Downtown – Vineland, New Jersey
We approached downtown Vineland for the first time through this alley. While a little bare, clearly effort was expended to make it more welcoming with lighting, banners, pavement, and some planting.
Landis Avenue is overly wide with front in parking a service lane for parking to help vehicles reenter the street, and then traffic lanes going in either direction. The sidewalk area is also ample. What this wideness adds up to is making it hard for pedestrians to get from one side of the street to the other.
Just as the streets are wide, the sidewalks are too and asking for more activation. The alternating between brick pavers, stone trim, and concrete helps to break up the wide open spaces. What would help is more of everything – more plantings, more seating, more art.
Brinx Jones Brewing Company
The brewery in town had a long narrow storefront space to fill. We appreciated an effort to bring in some color with the art on the walls. Outdoors they had not yet converted for activity on the sidewalk and plantings as it was still early in the season.
Volunteer opportunities clearly on display and encouraged on “The Ave.” That is also the name for the local Main Street program which is responsible for pulling those volunteers together.
This outdoor patio, next door to “The Ave” appears to have been used for outdoor dining at one point. The planters and railing are consistent with what is required when serving alcohol. Missing are features that would make it more cozy and welcoming, such as lighting, or an awning that can come down over the space and provide protection from the sun and weather.
Public Art
Antojito’s
We could not find many lunch items to choose from. Atojito’s was an inspired choice, as the food was wonderfully flavored.
Other Storefronts
L&M Mobile Tax Service has an offset recessed entrance with large display windows. This differs from the brick and Colonial Revival details overhead including the bay window.
As we prepared to leave one final shot brings Vineland all together. Wide expansive sidewalks and streets. Public Art in the background. And the greatest density of active businesses within a few block area. Vineland has so much potential for people with the right ideas to fill these open spaces.