Thompson Forward! Driving Growth Along Route 42
It’s an exciting time to be in the Town of Thompson! The Town has recently experienced a surge in economic growth and transformation. From big-name retailers opening here to a record number of development projects underway, it’s clear that Thompson is on the move.
At the heart of this forward momentum is the Route 42 business corridor, where evidence of growth is everywhere you look.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s making a splash in this bustling business district…
New and Improved Planning Process
There is no mistaking the visible evidence of Thompson’s resurgence. However, all the positive changes that are visible, are possible because of improvements that took place behind the scenes…in the planning process.
With strong support and guidance from the Town Board, the Town of Thompson Planning Board recently revamped its already-effective planning process to be even more efficient and transparent. Projects are moving along at a fast pace, yet are still subject to the same quality control measures.
The expedited turnaround time is due in part to the Planning Board going digital. For example, all documents – like site plans and engineering reports – can be accessed on Google Docs 24/7. Planning Board meetings have also been streamlined with a newly hired, certified planner facilitating the proceedings. Better yet, the public can easily see exactly what the planning board sees by visiting the Town’s website.
Big Names Popping Up: From Popeyes Chicken to Marshalls
The improved planning process is already at work, as many businesses are opening their doors this year along Route 42. But Thompson has always been a business friendly town. It’s no surprise that Marshalls opened this spring in the Thompson Square Mall!
In fact, the Town had been preparing to attract retailers like Marshalls to the Thompson Square Mall for many years. It started by working directly with developers to improve the safety and traffic flow in and out of the mall while ensuring the surrounding business district was appealing to large companies.
The Town’s proactive approach has earned a reputation for being a great place to open or expand a business. Enterprises are drawn to Thompson because of its focus on moving projects forward in an organized, open manner.
Another popular national retailer, Popeyes Chicken, is currently in the planning process and being assessed by the Planning Board. Thanks to the updated planning process, you can see the project status and even view design renderings, right here!
All Signs Point to Progress
Another positive sign of renewal in Thompson? The recent signage installations along Route 42.
You can’t miss the stunning monument-style sign welcoming you to Thompson at the Mobil gas station on the corner of Route 42.
This impressive sign is surrounded by professional landscaping designed by Sullivan Renaissance and maintained by the Town Parks & Recreation Department.
As you continue further down Route 42, you’ll see signs along the way that feature the Town’s updated logo with both welcome and “thank you for visiting” messages.
The signs remind anyone driving along that they’re in Thompson, a town that takes pride in its identity and appearance. And that’s exactly why the Town initiated the signage project.
The signage project was the result of recommendations outlined in the Grow the Gateways plan. Grow the Gateways is a strategic economic development initiative that provides recommendations and best practices as Sullivan County, the Town of Thompson, and the Village of Monticello continue to grow.
Design Guidelines Promote Good Form and Function
Growth is a good thing for Thompson. However, growth without guidance can result in properties that don’t fit well into the surrounding Route 42 corridor: not just in appearances, but in functionality.
To ensure that developers build or expand properties with integrity, the Town utilizes these Design Guidelines developed through the Grow the Gateways project.
The guidelines provide recommendations that will best serve businesses and residents in the Town who will be using the properties. Guidelines touch on everything from lighting to building architecture, sidewalks to landscaping.
For example, the guidelines suggest that new parking lots should be placed behind or to the side of a building. This is more visually appealing while helping to create more pedestrian-friendly areas.
Focused on the Future of Thompson…And All Looks Bright
From the Grow the Gateways plan to the recent Planning Board process improvements, Thompson has built a strong foundation for even more growth in the months and years ahead – both along Route 42 and throughout other areas in the Town.
The Town has done the necessary work to ensure that growth takes place in a smart, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing manner. All eyes are on Thompson as its next chapter gets underway!