Parker: Trenton needs a second revolution to turn around
On the Thursday before Memorial Day a fife and drum band accompanied by several Revolutionary War soldiers march from the Battle Monument into the downtown area at South Warren and West State St.
Trenton residents and state employees line the lunchtime streets for a historical play. School children from throughout Mercer County find vantage points to watch the procession.
Soldiers point there muzzleloading flintlock muskets skyward then fire off a volley.
Just when this trip into the city’s history delivers a sense of amazement, several soldiers positioned at the Battle Monument fire one cannon volley that rumbles like a rolling summer thunderstorm.
Every Friday midday until the last one in August would deliver a similar theme although a route from the Old Barracks can offer a different perspective.
Welcome to The Trenton Revolution, a revitalization of this troubled city via of investment in its rich history. History? It’s our city’s lasting commodity that needs cultivation and turned into a real money maker for Trenton.
This history revolution in downtown Trenton would feature a market, music and outdoor dining along South Warren St.
Since this serves as dream material, consider an open and operable Battle Monument where fantastic views await.
It’s been about seven years since this monument closed due to federal cuts. Henry Williams, who used to operate the elevator that transported visitors to the top of the monument, likely misses his employment.
The monument welcomed Trenton-area students who learned about a significant battle waged at this site.
The Trenton Revolution weekend would include a trip to East Trenton for insights about The Battle of the Assunpink Creek aka The Second Battle of Trenton.
An open, fully-functional hotel would welcome visitors as a downtown safe-zone includes uniformed and undercover police walking beats. The hotel will spark downtown growth.
Trenton has a fertile history just waiting for redevelopment. So, all this discussion about Trenton has nothing to offer and that Back Talk statement that people should stay away from here represents misguided assertions made by suburban dwellers.
Opening the hotel and developing our historical past can generate revitalization in downtown Trenton. We must start with a real plan to jumpstart development, including delivering an effective redevelopment project for center city.
Wow, all this talk about the Revolutionary War and the role Trenton played has left almost no space for another interesting city attraction.
Imagine a Clifford W. Zink, he’s a local historian, presents a “Weekend With The Roeblings”. Zink has penned several books about the Roebling family and their impact on industry from wire rope for many U.S. bridges and their love affair with sports cars.
Zink published “Mercer Magic: Roeblings, Kusers, The Mercer Automobile Company and America’s First Sports Car.
Former Sen. Peter Inverso offered an interesting perspective during a recent endorsement of Assemblyman Reed Gusciora for Trenton mayor consideration.
Not sure that these endorsements, especially from political outsiders hold significant value, but Mr. Inverso offered this insight.
“Good things are beginning to happen in the City,” said Inverso, who admitted “there indeed are high hurdles to overcome.”
Trenton stands positioned to make a major leap forward in spite of all the negative outside noise and many apathetic people who have given up on political leaders.