January 5, 2010
Tri- Con Development Group
55 Newton Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096

Attn: Mr. Wolfson:

As you are aware, the Woodbury Merchants and Professionals Association (WMPA) has embarked on several projects over the past years that are aimed at improving the business climate throughout the entire City of Woodbury. The most recent proposal that you have presented regarding the G.G. Green Building Redevelopment is, in our minds, the exact type of project needed to help us to continue with our work within the area and also the type of project that is needed to jump start the redevelopment efforts of the city and improve the greater good of the area.

Over the years we have witnessed a couple of failed attempts to develop the building in question. However, we believe that the vision and experience that is offered by the team that you have assembled give your project the best possible chance to succeed. Although there are still several obstacles to overcome to complete the project, the rewards that will be seen by the entire City in the end will be well worth the process that is involved in taking you there.

The concept of a downtown theatre has already proven to be a successful conduit to redevelopment in other struggling cities throughout the Delaware Valley area. It is apparent to us that you have done extensive research that has proven conclusively that a performing arts center in the City of Woodbury could be the piece that is needed to jump start this City’s much needed revitalization.

Therefore, we would like to express our support to you and the group that have assembled in your quest to complete the community redevelopment project.




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The following is support for such a project:

The potential restoration of the former G.G. Green Building on Broad Street by the Tricon Development Group offers another opportunity to restore the downtown area, the council president said. "There is no question that this is a challenging project, but I believe it is possible and strongly encourage council and community support of it," Sloane said.

Woodbury Council President C. Barry Sloane Gloucester County Time 1/05/10

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"The Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce is very supportive of any private development that has the opportunity to revitalize any town within County."

Les Vail Chairman: Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce

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“The G.G Green project appears to be a key element for the revitalization
of downtown Woodbury.  I recently went to a show at the Pitman Theater and
it was packed, and the people all coming and going to the theater are now
taking advantage of the establishments in downtown Pitman.”

Vic Micklasavage

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Mr. Wolfson,
 
I'm a student out in Bryn Athyn, PA, but was raised in Woodbury. From the time I was 13, until when I left in 2006 for college, I was an active member of the Historical Society on Hunter Street.
 
I have always loved G. G. Green, and what he did for Woodbury, and it warmed my heart so much to hear all of the things that I heard at the forum a few weeks ago.
 
I Bumped into Mr. Gray (?) outside of the courthouse after that meeting, and asked him, "So it's really possible?" and he told me that it'll take a lot of work, but it's doable.
 
I'm frustratingly pessimistic when it comes to downtown Woodbury's revitalization - and that's because I watched its most recent decline. I remember what it was like when we moved in in 91, the memories from then are sort of vague, but as I got older, my mother would take me 'into town' and go to stores. One of those stores was the Fashion Bug. I, like any kid, hated going into clothing stores with my mother, because she was always trying things on! So, when I got big enough, my mother let me sit outside while she was shopping. I would sit on the wooden bench immediately in front of the door, and one day I looked up. "G. G. Green's Block 1880" is what I think it said. I loved it, and that building became my friend from then on. Every day walking to school, I would pass it, and I would look up and read the sign and say a silent hello.
 
After some time, while in Jr. High School, I visited the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum around Christmastime during the Candlelight Shopping event. I met Bob Sands who talked to me about things, and showed me Green's August Flower and told me about Green's impact on the city. I loved it! I wanted to be involved in whatever they had going on there at that society, and Bob gifted me a membership.
 
A few years later, as I was walking to school, I saw something new in the window of the old Fashion Bug - there were a few signs detailing a new theater which would be opening there. I was so excited! But then nothing happened, and eventually the posterboards were just a fading dream, but I would stop and read them once in a while just the same - because I desperately wanted it to be true.
 
So, naturally, when I heard that there was going to be a forum concerning this very matter, I told my fiancée that I had something to do, and so I went to South Jersey to hear what people had to say. I tell you, I've never been so happy to stand in my life - that there were no seats was just incredible! It, to me, was a great sign.
 
I hope that things actually happen on this project. I'm only a student, and I have no money - but I want to volunteer for you. I don’t know if there are any projects which can be done long-distance, or I'm only 45 minutes away if you need stuff done there. It would be such a treat for me to be able to be involved, even in the slightest way, in this project. If you need envelopes stuffed and labeled, flyers, it doesn't matter.
 
I hope things are well with you. I appreciate what you're trying to do for our city.

Chris Barber
Bryn Athyn , PA

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