Joseph Brigandi Jr., 52, has been Glassboro’s Borough Administrator for 10 years and Gloucester County Freeholder for nearly 11 years. Brigandi, a lifelong resident of Glassboro,resides with his wife, Elaine, and his three children, Joey, Sean, and Bethany. Brigandi, served as Councilman in Glassboro from 1991-1998, and served as council president for a brief period of time. He played a fundamental role in the creation of the Glassboro Economic Development Corporation, where he served as a founding member and vice-chairman.

He also played a large part for Glassboro’s Revitalization plan, along with Mayor Leo McCabe. The revitalization plan is a  combined effort between Rowan University and Glassboro to create a new downtown area in Glassboro, that will facilitate the need of new businesses as well as students. It contains a new 884 bed housing complex for students, a new Barnes & Nobles bookstore, a 100 room Holiday Inn, and 125 new retail stores and businesses. This new downtown is aimed at adding new revenue, as well as giving students a place where they have something to do. Below is a slightly edited interview with Joseph Brigandi.

How long has this project been in the works?

Approximately 8 – 10 years

Are you happy in the way it has come to fruition? Is everything in the plan that had originally been planned, or were certain things left out, or unable to be passed?

Yes, very happy. I don’t recall anything that has been taken out of the plan, but it has been tweaked at times over the years.

What are the major goals of this plan? Short term as well as long term?

To improve the quality of life for the Glassboro and Rowan Communities. To make a seem less transition from Rowan to the Downtown so that you don’t realize when you are leaving the University and entering the downtown and vise-versa. To increase tax ratables and jobs and to make this a walkable, sustainable mixed use community using smart growth principles.

The Rowan Boulevard Project plans to bring in “125 new retail stores and restaurants, and more than 400 new local jobs.” What is the local impact of this improvement?

 Increased property values for all, better relationship between Rowan and Glassboro, less traffic and congestion, and improved quality of life for all.

Continue below to see the rest of RU Bored’s intervew with Joseph Brigandi

What kind of retail stores and restaurants will be brought in?

We had a comprehensive marketing study done a few years ago that measured the marketability and sustainability of approximately 120 different retail categories. The results of the study showed that approximately 40 different retail categories would be marketable and sustainable. A few examples would be clothing, bookstore, movie theater and restaurants. There will be a broad range of restaurants all the way from fast food to fine dining.

What atmosphere is the town seeking?

A vibrant walkable mixed use College Village that will be a great place for people to live, work and play.

Have these stores been allowed to seek rental space already? If not, when will this become available to businesses?

SORA, the Master Developer already have agreements with the Barnes and Noble Bookstore and the Holiday Inn Express and Suites. They are currently negotiating with a number of businesses for the first few retail buildings.

Will these businesses be geared towards student’s interests? If so, will Rowan University be involved in the decision process of the businesses that are allowed to rent?

Yes. The Rowan University Community, which includes the students were a large participant in the marketing studies and surveys and as a result many of the businesses will be geared toward student’s interests. Rowan has a seat at the table during our bi weekly update meetings and will have significant imput in the process. The final decisions will be made by SORA.

Will the opinions of Rowan students, as well as surrounding Glassboro residents be considered in the execution of the revitalization program? If so, what outlet is available to them?

As I mentioned previously both groups were important components in the marketing studies. As we continue to redevelop the entire downtown area both the Rowan Community and the surrounding residents will be a vital part of the process. There are many options available such as continued surveys, focus groups and volunteer committees for different projects throughout the redevelopment. Also, there will be many public presentations as we go through each phase of the project.

Do you believe that the Rowan Boulevard Project will bring the necessary “college environment” to Glassboro? Absolutely.