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 175 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ
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