Summit to discuss future of Routes 1 and 27 Township seeks input from residents on Edison Smart Growth BY JAY BODAS Staff Writer EDISON - Residents will get a chance to weigh in on the redevelopment and revitalization of Routes 1 and 27 this Saturday as the township hosts a Smart Growth Summit at the Herbert Hoover Middle School. Earlier this year, Mayor Jun Choi unveiled an initiative to begin redevelopment planning for the Route 27 and Route 1 corridors, to be funded entirely by a $300,000 state grant. "Our primary goal is to improve the quality of life on the Route 27 and Route 1 corridors of Edison township, south of [Route] 287, and down an entire section of the community to the Highland Park and New Brunswick borders," Choi had said in September. The Edison Smart Growth Planning Initiative, funded by a $300,000 grant from the NJDOT (New Jersey Department of Transportation), aims to modify the Edison master plan, with the planning stage to take the next 12 to 18 months, according to a written statement released by the mayor's office. The plans include upgrading the Edison train station and turning the now abandoned former Revlon facility along Route 27 into a new "town center," Choi has said. A citizens' advisory panel composed of selected residents from the affected area has met twice since September to discuss plans. Panel member and Lynn Court resident Loretta Lord said that in some ways, Edison's Route 27 is currently "the bad guy in the middle" of Metuchen and Highland Park. "I got on the committee because I felt that we should not be less than Metuchen and should strive to have the same sort of ambiance Metuchen has and the way their town looks," Lord said. "I don't want structures to go up that are not nice, as I want to stay in character with Metuchen and Highland Park." Lord said that both meetings of the panel have gone "very well," with a number of suggestions having been offered as to what to do with the former Revlon site on Route 27. "It has been suggested that a new township municipal building be put in there, and another suggestion was for a new library, if not both," she said. "We have talked about putting a school back there, or even live theater, almost like [New Brunswick's] George Street [Playhouse] or State Theatre." "And yet another suggestion was if a new train station could be put in there, as the tracks run in the back," Lord said. "Though I don't know if that ever will work since [NJ Transit] is already putting in new parking over at the existing Edison station. But the officials have been willing to listen to us in the way we want it developed, and they have asked us for all kinds of ideas." The meeting will be held on Nov. 18, from 1-5 p.m., in the cafeteria of Herbert Hoover Middle School on Jackson Avenue. Those interested in attending should register by calling (732) 248-7298.