Your recent article about the local Ace Hardware potentially closing due to a lack of business (June 12) is a marked contrast from your report one issue ago (May 29) that the Plainsboro Village Center was “bustling” (your story’s headline word!). The latest article’s sober message that low local patronage has hurt the town’s only hardware store contradicts your prior edition’s description of local Plainsboro business. The “bustling” article was fodder for many barbeque discussions. We know what stores have moved in and have closed over the past few years.
While business is not bustling nationally, the local phenomenon has little to do directly with the economic downturn. The problem for local businesses is deeper and of longer influence. It is a product of two things ignored by developers of the Plainsboro business plan. While many Plainsboro residents have high incomes and considerable assets, the major asset is an appreciated home and the incomes are over-taxed on the national, state and local levels. Like high-income families across the state, we do not live extravagantly around here.
Additionally, businesses have to properly assess the need of the market in advance. While it is convenient to have a short walk or ride to purchase clothing, hardware or ice cream (though I could take a gas station in town), all the above is available in abundance after a short ride on Route 1. Yes, we would love to avoid the Route 1 mess at times but price and a wider inventory does matter.
More important, the prior article’s description of “bustling” business in Village Center is an example of poor journalism. Its goal appears to have been to help out local businesses. While I wish all entrepreneurs (especially local ones) the best of luck, we are ill-served by reading such incredible reports. Just report the news and leave the marketing to the ad department.
Neal Phenes
6 Chandler Court, Plainsboro
