting to recreational fields.” The progress is gratifying for Portocalis, who spent 28 years working for the township.“Medford becomes a town that people want to visit, but more importantly, a town that people want to stay in,” she says. “Our focus on smart growth, character preservation, and community pride sets us apart.” Mayor Watson concludes: “We’re at the end of the line geographically, but we’re at the forefront of what it means to be a strong, small town.And that’s exactly how we like it.” 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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