Ogdensburg officials outline Main Street revitalization plan and call for five-member implementation committee

Robert Tessier of Local Planning Services told a joint meeting of the Borough of Ogdensburg Mayor and Council and the Land Use Board on July 17 that the borough should pursue a coordinated Main Street revitalization effort that pairs zoning updates with targeted infrastructure and placemaking investments.

"Notice requirements of P.L. 1975, Open Public Meeting Act, N.J.S.A.10:4-6 et.seq. have been satisfied," Mayor Hutnick read at the start of the meeting, confirming the session's legal notice and public posting. Tessier then outlined prior work — including a 2018 ordinances and Main Street zoning analysis — and presented a slide titled "Reports and Recommendations" that framed the borough's options for redevelopment.

Why it matters: Main Street in Ogdensburg contains recently renovated but vacant storefronts and borough-owned lots that planners said could be designated for redevelopment to attract businesses and events. The recommendations connect planning, infrastructure and small-business attraction as a package rather than isolated projects.

What was proposed and discussed: Tessier recommended updating a prior (2010) redevelopment study for borough-owned lots behind Borough Hall and forwarding an adopting resolution to the Lieutenant Governor's Office in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) so the area could be listed on DCA's redevelopment resources. He suggested the governing body ask Land Use Board planner Joseph Vuich to prepare the update and send it to the governing body for adoption.

Board members pressed on infrastructure and amenities that could make Main Street viable. Mr. Fitzgibbons asked about the feasibility of sewers for Main Street; attendees were advised to contact the Sussex County Municipal Utility Authority (SCMUA) to explore that option. Tessier asked about internet service; Mayor Hutnick said a private provider (referred to in the transcript as Planet/Plant Network) is expanding service through the borough and Tessier suggested establishing public-access points in coordination with the provider.

Members also emphasized recreation and placemaking. Mr. Kibildis pointed to the former school/firehouse (now the Ogdensburg Historical Society building) as an asset to consider in plans. Board members discussed trails and walking paths to draw visitors, and Mr. Kibildis suggested creating a pickleball court. Mayor Hutnick said the borough will redo the basketball and tennis courts with grant money and that one tennis court will be lined for pickleball.

Business attraction ideas included a bike shop, an ice cream shop and short-term lodging such as a bed-and-breakfast. Tessier said two borough-owned lots on Main Street could be turned into a small park as part of placemaking efforts.

Next steps and governance recommendation: Tessier asked Mayor Hutnick to assemble a five-member implementation committee to carry the recommendations forward. The presentation noted state incentives and a forthcoming program aimed at smaller towns that could provide additional support.

Public participation and formal actions: The board opened the presentation to public comment and recorded no speakers. The meeting concluded with routine motions to close public comment and adjourn; those motions were approved without recorded roll-call vote counts.

What remains unresolved: The feasibility, timing and funding sources for sewer expansion, redevelopment designation, and state program participation were identified as next steps rather than decisions made at the meeting. The implementation committee and any formal resolution adoption were proposed but not yet completed.

Ending: The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.